Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is a painkiller and fever reducer used to treat mild to moderate pain. Acetaminophen is sold over the counter (OTC) by various companies under various names with the most notable being Tylenol. co-formulated in many medications including cold medications, menstrual cramping medications, and various other painkillers. Acetaminophen is also sold co-formulated with various painkillers by prescription only including oxycodone, NORCO, Tylox, and many more.

The drug gained widespread usage and popularity in the 1960s when it was marketed as a less toxic pain killer and fever reducer as opposed to Aspirin. Acetaminophen is used by approximately 23% of Americans each week (Slone, JAMA) and is available in over 600 medications OTC and by prescription (Perneger, et.al, NEJM).

The problem with acetaminophen is the lack of depth of understanding of how it works, and the large number of drugs co-formulated leaves consumers susceptible to accidental overdose.

APAP

History of Acetaminophen

1877- Acetaminophen discovered by Harmon Northrop Morse however it would take decades for the potential of the drug to be understood.

1886- Acetanilide, the first anilide derivative with analgesic and antipyretic properties discovered by A. Cahn and P. Hepp (Include Structure)

1887- Phenacetin, a similar and seemingly less toxic anilide is found by Joseph Von Merring to have the same properties as acetanilide (Include Structure)

1893- The white, odorless crystal compound is discovered at the University of Strasburg by Adolf Kussmaul and his team. used it to treat patients with naphthalene