10 Side Effects of Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is an over the counter (OTC) drug commonly used to relieve pain (analgesic) and fever (antipyretic). Also known as paracetamol (outside the US and Canada), it is a widely used medication both in the adult and pediatric populations. It comes in a wide array of formulas and dosages and it can be found mixed with many other drugs as well.
The exact mechanism of action of acetaminophen is still unclear, but it is thought to act centrally in the central nervous system with very little effect (if any) at blocking the production of pro-inflammatory products like prostaglandins. It has a good safety profile if administered properly and this is one of the reasons it has become one of the most popular OTC drugs in the market. Nevertheless, it shouldn’t be used indiscriminately. Acetaminophen toxicity is one of the leading causes of acute liver failure in the US.
