Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen relieves pain by elevating the pain threshold. The exact mechanism of action of acetaminophen is not known. Acetaminophen belongs to a particular class of drugs which is called analgesics or pain relievers and antipyretics or fever reducers. Acetaminophen is most commonly used for aiding relief to headaches, minor pains and aches and fever. Acetaminophen is also used as a medication for overcoming flu and cold. Acetaminophen unlike any other familiar analgesics such as ibuprofen and aspirin does not possess any anti-inflammatory properties, and so it is not considered as a component of the class of drugs which is known as non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs.

In normal doses, Acetaminophen does not infuriate the coating of the stomach or affect blood coagulation, the fetal or the kidneys. Acetaminophen is the most commonly used medication for analgesics and antipyretics in children. The oral dose of Acetaminophen for adults is 325 to 650 mg for every 4-6 hours. Therefore the maximum daily dose for the adults is 4 grams. The oral dose of Acetaminophen for a child is based upon the age of the child and the daily dose is 40-650 mg every 4 hours.