What are the therapeutic actions of acetaminophen?

• A. Antipyretic
• B. Analgesic
• C. Both antipyretic and analgesic
• D. Anti-inflammatory

Answer: (C)

Acetaminophen relieves pain and lowers fever, but it doesn’t have a meaningful anti-inflammatory effect at normal doses. It reduces fever by acting on the hypothalamus in the brain, which regulates body temperature and promotes heat loss. For pain, it’s thought to inhibit prostaglandin production inside the brain and spinal cord, dampening pain signals. Because its peripheral anti-inflammatory action is minimal, it doesn’t reduce inflammation in tissues the way NSAIDs do. So the therapeutic actions are analgesia and antipyresis, with little to no anti-inflammatory effect. Remember to use it within recommended doses to avoid liver toxicity.