Could IV tylenol replace opioids after brain surgery?
NCT ID NCT01739699
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether giving intravenous acetaminophen (Tylenol) during and after brain surgery could reduce the need for opioid painkillers. 140 adults having open brain surgery were randomly assigned to receive either IV Tylenol or a placebo. The main goal was to see if more patients in the Tylenol group could avoid opioids entirely in the first 24 hours after surgery.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
acetaminophen (Tylenol)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a safer way to manage pain after brain surgery, reducing the need for strong opioids.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed Phase 4 trial. Results may not apply to all patients or surgeries, and IV acetaminophen may not be effective for everyone.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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NorthShore University HealthSystem
Evanston, Illinois, 60201, United States