Pi stacking aka π–π stacking

In chemistry, pi stacking (also called π–π stacking) refers to the presumptive attractive, noncovalent pi interactions (orbital overlap) between the pi bonds of aromatic rings. However this is a misleading description of the phenomena since direct stacking of aromatic rings (the “sandwich…

AM404, aka N-arachidonoylphenolamine, is an active metabolite of paracetamol 

AM404, also known as N-arachidonoylphenolamine, is an active metabolite of paracetamol (acetaminophen), responsible for all or part of its analgesic action and anticonvulsant effects. Chemically, it is the amide formed from 4-aminophenol and arachidonic acid. Pharmacology It is established that AM404 increases concentrations of the endogenous…

4-Aminophenol – what a molecule!

This is a humble organic compound with the formula H2NC6H4OH, but don’t let its unassuming structure fool you. This is not just any crystalline powder; this is a chemical that moonlights…

Paracetamol is an aniline derivative with a sketchy date of birth (and a very sketchy rebirth)

Paracetamol was first made in 1877…or possibly 1852. Some reports state that Cahn & Hepp or a French chemist called Charles Gerhardt first synthesized paracetamol in 1852. Acetanilide was the first aniline derivative…

The word “paracetmol”

The word “paracetmol” is a shortened form of para-acetyl-amino-phenol, and was coined, manufactured and sold by Frederick Stearns & Co in 1956.

The word “acetaminophen”

The word “acetaminophen” is a shortened form of N-acetyl aminophenol, and was coined and first marketed by McNeil Laboratories in 1955.

Paracetamol is extremely toxic to cats, which lack the necessary UGT1A6 enzyme to detoxify it

Paracetamol is extremely toxic to cats, which lack the necessary UGT1A6 enzyme to detoxify it. Initial symptoms include vomiting, salivation, and discoloration of the tongue and gums. Unlike an overdose in humans,…

N-acetylcysteine treatment is efficacious in dogs when administered within two hours of toxic paracetamol ingestion

Paracetamol has been reported to be as effective as aspirin in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain in dogs. The main effect of toxicity in dogs is liver damage, and GI…

Paracetamol is lethal to snakes

Here is a tale of pharmaceutical warfare that’ll make your scales stand on end! Welcome to Guam, where the brown tree snakes are throwing the wildest party since the Ice…

Benefits of paracetamol for fever are unclear

Paracetamol (acetaminophen or para-hydroxyacetanilide) is a medication used to treat fever and mild to moderate pain. At a standard dose, paracetamol only slightly decreases body temperature; it is inferior to ibuprofen in that respect, and the benefits of its use for fever are…