Nobody Knows How Tylenol Works
5 hours ago
- #Acetaminophen
- #Pain Relief
- #Medical Research
- Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer in the U.S.
- Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. suggested a link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, contradicting current scientific evidence.
- Acetaminophen's exact mechanism of action remains uncertain, though it is safe and effective when used as directed.
- One theory suggests acetaminophen inhibits prostaglandin formation by interfering with COX enzymes, reducing pain and fever.
- Another theory proposes acetaminophen affects endogenous cannabinoids, reducing pain response in rodents.
- Acetaminophen may have multiple targets, including prostaglandins, cannabinoids, or neurotransmitters like serotonin.
- Lack of incentive to improve acetaminophen may explain limited research into its exact mechanism.