What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
acetaminophen
Example
I took acetaminophen for my headache. [acetaminophen: noun]
Example
The doctor recommended taking acetaminophen to reduce the fever. [acetaminophen: verb]
paracetamol
Example
I need to buy some paracetamol for my toothache. [paracetamol: noun]
Example
She took paracetamol to reduce her fever. [paracetamol: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Acetaminophen is more commonly used in the United States and Canada, while paracetamol is more commonly used in other countries. However, both medications are widely available and recognized as effective pain relievers and fever reducers.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between acetaminophen and paracetamol?
Both acetaminophen and paracetamol are considered formal names for the medication. In informal settings, people may refer to the medication by its brand name or simply as 'pain reliever' or 'fever reducer'.
