Acetaminophen: Common Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever

Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is a commonly used pain reliever and fever reducer. It is widely available over-the-counter and is effective in managing mild to moderate pain.
Category
Medication
Where to get
Available in pharmacies and grocery stores without a prescription.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Acetaminophen FAQ


Image credit: britannica.com

What drugs contain acetaminophen?

Acetaminophen is also found in many prescription combination drugs, including Butalbital, Endocet, Fioricet, Hycotab, Hydrocet, Hydrocodone bitartrate, Lortab, Percocet, Phenaphen, Sedapap, Tapanol, Tylenol with codeine, Tylox, Ultracet, Vicodin, and Zydone. Acetaminophen is typically used orally, but can be given intravenously.

Is acetaminophen an NSAID?

Acetaminophen is not an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), the other main type of pain reliever. Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Naproxen sodium are NSAIDs and different than Acetaminophen. What forms is acetaminophen available in?

How does acetaminophen work?

Acetaminophen is in a class of medications called analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers). It works by changing the way the body senses pain and by cooling the body. How should this medicine be used?

What happens if you take too much acetaminophen?

Taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage, sometimes serious enough to require liver transplantation or cause death. You might accidentally take too much acetaminophen if you do not follow the directions on the prescription or package label carefully, or if you take more than one product that contains acetaminophen.

What is acetaminophen used for?

Last updated on Aug 6, 2023. What is acetaminophen? Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. Acetaminophen is used to treat mild to moderate pain, moderate to severe pain in conjunction with opiates, or to reduce fever.

Is acetaminophen a pain reliever?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. Acetaminophen is used to treat mild to moderate pain, moderate to severe pain in conjunction with opiates, or to reduce fever. Common conditions treated include headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, sore throat, colds, flu, and fevers.

What is acetaminophen (Tylenol)?

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Paracetamol (Panadol, Calpol, Alvedon) is a widely used over-the-counter painkiller and fever reducer. It is also known as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Learn more.

Acetaminophen References

If you want to know more about Acetaminophen, consider exploring links below:

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