Paracetamol, or acetaminophen, is an analgesic and antipyretic agent used to treat fever and mild to moderate pain. It is a widely available over-the-counter drug sold generically or under various brand names, including Tylenol and Panadol.
Facts
Classification
Approval Status ATC ClassSourced to the subject's own account Route of Administration Route of Administration Route of Administration Route of Administration WHO Essential MedicineSourced to the subject's own account Mechanism of ActionWorks through inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes and, via its metabolite AM404, activation of TRPV1 receptors and the endocannabinoid system in pain regulation. 1 Approved UseTreats fever and mild to moderate pain. 1 First Approved / Isolated Year Significant RiskMild at recommended doses; chronic use may cause liver damage, and overdose can cause potentially fatal hepatotoxicity, a leading cause of poisoning in high-income countries. 1 Sources
1. Paracetamol (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationLead section
used to treat fever and mild to moderate pain
Infobox, drug class
Analgesic; Antipyretic
Pharmacology section
inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes
History section
marketed in the US starting 1950
Adverse effects section
overdose can lead to potentially fatal hepatotoxicity
- Regulatory approval status
View the Source 2. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFirst-level anatomical group codes, Code NQuote, First-level anatomical group codes, Code N
Nervous system
3. Wikidata: Paracetamol
WikidataWikidata P636 (route-of-administration: intramuscular)
Route of administration: intramuscular injection
Wikidata P636 (route-of-administration: intravenous)
Route of administration: intravenous infusion and defusion
Wikidata P636 (route-of-administration: oral)
Route of administration: oral administration
Wikidata P636 (route-of-administration: rectal)
Route of administration: rectal administration
View the Source 4. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (Wikipedia)
WikipediaWHO Model List of Essential Medicines, Medicines for acute migraine attacks sectionQuote, WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, Medicines for acute migraine attacks section
Paracetamol (acetaminophen)
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in a paracetamol overdose, and what is the antidote?
Overdose can cause acute liver failure; the antidote is acetylcysteine.
Paracetamol poisoning is one of the leading causes of poisoning in high-income countries, and the foremost cause of acute liver failure in many countries. The first symptoms of overdose usually begin several hours after ingestion, with nausea, vomiting, sweating, and pain as acute liver failure starts. The antidote, acetylcysteine (also called N-acetylcysteine or NAC), acts as a precursor for glutathione, helping the body regenerate enough to prevent or at least decrease the possible damage to the liver. This record describes what the sources state and is not medical advice.
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