Whether you're contending with a headache, fever or sore throat, you might reach for an over-the-counter painkiller like acetaminophen to find relief. Also known as paracetamol and Tylenol, this drug is a medicine-cabinet staple — but have you ever wondered how it works?
If so, you're in good company. Although Tylenol has been available over the counter for more than 60 years, scientists still aren't completely sure how the drug controls pain. Nonetheless, they have found that it works by blocking a specific class of enzymes, called cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, in some fashion.
