Answer to Question #156825 in Organic Chemistry for Yolande

Question

Why is paracetamol preferred to aspirin in pain killer drugs?

Answer 1

Paracetamol has analgesic efficacy equivalent to aspirin, but in therapeutic doses it has only weak anti-inflammatory effects, a functional separation that reflects its differential inhibition of enzymes responsible for prostaglandin synthesis. For this reason, some would not class paracetamol as an NSAID.

Aspirin, ibuprofen and paracetamol are all effective painkillers. Aspirin may be better than paracetamol for some pains such as period pain or migraines (if you have heavy periods, it can make them heavier). Some people find aspirin better than paracetamol for back pain.

Paracetamol is a common painkiller used to treat aches and pain. It can also be used to reduce a high temperature. It's available combined with other painkillers and anti-sickness medicines. It's also an ingredient in a wide range of cold and flu remedies.