Acetaminophen

Action:

It inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in CNS (so analgesic and anti-pyretic) but has less effect on COX so (weak anti-inflammatory).

Therapeutic Uses:
It is used as analgesic and anti-pyretic. It is analgesic /anti-pyretic of choice for children with viral infections or chicken pox.

Drug interactions:
It does not antagonize the uricosuric agent (probenecid) and so may be used in patients with gout who are taking this drug.

Pharmacokinetics:
Rapidly absorbed from GI tract. 1st pass metabolism occurs in the luminal cells of the intestine and in the hepatocytes. It is conjugated in the liver to form inactive glucoronidated or sulfated metabolites. It is excreted in the urine.

Adverse effects:
It may cause skin and minor allergic reactions. Prolonged use may cause renal tubular necrosis and hypoglycemic coma.