OTC drugs: Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen are miracle drugs, but aren't quite green
Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, derives from much the same chemical process as aspirin, but wasn't discovered until the mid-1950's. While it doesn't have the anti-inflammatory properties of aspirin, it is often more effective at reducing pain and headaches. It also works well with both steroids and opium-based drugs, which means that it is often paired with these other compounds. Unfortunately, paracetamol, which is the actual name for acetaminophen* is derived from coal tar, much like aspirin. Paracetamol, however, also uses sodium nitrate, which is mined in Latin America. Like aspirin, it then uses other chemicals, including acetic anhydride, another carbon-based compound. It's use of three separate non-renewable compounds edges acetaminophen just the tiniest bit ahead of aspirin in the "less green" sweepstakes.
Ibuprofen, the active ingredient in Advil and Motrin, is my personal favorite analgesic. I generally find it the most effective, with minimal side-effects. Developed in 1962 by Boots Group, a British pharmacy chain, ibuprofen has quickly become one of the most widely-used drugs in the world. It is on the World Health Organization's Essential Drugs List; this means that the WHO considers ibuprofen to be a necessity for even the most basic health care system.
I almost held off on writing about ibuprofen, as it is incredibly difficult to find out exactly how the stuff is made. As far as I can determine, most methods for making the drug begin with isobutylbenzene, a compound that the EPA recognizes as a marine pollutant. It is derived from crude oil. While this may put it an inch or two ahead of acetaminophen in the green sweepstakes, ibuprofen isn't going to win any sustainability awards!
Overall: In the end, it doesn't seem like either acetaminophen or ibuprofen is a particularly sustainable compound. Both are the product of non-renewable resources that are subjected to complex chemical processes, packaged in plastic, and shipped over considerable distances. What is particularly sad is the fact that marijuana, one of the most effective, renewable analgesics, is not legal in most of the world!
On the other hand, there comes a point where one must accept the pitfalls of certain modern conveniences. As someone who has derived considerable comfort from acetominophen and ibuprofen, I have to admit that I will continue to use them, sparingly, for difficult aches and pains. In the meantime, I'm going to keep searching for an effective, green, legal alternative and, as much as possible, make use of this technique, which helps clear up a lot of headaches!
*This is useless information, but it may be a Jeopardy question some day, and then you'll thank me.













Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-17-2008 @ 11:18AM
Monkey said...
"Unfortunately, Paracetamol, which is the actual name for acetaminophen" -- only it isn't.
Paracetamol is the international non-proprietary name for what Americans call acetaminophen. It should not be written with a capital letter.
"The words acetaminophen and paracetamol come from the chemical names for the compound: para-acetylaminophenol and para-acetylaminophenol. (The brand name Tylenol also derives from this name: para-acetylaminophenol.) In some contexts, it is shortened to APAP, for N-acetyl-para-aminophenol."
-- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paracetamol
"This is useless information, but it may be a Jeopardy question some day, and then you'll thank me."
It's inaccurate information, not useless. For North Americans buying analgesia anywhere in the rest of the world it could be useful.
Reply
7-17-2008 @ 11:34AM
Bruce Watson said...
Monkey-
Thanks for the info; I've altered my capitalization of paracetamol to reflect your input. Regarding the satirical note at the end, I'm a little surprised that you took it seriously!
7-17-2008 @ 11:30AM
Monkey said...
"Unfortunately, Paracetamol, which is the actual name for
acetaminophen" -- only it isn't.
Paracetamol is the international non-proprietary name for what
Americans call acetaminophen. It should not be written with a capital
letter.
"The words acetaminophen and paracetamol come from the chemical names
for the compound: para-acetylaminophenol and para-acetylaminophenol.
(The brand name Tylenol also derives from this name:
para-acetylaminophenol.) In some contexts, it is shortened to APAP,
for N-acetyl-para-aminophenol."
-- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paracetamol
"This is useless information, but it may be a Jeopardy question some
day, and then you'll thank me."
It's inaccurate information, not useless. For North Americans buying
analgesia anywhere in the rest of the world it could be useful.
Reply