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Health Risks from Tylenol, Acetaminophen, and Paracetamol

March 10th, 2009 3 comments

Tylenol is a common over-the-counter painkiller used worldwide. It’s the name-brand version of generic acetaminophen (US name) or paracetamol (name outside of the US). Both generic names are taken from the full chemical name N-acetyl-para-aminophenol. It’s sometimes referred to as APAP. The drug appears both in tablets by itself as well as combined into many other solid and liquid medicines for colds, flus, fevers, and headaches. These include cough syrups and sleep aids. They are labelled and sold for children and adults.

Acetaminophen is also a common ingredient in many stronger painkillers. It is frequently mixed with stronger opioid painkillers such as codeine and hydrocodone. The hydrocodone and acetaminophen mix is generally called Vicodin.
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