Generality
Paracetamol (or acetaminophen) is a drug belonging to the class of analgesics-antipyretics. It is considered a fairly safe drug, so much so that it can be administered - at the appropriate dosages - even to newborns.
Paracetamol - Chemical Structure
Contrary to what many mistakenly think, paracetamol is NOT endowed with anti-inflammatory activity, but is endowed with a strong analgesic activity which makes it useful in the treatment of many arthritic and musculoskeletal disorders.
Paracetamol is available in various pharmaceutical formulations suitable for oral, rectal and parenteral administration.
From a chemical point of view, paracetamol is a derivative of para-aminophenol, obtained by acetylation of the latter.
