Acetaminophen

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Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen (pronounced: uh-see-tuh-MIN-uh-fen), also known as paracetamol in many countries, is a common over-the-counter medication used to relieve pain and reduce fever.

Etymology

The word "acetaminophen" is derived from the chemical name for the compound: N-acetyl-para-aminophenol. The "acet-" prefix refers to the acetyl group (CH3CO-), "-amin-" refers to the amino group (-NH2), and "-phen" refers to the phenol group (-OH).

Usage

Acetaminophen is used to treat many conditions such as headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds, and fevers. It works by reducing the production of prostaglandins, chemicals in the body that cause pain and inflammation.

Side Effects

While generally safe for use at recommended doses, excessive use of acetaminophen can lead to serious liver damage. Other potential side effects include allergic reactions, skin reactions, and anemia.

Related Terms

See Also

External links

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