Paracetamol painkilling pills. Patient's hands removing two 500 mg paracetamol pills from a blisterpack. These pills are known as caplets, combining the shape of capsules and tablets. Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a painkilling (analgesic) drug that is sold under a wide variety of brand names. It is also an antipyretic drug, used to treat fevers.