ABSTRACT
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a p-aminophenol derivative. It was discovered in Germany in the late 19th century, but did not become widely used until the 1960s. It has analgesic and antipyretic, but not anti-inflammatory properties. Its mechanism of action remains unknown. Recent evidence suggests that it has an inhibitory effect on a specific cyclo-oxygenase 3 (COX 3) enzyme in the central nervous system but it is unclear how this relates to its clinical properties.
