Which statement about acetaminophen is true?

Which statement about acetaminophen is true?

• A. It provides analgesic and antipyretic effects
• B. It provides anti-inflammatory effects
• C. It provides antiplatelet effects
• D. It is primarily a diuretic

Answer: (A)

Acetaminophen is primarily known for its analgesic (pain-relieving) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects. It works mainly in the central nervous system to reduce pain and reset the body’s thermostat, which is why it’s effective for headaches, minor aches, and fever. It does not have meaningful anti-inflammatory activity in peripheral tissues, so it isn’t used to treat inflammation. It also lacks antiplatelet effects, unlike NSAIDs that can affect blood clotting, and it is not a diuretic. So the statement that captures its main actions is that it provides analgesic and antipyretic effects.

Acetaminophen is primarily known for its analgesic (pain-relieving) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects. It works mainly in the central nervous system to reduce pain and reset the body’s thermostat, which is why it’s effective for headaches, minor aches, and fever. It does not have meaningful anti-inflammatory activity in peripheral tissues, so it isn’t used to treat inflammation. It also lacks antiplatelet effects, unlike NSAIDs that can affect blood clotting, and it is not a diuretic. So the statement that captures its main actions is that it provides analgesic and antipyretic effects.