What is Paracetamol and how does it WORK? - Tylenol, Acetaminophen, Calpol

Ever wondered how Paracetamol (or Acetaminophen for our American friends) works? Well, wonder no more. Here's the explainer with the what, how, why, side effects and history and pharmacology to boot (two advanced sections in the 2nd half).

You might also know this drug by it's trade names: Calpol, Tylenol and Panadol. It's good for headaches, fever and booboos. Analgesia and antipyretic.

As always we go through things in simple terms and then for the hardcore enthusiasts we're into the complex stuff.

You'll discover how Paracetamol works as a pain killer (analgesic) and how it can low temperature (antipyretic). Plenty more in the series.

It would make my day if you could also follow me on:

#paracetamol #medicine #drugs

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CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Para-what?
00:26 - Why take it?
01:12 - How does it work?
02:35 - Side effects
03:44 - How was it invented?
06:46 - Pharmacology

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Light reading to find out more...

4) Rang & Dale Pharmacology 9th ed.

Information on this video is up to date as of June 2023.
If you have any questions or clarifications please contact me through the Stealth Doctor channels in the About section.

[senasaka]

Well, thanks a ton! At this rapid age where going deeper is unappreciated, I very much stay on the "go deeper" side and loved the video more after 4:00. Not a medical professional- just interested in how things work and most commonly used drugs are a perfect example.

[Gamer_Kot]

In India we use Paracetamol for fever it works very well after 1-2 hours it removes the fever 🤒 I also take it after 2 hours my pain and fever was gone little

[thodorisevangelakos]

Stuck with what seems to be gastroenteritis, taking paracetamol to combat the fever and the headache. While waiting I think "Eh why the hell not, might as well find out how it works" very informative video, thanks!

[mamabings]

Very nice ..thank you for adding the history.

[keziaevangelinewattileo]

thanks a lot, i'm a freshman med.stud in Indonesia and tomorrow i have to presentation abt how paracetamol work, with this vid i can understand better.. hope me luck, the animation and back sound is so coll btw TQ

[jcnwillemsen]

From a colleague across the channel, thanks! Did know the backgrounds:-)

[yakovpyatnitskov]

Great explanation and presentation. Thank you!

[Mikemikemike]

“NAC” (N-Acetyle Cysteine) is beneficial for paracetamol toxicity/overdose.
I’d recommend having some on hand, it boosts your glutathione production rapidly, and it’s great for general daily health too.

[ARShaikh]

In India we also use Paracetamol 💊
Thanks for good knowledge

[Sijdjd]

Well explained got to learn something new.

[Ahmangaiha]

I ate 2 pills at once because of my severe toothache and then just fell asleep out of nowhere and so I searched this

[KINGKING]

1st trip to the US from the UK, with a Deadly tooth & headache spending 20 whole minutes in CVS trying to find Paracetamol & having none of the workers not knowing a clue about what I was on about 😑😑

[Senkawnaowisnebpher]

I have consistently been on it for 1 1/2 years and it has defiantly caused some weird things, mostly mental.

[patrickrankin]

What is the most common cause of liver failure in the USA ?

[lydiatembo]

What happened to the human organs when you took more than what you are supposed to take?

[oli-bszi]

My Nan tricked me with jelly babies :/

[MalviaMiller-utod]

Can you drink alcohol wen take paracetamol

[germanshepherd]

What damages your liver more, alcohol or Tylenol?

[crawford]

What does easier to say have anything to do with anything and why would such a difference be mentioned the first, very first part of your piece? I bet you have an issue with how some people say Aluminum. I believe I shall find somewhere else to explain to me how a drug works. Thank you very much and good day sir.

[MDMAx]

"Don't overdose kids" huehue, does it mean then that I can dose kids?

Thumbs up for electroboom :)