Paracetamol Acetaminophen:Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is a medication used to reduce mild pain, such as headache, joint and muscle pain, and fever. Acetaminophen is the main metabolite of acetanilide and phenacetin, two commonly used drugs at once, and is responsible for their analgesic (pain-relieving) effects.
Acetaminophen relieves pain by raising the body’s pain threshold, and it also reduces fever through its effect on the temperature-regulating center in the brain. The drug inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins in the central nervous system, but does not have an anti-inflammatory effect in peripheral nerves.
Paracetamol Acetaminophen Use Doses & Side Effects
Acetaminophen is less likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects than aspirin, but overdose can lead to fatal liver damage. For long-term use, aspirin is considered safe. Acetaminophen has also been implicated as a hormonal agent, as prenatal exposure to the drug is likely to be associated with hyperactivity and behavioral disturbances in children. Research has also linked acetaminophen use to changes in risk perception and decision making, and an increase in risk-taking behavior.
