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- Alternate name: ParacetamolDrug Digest: Acetaminophen Side Effects
- Drug type: Analgesic, antipyretic
- Use: Pain relief, fever reduction
- Available over-the-counter
- Popular brand: Tylenol
- Routes: Oral, intravenous, rectal, intramuscular
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Since 1960, the drug acetaminophen has been a popular option marketed to people in the United States to reduce pain and fevers.FDA: Safety Concerns Associated with Over-the-Counter Drug Products... (January 22, 2004)
Acetaminophen differs from aspirin in that its ability to act as an anti-inflammatory drug is limited.
Acetaminophen is combined with other ingredients in many medications. Various pain relievers such as Vicodin and Percocet include acetaminophen as an active agent.
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Properties
- Molecular weight: 151.16 g/mol
- Appearance: Crystalline powder
- Color: White
- Half life: 1-4 hours
- Density: 1.263 g/cm³
- Melting point: 169 °C
Side Effects
- NauseaDrug Digest: Acetaminophen Side Effects
- HeadacheDrug Digest: Acetaminophen Side Effects
- Allergic reactionsDrug Digest: Acetaminophen Side Effects
- Breathing problemsDrug Digest: Acetaminophen Side Effects
- Bleeding or bruisingDrug Digest: Acetaminophen Side Effects
- Yellowing of the eyes or skinDrug Digest: Acetaminophen Side Effects
Additional Information
Acetaminophen was originally marketed as being gentler gastrointestinally than aspirin, the primary over-the-counter pain reliever at the time. Acetaminophen is included in several over-the-counter and prescription preparations, including some versions of vicodin, percocet, and the preparations Darvocet and Syndol. Some preparations include codeine, caffeine, or other compounds. It is not considered an NSAID specifically because it does not act as an anti-inflammatory.Pharmweb: Paracetamol Information Centre-
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Acetaminophen Questions
What is the LD50 for acetaminophen in people? 1 AnswerThe Lethal Dose 50 (LD50) test involves the administration of a substance to a group of animals at increasing doses in order to determine the dose that kills 50... read more
What is the cause of death for most swine flu victims? is it the fever? is it the effects on the lungs? what makes it a killer virus? 7 AnswersThe cause of death for swine flu victims, and for sufferers of influenza in general, is respiratory failure (i.e. the failure of the lungs to oxygenate the bloo... read more -



