Is Acetaminophen an NSAID?
It often causes confusion over the minds of many people whether or not is acetaminophen an NSAID. Making a comparison between the effects it will give to the one taking these drugs will make one assume that acetaminophen can be thought of as an NSAID. Yet, by taking a deeper look through the process of how it works within the body would be a basis of why we cant consider it is an NSAID. Studies conducted by the brilliant minds in the medical field prove that they only have the same structure; however, these two medications (NSAIDs and acetaminophen) have completely different roles.Is Tylenol an NSAID?
Is Acetaminophen an NSAID? — Acetaminophens Mechanism of Action
Acetaminophen is a well known pain reliever and fever reducing drug. It has something to do with pain, those sharp pains experienced within a short period of time, such as when a person is having a very bad headache or leg cramps. It also has an essential role in getting relief from fever. With the similarities of acetaminophens effects to NSAIDS, it still cant be considered as an NSAIDs simply because they don’t do anything to treat inflammation. Just like when a person is suffering from illnesses associated with inflammation, such as arthritis, acetaminophen would do no good in relieving inflammation. However, it still can be prescribed by doctors to these kind of patients since it helps to control pain.Acetaminophens essential role in relieving pain is through elevating the pain threshold of a person. With an elevated pain threshold, it would need a greater amount of pain before the person would be able to feel it. Also acetaminophen reduces a fever by its action on the human brain specifically in the Central Nervous System. Acetaminophen sends signals to the hypothalamus which is the thermo regulator of the body to lower the bodys temperature when it reaches a high level. For example, when a person suffers from arthritis, the joints of this person are inflamed and extremely painful. When the person takes acetaminophen, no changes will occur in the inflamed joints. The inflammation still continues in the affected area of the body. But even if inflammation is not reduced, the drug plays a significant role in relieving the pain that the patient experiences. Thus, the person with inflamed joints receives benefit from the medication by the relief of pain it gives.On the other hand, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (usually abbreviated toNSAIDs) have an anti-inflammatory effect which is useful in treating swollen body parts. NSAIDs also plays a role in relieving pain and reducing fever just like acetaminophen does. This medication is very beneficial and commonly used by someone suffering from tendonitis, bursitis or rheumatoid arthritis, helping relieve the inflamed joints which would also results in reduced pain experience by the same person.
Is Acetaminophen an NSAID — How NSAIDs Work
NSAIDS work by creating a barrier to an enzyme known as cyclooxygenase or COX. COX has two forms; COX-1 functions by protecting the stomach linings from the acid and digestive chemicals that are present in the stomach. While COX-2 productions are triggered when a persons joints are injured or inflamed. Most of the NSAIDs block the actions of both enzymes. These enzymes play a major role in the formation of prostaglandins and thromboxane from arachdonic acid. Failure to produce prostaglandins means that there will be no messenger molecules in the inflammatory process. Thus, inflammation wont take place. This is also the reason of pain relief and reduced inflammation one experiences after taking the medicine.
Is Acetaminophen an NSAID — The Final Answer: No
Therefore, acetaminophen would never be considered an NSAID. Both Acetaminophen and NSAIDS reduce fever and pain, however, only NSAIDs reduce inflammation. If you are asked, “is acetaminophen an NSAID”, your answer should always be a definite no.
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