Which statement best describes acetaminophen's primary use?

Which statement best describes acetaminophen's primary use?

• A. Reducing fever and relieving mild pain
• B. Reducing fever
• C. Relieving mild pain
• D. Reducing nausea

Answer: (A)

Acetaminophen is used mainly as both an antipyretic and an analgesic, so it’s best described as reducing fever and relieving mild pain. It lowers fever by acting on the brain’s temperature-regulating center and eases mild pain by reducing prostaglandin production in the central nervous system. It does not have meaningful anti-inflammatory effects in the body's tissues, so it won’t treat inflammation. It also doesn’t relieve nausea. In practice, it’s chosen for fever and mild pain when NSAIDs aren’t desired, though it must be used carefully to avoid liver injury with overdose or in people with liver disease or heavy alcohol use.

Acetaminophen is used mainly as both an antipyretic and an analgesic, so it’s best described as reducing fever and relieving mild pain. It lowers fever by acting on the brain’s temperature-regulating center and eases mild pain by reducing prostaglandin production in the central nervous system. It does not have meaningful anti-inflammatory effects in the body's tissues, so it won’t treat inflammation. It also doesn’t relieve nausea. In practice, it’s chosen for fever and mild pain when NSAIDs aren’t desired, though it must be used carefully to avoid liver injury with overdose or in people with liver disease or heavy alcohol use.