Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is sold under approximately 44 different brand names, but is perhaps most well known as Tylenol. It is an FDA approved pain medication, sold over-the-counter for the relief of mild to moderate pain associated with headaches, fever, and muscle pain.
It is also available in stronger preparations by prescription. Acetaminophen belongs to a class of medications called analgesics and antipyretics. It can also be classed as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), because it works by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, which results in cooling the body and altering the way the body senses pain.
It is available in a wide variety of formulations, including fluids, gelatin caps and suppositories. There are side effects associated with acetaminophen: if you experience swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; hoarseness; difficulty breathing or swallowing; rash; hives; or itching, call your physician immediately.