acetaminophen

acet·amin·o·phen

noun \ə-ˌsē-tə-ˈmi-nə-fən, ˌa-sə-tə-\

Definition of ACETAMINOPHEN

: a crystalline compound C₈H₉NO₂ that is a hydroxy derivative of acetanilide and is used in chemical synthesis and in medicine to relieve pain and fever

Origin of ACETAMINOPHEN

acet- + amino + phenol

First Known Use: 1958

acet·amin·o·phen

noun \ə-ˌsēt-ə-ˈmin-ə-fən, ˌas-ət-\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of ACETAMINOPHEN

: a crystalline compound C₈H₉NO₂ that is a hydroxy derivative of acetanilide and is used in chemical synthesis and in medicine instead of aspirin to relieve pain and fever—called also paracetamol; see liquiprin, panadol, tylenol

acetaminophen

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Drug used to relieve mild headache or muscle and joint pain and to reduce fever. An organic compund, it relieves pain by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system and reduces fever by acting on the temperature-regulating centre of the brain. Unlike aspirin, it has no anti-inflammatory effect. It also is much less likely to irritate the stomach and cause peptic ulcers, is not linked with Reye syndrome, and can be taken by persons using anticoagulants or allergic to aspirin. Overdosages can cause fatal liver damage. Common brand names around much of the world are Tylenol and Panadol. See also ibuprofen.

Variants of ACETAMINOPHEN

acetaminophen also called paracetamol