GENM is going to sell Acetaminophen
GENERIC NAME: Acetaminophen
BRAND NAME: Tylenol and others
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Acetaminophen belongs to a class of drugs called analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers). The exact mechanism of action of acetaminophen is not known. Acetaminophen relieves pain by elevating the pain threshold, that is, by requiring a greater amount of pain to develop before a person feels it. It reduces fever through its action on the heat-regulating center of the brain. Specifically, it tells the center to lower the body's temperature when the temperature is elevated. The FDA approved acetaminophen in 1951.
PRESCRIPTION: No.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes.
SIDE EFFECTS: When used appropriately, side effects with acetaminophen are rare. The most serious side effect is liver damage due to large doses, chronic use or concomitant use with alcohol or other drugs that also damage the liver. Chronic alcohol use may also increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
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Are aspirin and acetaminophen the same?
No, they are not the same. Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti inflammatory (NSAID) where as acetaminophen is not. Aspirin relieves pain by blocking pain receptors and acetaminophen works by raising the pain threshold. The two can actually be taken together and the mixture is found in products such as Excedrin.
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Acetaminophen is one of the most common medications found in households. It is used for the treatment of pain and to lower fever.
Over many years, it has been used countless times by many people and it has proven to be a safe and effective medication. However, if taken in excess amounts (overdose, whether on purpose or by accident), acetaminophen can cause life-threatening illness.
Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol. It is also found in many other over-the-counter medications you can buy at the drug store and in prescription drugs your doctor prescribes: Common names include:
Actifed,
Alka-Seltzer Plus,
Benadryl,
Butalbital,
Co-Gesic,
Contac,
Darvocet,
Excedrin,
Fioricet,
Lortab,
Midrin,
Norco,
Percocet,
Robitussin,
Sedapap,
Sinutab,
Sudafed,
TheraFlu,
Unisom With Pain,
Vick's Nyquil and DayQuil,
Vicodin,
Wygesic,
and Zydone.
Acetaminophen in overdose can seriously damage the liver. If the damage is severe, a liver transplant may be necessary in order to save a life.
