acetaminophen

also called paracetamol

Drug used to relieve mild headache or muscle and joint pain and to reduce fever. An organic compund, it relieves pain by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system and reduces fever by acting on the temperature-regulating centre of the brain. Unlike aspirin, it has no anti-inflammatory effect. It also is much less likely to irritate the stomach and cause peptic ulcers, is not linked with Reye syndrome, and can be taken by persons using anticoagulants or allergic to aspirin. Overdosages can cause fatal liver damage. Common brand names around much of the world are Tylenol and Panadol. See also ibuprofen.

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