Acetaminophen

Article By:

Dieckman, Lynne M. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska.

Last reviewed:February 2022

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.003100

A common medicine used to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. Acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol), or paracetamol, is a white crystalline compound with the molecular formula C₈H₉NO₂ (Fig. 1). It is a member of the aniline family of analgesics (acting to relieve pain) and antipyretics (acting to prevent or reduce fever). Three types of nonopioid analgesics exist: aniline derivatives (such as acetaminophen), nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium), and nonacidic pyrazole derivatives (such as phenylbutazone and dipyrone). NSAIDs and pyrazole drugs are both used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and reduce inflammation, while pyrazole drugs can also be used for their spasmolytic (acting to relieve muscle spasms) properties. Aniline derivatives exhibit analgesic and antipyretic, but not anti-inflammatory, properties. See also: Analgesic; Aspirin; Fever; Inflammation; Medicine; Pain; Pharmacology; Pharmacy

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