Final answer:
Aspirin and acetaminophen are analgesics and antipyretics, substances that relieve pain and reduce fever. Aspirin is also anti-inflammatory and belongs to NSAIDs, while acetaminophen is preferred when anti-inflammatory properties are not required or when avoiding aspirin's side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aspirin and acetaminophen are both analgesics and antipyretics. Analgesics are also known as pain relievers or pain killers, and antipyretics are substances that help reduce fever. Aspirin is the prototype of this drug category and is known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. While both aspirin and acetaminophen reduce pain and fever, aspirin also has anti-inflammatory effects, whereas acetaminophen has only weak anti-inflammatory action. Acetaminophen is often chosen over aspirin for patients who may experience gastric distress or for whom the blood-thinning effects of aspirin are a concern.
Aspirin belongs to the class of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can reduce inflammation in higher doses. These drugs can also prevent blood clots, but they come with risks such as gastrointestinal ulcers and an increased chance of heart attack and kidney disease. On the other hand, acetaminophen (found in products like Tylenol) does not belong to the NSAIDs class and consequently has different side effects and risks.