What classification does paracetamol fall under?

What classification does paracetamol fall under?

• A. Antibiotic
• B. Analgesic and antipyretic
• C. Antihypertensive
• D. Antiviral

Answer: (B)

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is classified as an analgesic and antipyretic. This means it is primarily used to relieve pain (analgesic) and to reduce fever (antipyretic). As an analgesic, paracetamol is effective in managing mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, toothaches, and muscle aches. It works centrally in the brain to elevate the pain threshold, providing relief from discomfort. As an antipyretic, paracetamol acts on the hypothalamus in the brain to produce a heat-regulating effect, which makes it effective in reducing fever associated with infections or illnesses. It helps lower the body’s temperature by inducing vasodilation and increasing peripheral blood flow. The classifications of antibiotic, antihypertensive, and antiviral do not apply to paracetamol. Antibiotics target bacterial infections, antihypertensive medications are used to manage blood pressure, and antivirals treat viral infections. Paracetamol has no role in these areas, which reinforces its unique standing as predominantly an analgesic and antipyretic agent.

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is classified as an analgesic and antipyretic. This means it is primarily used to relieve pain (analgesic) and to reduce fever (antipyretic).

As an analgesic, paracetamol is effective in managing mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, toothaches, and muscle aches. It works centrally in the brain to elevate the pain threshold, providing relief from discomfort.

As an antipyretic, paracetamol acts on the hypothalamus in the brain to produce a heat-regulating effect, which makes it effective in reducing fever associated with infections or illnesses. It helps lower the body’s temperature by inducing vasodilation and increasing peripheral blood flow.

The classifications of antibiotic, antihypertensive, and antiviral do not apply to paracetamol. Antibiotics target bacterial infections, antihypertensive medications are used to manage blood pressure, and antivirals treat viral infections. Paracetamol has no role in these areas, which reinforces its unique standing as predominantly an analgesic and antipyretic agent.