Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen has replaced aspirin as the most widely used of all nonprescription pain relievers. Its use now accounts for over half of the over-the-counter pain reliever market. It is marketed generally and under trade names such as Tylenol, Datril, Tempra, and Anacin-3. Acetaminophen's availability in a liquid form makes it an ideal medication for small children and other patients who have difficulty taking solid tablets.

Acetaminophen , often called the "Aspirin substitute," has no irritationg effect on intestinal tracts as does aspirin and yet has comparable pain-relieving effect and fever-reducing effects. However, it is not effective against inflammation as is aspirin and is thus of limited use for the aches and pains of arthritis. Also, acetaminophen does not have any blood thinning properties, as does aspirin, and therefore is not useful as an aid in reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack.

[source: Chemical Principles by H. Stephen Stoker]