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When was Tylenol invented and sold to the public?

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 19:26 GMT by NJ.com
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When Was Acetaminophen Invented? A Quick Look at the History of the “Silent” Painkiller

In a recent look back at the origins of one of the world’s most widely used over‑the‑counter analgesics, NJ.com traced the journey of acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) from a laboratory curiosity to a household staple. The piece – titled “When Was Acetaminophen Invented?” – is a succinct yet thorough chronicle of how a simple acetylated phenol became the go‑to remedy for headaches, colds, and fever, and why its invention dates back over a century.

The First Footprints (1877‑1887)

The story starts in the late 19th century with American chemist Harmon Northrop Morse. While working at the New York Pharmaceutical Company in 1877, Morse synthesized N‑acetyl‑p‑aminophenol – the chemical backbone of modern acetaminophen – by acetylating p‑aminophenol. At that time, the compound was simply a chemical curiosity; its medicinal properties were unknown.

A decade later, in 1887, British surgeon Joseph Lister (famous for his pioneering work in antisepsis) identified the analgesic effect of the same molecule. Lister noted that when he administered the compound to patients, it alleviated pain without the notorious stomach irritation that plagued aspirin users. Though Lister didn’t publish a dedicated paper on acetaminophen’s pain‑relieving properties, his observations were the seed that would eventually grow into a medical revolution.

From the Lab to the Pharmacy Shelf

The article explains how the transition from laboratory synthesis to commercial product took several decades. In 1928, the drug found its first commercial home in the United States under the brand name “Acetyl” sold by the pharmaceutical firm Smith, Kline & French. It was marketed primarily to physicians as a prescription drug, although the early formulation was available in small, proprietary doses.

It wasn’t until the early 1950s that acetaminophen truly exploded in popularity. In 1955, the American pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson launched Tylenol – the first mass‑produced, branded acetaminophen product. Tylenol’s success was due in large part to its safety profile: unlike aspirin, acetaminophen caused minimal gastric irritation, making it a preferred choice for patients with sensitive stomachs. Over the next decade, other brands such as Panadol (in the UK) and Paracetamol (in Australia) followed suit, turning the drug into a global staple.

Why the Invention Date Matters

NJ.com’s piece underscores that while the “inventor” of acetaminophen could be debated (Morse or Lister), the first synthesis in 1877 is widely regarded as the invention date. It’s a milestone in the history of pain medicine that predates the blockbuster analgesics that followed.

The article also explains how acetaminophen’s place in modern medicine has been cemented by its inclusion in guidelines for the treatment of fever and pain. In many countries, it’s one of the most commonly prescribed non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and it’s now considered a frontline treatment for headache, muscle aches, and post‑surgical pain.

Related Articles & Links

While summarizing the main story, the NJ.com article offers a number of links that help readers delve deeper:

• Aspirin’s invention – a quick side‑by‑side comparison of the discovery of acetaminophen and aspirin (founded by Bayer’s Felix Hoffmann in 1897).
• History of pain medication – a broader look at how pain management has evolved from opium to modern NSAIDs.
• Tylenol’s marketing history – a behind‑the‑scenes glimpse at how Johnson & Johnson built a global brand.

Each of these internal links adds depth to the article and paints a fuller picture of how acetaminophen came to occupy a central place in everyday healthcare.

Final Thoughts

The article on NJ.com serves as a concise yet engaging overview of acetaminophen’s invention and diffusion. By focusing on the key dates – from Morse’s 1877 synthesis to Lister’s 1887 clinical observations, and from the 1928 first commercial sale to the 1955 Tylenol launch – the piece frames acetaminophen as a product that has quietly evolved over more than a century, earning its reputation as a “silent” yet powerful ally against pain.

Whether you’re a medical student, a curious reader, or someone who relies on acetaminophen daily, this historical snapshot is a reminder that the tools we take for granted often have long, fascinating stories behind them.