Page 72 - Encyclopedia of Chemical Compounds 3 Vols

ACETAMINOPHEN

Interesting Facts

In September 1982, seven poison and not the pain killer
individuals in the Chicago that had caused the deaths.
area died after taking a form The crime was never solved,
Ò
of Tylenol called Extra but it led to the introduction
Ò
Strength Tylenol . Officials of so called tamper proof
later found that someone had packaging for virtually all
added cyanide to the medicines.
Ò
Tylenol bottles. It was the

• Stabilizer for hydrogen peroxide solutions, to prevent
the peroxide from breaking down too quickly;
• Raw material in the production of other pharmaceutical
compounds;
• Raw material in the manufacture of photographic che-
micals; and

• Raw material in the production of azo dyes, dyes that
contain nitrogen atoms at the core of their molecules
Acetaminophen is generally regarded as so safe that any-
one can purchase it without a prescription. The drug is not
entirely without its hazards, however. People who take large
quantities of acetaminophen are at some risk for liver
damage. That risk is especially great for anyone who drinks
excessive amounts of alcohol. Alcohol by itself damages the
liver and, in conjunction with acetaminophen, that damage
can be serious. Some manufacturers now include a message

Words to Know

ANALGESIC A substance that relieves pain. from simple beginning chemicals, or
reactants.
SYNTHESIS A chemical reaction in which
some desired chemical product is made

CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS 21