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Nurse Explains Paracetamol, Acetaminophen vs Tylenol | What’s the Difference?

There are so many questions about Paracetamol after the recent Coronavirus and COVID-19 pandemic. Europe is claiming a shortage and reports hoarding of the drug Paracetamol. America is claiming empty shelves where Tylenol used to be and customers are being told to buy “acetaminophen” instead. What is the difference between these drugs? Absolutely nothing. Let me explain. 

paracetamol-tylenol-acetaminophen

What is Paracetamol?

Paracetamol is used for mild to moderate pain relief. It can be used in cold medicine. Paracetamol is also given to treat fevers. Higher doses may lead to toxicity, including liver failure. Some people have a serious skin reactions. Paracetamol is very commonly given in European countries. Paracetamol is used along with other drugs to treat the mild symptoms of Coronavirus COVID-19. 

What is Tylenol?

Tylenol is an American brand drug advertised for reducing pain, reducing fever, and relieving the symptoms of allergies, colds and the flu.  Overdoses can cause toxicity as in liver failure as well as a skin rash called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS). 

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Tylenol is used along with other drugs to treat the mild symptoms of Coronavirus COVID-19. 

What is Acetaminophen? 

Acetaminophen is the generic name for Tylenol. Acetaminophen is a drug used for temporarily relief of pain and to temporarily reduce fever. Sound familiar? It turns out Paracetamol, Tylenol and Acetaminophen are the same thing. They are called different names in different countries due to manufacturers. The name also changes depending on whether the drug is formulated for oral use, rectal use, IV use, etc.

paracetamol-tylenol-acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is used along with other drugs to treat the mild symptoms of Coronavirus COVID-19. 

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Other popular names for the Exact Same Drug

Chemically, Paracetamol, Tylenol and Acetaminophen are all the same: C8H9NO2. 

This same “chemically twinning” drug can be nicknamed or found titled: Acetaminophen, para-acetylaminophenol, Paracetamol, TYLENOL, Ofirmev, Mapap, FeverAll, Tylophen, Pharbetol, Tactinal, Mapap Extra Strength, Infant’s Pain Relief, Tactinal Extra Strength. 

Who am I? Paracetamol vs Acetaminophen

Hi, I’m Meg. I’ve been a Registered nurse for 10 years. I’ve worked in the emergency room, cardiovascular stepdown, med-surg and rehab. I’ve worked on infection control commitees and department quality counsels.

I have a passion for helping others help themselves. I want to help people get healthier. I want to help nurses become better nurses. I love seeing other people succeed! It’s the main reason I started this blog. I want to help you understand the Coronavirus and the associated drugs like paracetamol, Tylenol and acetaminophen. 

Want to understand more about the Coronavirus itself? Come read an overview in my article. “Coronavirus COVID-19 Truth for Dummies”

Afterwards, click through this article that outlines how the virus is transmitted, how to protect yourself and reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19.

How to NOT get OR SPREAD the CoronaVirus COVID-19 | Real & Practical Ways to Protect Yourself

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– Initiate Report

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