Abstract

The mild analgesic paracetamol (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol) was introduced in Britain in 1956, and is freely available without prescription. In recent years it has been suggested that paracetamol should replace aspirin in the home medicine cupboard¹ and it has been intensively promoted to the public as the ‘safe’ or ‘safer’ analgesic.² Sales of paracetamol are rivalling those of aspirin, and it is desirable to review its efficacy and toxicity.