Tylenol
Tylenol
Tylenol (/ˈtaɪlənɒl/), also known as acetaminophen in the United States and paracetamol in many other countries, is a common over-the-counter medication used to relieve pain and reduce fever.
Etymology
The name "Tylenol" is derived from the chemical compound N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (APAP). The brand name was coined by McNeil Laboratories, a pharmaceutical company that first introduced the drug.
Usage
Tylenol is used to treat many conditions such as headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds, and fevers. It works by reducing the production of prostaglandins, chemicals in the body that cause pain and inflammation.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Tylenol include nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, rash, headache, dark urine, clay-colored stools, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Severe liver damage may occur if more than the recommended dose is taken.
Related Terms
- Analgesic: A class of drugs that are designed to relieve pain. Tylenol is a type of analgesic.
- Antipyretic: Medications used to reduce fever. Tylenol has antipyretic properties.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) drug: Medications that can be bought without a prescription. Tylenol is an OTC drug.
See Also
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID): Another class of drugs used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Unlike NSAIDs, Tylenol does not reduce inflammation.
- Liver damage: A potential side effect of excessive Tylenol use.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tylenol
- Wikipedia's article - Tylenol
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