My favorite Organic molecule is Acetaminophen (analgesic), because it is my best friend when I have migraines. The drug has been through numerous chemical changes including using coal tar (which is also found in cigarettes). After much trial and error, Acetaminophen was created by including the presence of phenacetin (which is no longer added due to its cancerous affects). The name came from the actual chemistry of the drug, para-acetylaminophenol. A patent for the drug was released in 1951, however, it took two years for the drug to be placed on the market.The Sterling-Winthrop company began selling the drug when the public needed pain relievers that their children could use, because Aspirin and other prescription medication were unhealthy for kids. Due to the sudden increase in the need for the drug McNeil Laboratories introduced the brand we know today as Tylenol in 1955. By the mid 1980's Acetaminophen had reached its popularity, having sales in England and having surpassed Aspirin. The modern uses for Acetaminophen include a pain-reliever, NSAID (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), and a fever reducer. It is most commonly used to treat mild pain such as : headaches, menstrual periods,toothaches, backaches, osteoarthritis, or cold/flu aches and pains. An overdose of the drug could lead to liver damage if taken in access with alcohol. Taking acetaminophen takes my pain away instantly, and that is why this drug is my favorite organic molecule.
References
http://medicinereport.com/article/history-acetaminophen
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a681004.html
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