Clinical Diagnosis · Multiple Systems · Easy

Paracetamol

Meaning: Analgesic and antipyretic with weak anti-inflammatory action and an incompletely understood mechanism.

In practice: Overdose above recommended doses causes liver failure; acetylcysteine is the antidote if given early.

Word parts

  • para- means beside or near

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

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Which word means: Painless separation of the nail plate from the underlying nail bed.

Which word means: Discomfort or pain caused by exposure to light.

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