Scientists Try to Understand Why Tylenol is So Effective for Treating Pain

Scientists, like many other, people know that acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a very effective pain-killer, but they don’t understand why. Reactions explores the various theories that may explain why the body feels relief in response to the popular analgesic.

Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol™, is one of the most popular pain relievers in the world, selling more than 27 billion doses in 2009 alone. It can reduce fevers, eliminate aches and pains and relieve cough and cold symptoms. But how does it work? The truth is, no one knows exactly.