Mechanisms of Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Disease

I. INTRODUCTION Acetaminophen is the generic name in the United States for 4′-hydroxyacetanilide, the Nacetylated derivative of p-aminophenol (paracetamol is the generic name used in Great Britain and several other countries). This nonnarcotic analgesic/antipyretic, available over the counter in the United States since 1960, is one of the most widely used drugs in the world, and is available alone and in combination with many other drugs (1). In recommended doses, acetaminophen is considered to be efficacious and safe, and is not associated with the high incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding caused by aspirin and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, or with the development of Reye’s syndrome.