Acetaminophen - A Medicine for Common Maladies

What is Acetaminophen? An Introduction

Are there times when you feel feverish, sick and tired all over and feel like doing nothing? Also, do you at times feel uncomfortable due to some nagging and troubling ache or pain in the body which does not go away by itself and needs some kind of medication?

You needn’t worry if you experience any of these above problems as they are not very serious. However, they need to be taken care of as they interfere with our daily routine and can last for a long time if medical attention is not given to treat them.

Acetaminophen is the way out for all such kinds of sicknesses and maladies. More commonly known as Tylenol, Paracetamol or Panadol, Acetaminophen is the most active ingredient in these medicine which helps in providing relief for different kinds of aches, pains and sickness. Acetaminophen is used to relieve many kinds of minor aches and pains like headaches, muscle aches, backaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, arthritis and the aches and pains accompanied by colds.

Acetaminophen is Also Helpful in Relieving Pain Caused by:

• Muscle aches
• Stiffness
• Fever

Acetaminophen also provides temporary relief from minor aches and pains associated with heartburn, acid indigestion and upset stomach. 

It belongs to a group of medicines called analgesics and antipyretics which relieve general pain and reduce fever. It works wonders by producing analgesia or pain loss by increasing the pain threshold by acting on the hypothalamic heat regulating center. Acetaminophen is a medicine similar to aspirin in its analgesic and antipyretic effectiveness.

How Does It Work? An Overview

Acetaminophen originates from a class of drugs called analgesics and antipyretics used for relieving pain and reducing fever. Acetaminophen relieves pain by elevating the pain threshold, that is, by requiring a greater amount of pain to develop before it is felt by a person.

In simpler terms, Acetaminophen works by blocking the chemical prostaglandin. This chemical is involved in transmitting pain messages to the brain. When this chemical is produced in less quantity or is blocked, the brain does not get the pain sensation thus giving a pain-free effect.

Acetaminophen reduces fever by acting on the heat-regulating center of the brain. It tells the brain center to lower the body temperature when the temperature is high.

In How Many Forms is Acetaminophen Available?

Acetaminophen is available in various forms such as:

• Chewable tablets
• Elixir drops(a sweet flavored liquid used in medicines in order to avoid bitter taste)
• Liquid suspension 
• Suspension drops
• Coated caplets
• Suppositories
• Special formulae designed for treatment of infants and children for temporary relief of fever and discomfort due to colds and flu.
• Available in formulae designed to relieve pain and soreness due to teething, immunizations and tonsillectomy.

How Much Dosage Can One Take Per Day?

Did you know that Acetaminophen is used as a major ingredient in several cold and flu medications and many analgesics? It is also combined with other active and inactive ingredients to provide relieve from pain and fever. However, remember that the maximum dosage for adults per day is 4 mg when taken in any tablet or suspension form. For children, the maximum strength of Acetaminophen prescribed is 2 mg per day.

For general health conditions it is sold under different brand names, such as:

• Acephen
• Tylenol
• Tylenol Arthritis Pain Extended Relief Caplets
• Anacin Aspirin Free Maximum Strength Tablets
• Tylenol Children’s
• Women's Tylenol Menstrual Relief Caplets containing Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is an easily available over-the-counter (OTC) drug. However, easy access and usage does not guarantee hundred percent results. It is better to be careful while using this drug so that any harmful effects can be avoided while making the best of Acetaminophen