Paracetamol
Introduction
A typical
medication that can alleviate pain and lower a high temperature is paracetamol
(fever).
It is
frequently used to treat mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, toothaches,
and sprains, as well as to lower fevers brought on by ailments like the flu and
the common cold.
Since it's
generally safe to consume and has few side effects, paracetamol is frequently
suggested as one of the initial therapies for pain.
Types of paracetamol
The majority
of paracetamol brands are available in pharmacies or grocery stores. Certain varieties
may only be obtained with a prescription.
There are
two forms of paracetamol: pills and capsules.
• capsules
An injection
delivered into a vein is often exclusively used in hospitals. Other options
include liquid, which is typically for youngsters, soluble tablets (tablets
that dissolve in water to produce a drink), suppositories (capsules put into
the back canal), and soluble tablets.
Paracetamol
is coupled with additional chemicals in some goods, such as cold and flu
medicines or specific combination pain relievers.
It may be
offered for sale under the brand name paracetamol or a variety of other names
(which may also contain other ingredients).
Who can take paracetamol
The majority
of people may safely use paracetamol, including:
Women who
are pregnant, nursing mothers, and children over 2 months old (younger children
should take smaller dosages) (see How to take paracetamol below)
If you're
unsure if you should take paracetamol, see the product's booklet or get advice
from your doctor or pharmacist.
Before using
paracetamol, always get medical advice if you have any of the following
conditions: liver or renal disease; issues with alcohol, such as chronic
alcohol abuse.
• are taking
additional drugs; are very underweight (see Interactions with other medicines
below)
If you've
previously experienced an adverse response to paracetamol, avoid taking it.
How to take
paracetamol
Make sure
you take paracetamol as recommended on the label, in the booklet, or by a
physician.
How much you
can take depends on your age, weight, and the type and potency of the
paracetamol you're taking. For instance:
• Adults can
often take one or two 500 mg tablets every 4 to 6 hours, but they shouldn't
take more than 4 g (8 500 mg pills) in a 24-hour period.
• Depending
on their age or weight, children under the age of 16 should take a reduced
dose; consult the package insert or leaflet, or get advice from a pharmacist or
doctor. Using a measuring spoon or an oral syringe, paracetamol liquid is
administered to very young children.
Within an
hour, paracetamol should begin to take action, and the effects often linger for
many hours. If the suggested dosage doesn't help you feel better, stop taking
it.
Ibuprofen
can be taken concurrently by adults if required, but youngsters shouldn't often
take it at the same time.
If your
symptoms worsen or persist for more than three days despite taking paracetamol,
call NHS 24 111 or your GP.
While using
paracetamol, be careful not to take any other drugs that include paracetamol
(such as certain cold and flu cures).
Taking paracetamol
with other medicines, food and alcohol
With several
other drugs, paracetamol might have unpredictable interactions. Both the
effectiveness and likelihood of adverse effects may be impacted by this.
Paracetamol may not be safe to consume concurrently with
• Additional
paracetamol-containing medications, such as combination products in which
paracetamol is one of the components.
Colestyramine
is used to lessen itching brought on by primary biliary cirrhosis, whereas
carbamazepine is used to treat epilepsy and some forms of pain (a type of liver
disease)
Imatinib and
busulfan are two medications used to treat certain types of cancer.
Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication. Lixisenatide is a medication used to
treat type 2 diabetes. Metoclopramide is a medication used to treat nausea and
vomiting. Phenobarbital, phenytoin, and primidone are medications used to
control seizures. Warfarin is a medication used to prevent blood clots.
To find out
if a medication may be used with paracetamol, look in the instruction manual
that comes with it. If you're unsure, see a doctor or a pharmacist.
There are no
documented negative effects from taking paracetamol with any specific meals or
with consuming small amounts of alcohol.
Side effects of
paracetamol
Paracetamol
side effects are uncommon but can include flushing, low blood pressure, and a
rapid pulse when administered intravenously in a hospital setting. An allergic
response, which can result in a rash and swelling.
• blood
conditions such leukopenia (low platelet count) and thrombocytopenia (low
number of white blood cells)
• If you
take too much (overdose), it can cause serious liver and kidney damage that can
be deadly.
If you have
any bothersome side effects that you believe may be related to paracetamol, see
a physician or pharmacist right away.
The Yellow
Card Scheme allows you to report possible negative effects as well.
Overdoses of
paracetamol
Overdosing
on paracetamol is extremely harmful and is referred to as such.
Visit the
closest accident and emergency (A&E) department as soon as you can if
you've taken more than the advised maximum amount.
If you can,
bring any leftover medication and the box or leaflet with you to A&E.
After taking
too much paracetamol, some people feel nauseated, vomit, or experience
abdominal (tummy) discomfort, although frequently there are no immediate
symptoms. Even if you feel well, visit A&E.
Who
should not take Paracetamol Oral?
The following conditions are contraindicated with this
drug. Check with your physician if you have any of the following:
Conditions:
- caloric
undernutrition
- acute
liver failure
- liver
problems
- a
condition where the body is unable to maintain adequate blood flow called
shock
- acetaminophen
overdose
- acute
inflammation of the liver due to hepatitis C virus