What is the main action of acetaminophen?

Acetaminophen is primarily known for its analgesic and antipyretic properties. As an analgesic, it effectively reduces pain by acting on the central nervous system to raise the pain threshold. This means it helps to alleviate mild to moderate pain, making it a common choice for headaches, muscle aches, and other types of discomfort. Additionally, acetaminophen is classified as an antipyretic because it helps lower fever by acting on the heat-regulating centers in the brain.

While it does not have significant anti-inflammatory properties like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), its primary functions as an analgesic and antipyretic are what distinguish it in clinical practice. Therefore, recognizing its primary action as analgesic clarifies its role in treating conditions associated with pain and fever.