Category: pharmacological
Aliases: Paracetamol, Tylenol, Panadol, N-acetyl-para-aminophenol, APAP
Analgesic + antipyretic action without meaningful peripheral anti-inflammatory or antiplatelet effect. Central [[arachidonic_acid_cascade]] COX-2 inhibition is one hypothesis; additional contribution from active metabolite AM404 (formed in CNS by FAAH) acting on [[endocannabinoid_system]] + TRPV1 systems. ~90% of dose conjugated (glucuronide + sulfate); ~5% oxidised by CYP2E1 to the hepatotoxic metabolite NAPQI, normally detoxified by [[glutathione]] — overwhelmed in overdose or glutathione-depleted states (chronic alcohol, fasting, malnutrition). [[nac]] is the antidote via glutathione repletion.
PO: 2.5h, IV: 2.5h