Paracetamol: the science of a drug that is common but essential over the years
The name ‘Paracetamol’ is derived from a compound name PARA-ACETylAMinophenOL by taking the underlined alphabets together. It is also refered to as acetaminophen. In some contexts, it is simply abbreviated as APAP, for Acetyl-Para AminoPhenol. Also variously referred to by trade names like Tylenol, Panadol and others. It is used orally, rectally, intramuscularly and intravenously. It is metabolized predominantly in the liver and 85-90% is excreted in the urine. Paracetamol is the active metabolite of phenacetin, once popular as an analgesic and antipyretic in its own right.