Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and paracetamol (Panadol) are the same medication. Both drugs are chemically the same: C8H9NO2. The drug is called acetaminophen in the United States and Japan, and paracetamol in Europe and most of the rest of the world.
- Acetaminophen and paracetamol are analgesics (pain relievers) used to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains due to
- headache,
- muscular aches,
- backache,
- minor pain of arthritis,
- the common cold,
- toothache, and
- premenstrual and menstrual cramps.
- They are also used to temporarily reduce fever.
What Are Side Effects of Acetaminophen and Paracetamol?
Side effects of acetaminophen and paracetamol include:
- Dizziness
- Rash (may itch)
- Hives
- Skin swelling (angioedema)
- Disorientation
- Low levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and/or platelets
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
Serious side effects of acetaminophen and paracetamol include:
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Liver toxicity/liver failure
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
- Laryngeal edema
- Kidney toxicity
- Hyperammonemia
- Agranulocytosis
- Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
- Low white blood cell count (leukopenia, neutropenia)
- Low red and white blood cell count and low platelet count (pancytopenia)
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety
Acetaminophen and paracetamol may be acceptable for short-term use in all stages of pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using acetaminophen or paracetamol.
Acetaminophen and paracetamol pass into breast milk but are considered compatible with breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
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Reviewed on 2/11/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Images
https://reference.medscape.com/drug/tylenol-acetaminophen-343346
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1622f694-4d63-4c56-8737-fae31f0ecfb7
https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/molecule-of-the-week/archive/a/acetaminophen.html
https://www.megforit.com/paracetamol-acetaminophen-tylenol-whats-the-difference/
https://reference.medscape.com/drug/tylenol-acetaminophen-343346
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1622f694-4d63-4c56-8737-fae31f0ecfb7
https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/molecule-of-the-week/archive/a/acetaminophen.html
https://www.megforit.com/paracetamol-acetaminophen-tylenol-whats-the-difference/