Abstract:

Paracetamol, also known as Acetaminophen is widely used as over the counter or prescription pain reliever and fever reducer that is sold over 50+ different countries. Paracetamol is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with potent antipyretic and analgesic functions and with very weak anti-inflammatory activity. Paracetamol or Acetaminophen uses diverse brand names, that include not only store brand or generic analgesic but also fever reducers, allergy medicines, medicines for cold, cough, sleeping aids. Other names for Paracetamol include but are not limited to Acetaminodephenol, Acetaminophen, Anacin 3, APAP, Datril, Hydroxyacetanilide, Panadol, Tylenol and etc. ⁽¹⁾

At low doses paracetamol is harmless, but it does have direct hepatotoxic potential when taken systematically or as an overdose. It could case acute liver failure as well as injuries to the extrahepatic tissue due to the transient serum aminotransferase elevations. Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is one of the most commonly taken and used medications in the United States with more than 25 billion doses sold every year. ⁽¹⁵⁾

Current article will review the main concepts of paracetamol mechanisms of action, will briefly explain characteristics of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the over –the counter analgesic. The metabolic activation of acetaminophen with closer look to starvation, malnutrition, delays in treatment, alcohol, medications and genetics will be outlined as well. Hepatotoxicity along with nephrotoxicity will include pharmacology/pathophysiology, histopathology and associated side effects.

References:

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