Paracetamol

Paracetamol

Paracetamol is a pain reliever as well as an antipyretic (which reduces body temperature). It can be taken along with other medications as well.

Paracetamol acts by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation.  

What are the uses of Paracetamol?

The paracetamol tablet uses are the following:  

• Headaches
• Menstrual period
• Body ache
• Toothache
• Osteoarthritis
• Backaches
• Fever
• Arthritis pain
• Cold

How and when to take Paracetamol?

Paracetamol should be taken with food or at least juice or water. The usual dose for adults is 500mg. This dose can be taken up to four times a day. 

Paracetamol must be taken when you are experiencing some kind of pain in your body. If you have a fever, this medicine can also be used to bring down the temperature. Don’t take the medication unnecessarily. If you have some serious aches in your body that are intolerant, then it is best to consult a doctor first.

What are the side effects of Paracetamol?

There are some common and severe side effects of paracetamol. Have a look.

• Nausea
• Swelling
• Vomiting
• Pain
• Tenderness in the upper abdomen
• Sweating
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea

Major side effects are as follows:

• Dark-colored urine
• High fever
• Lower backache
• Skin having red spots
• Rashes
• Inflammation
• Itching
• Sore throat
• Ulcers
• Breathlessness
• Yellowish eyes
• Pale skin 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then it is best to consult a doctor for further assistance. If, however, major symptoms occur, then it is best to avoid the medicine. Before you take the medicine, you must tell the doctor about the issues you have and the medications you have been taking previously. 

Who should not take Paracetamol?

• Allergies: If you are allergic to paracetamol or any of its ingredients, you should not take it.
• Liver Issues: People with liver problems or liver disease should use paracetamol with caution or avoid it, as excessive use or overdose can lead to liver damage.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: While paracetamol is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used as directed, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for guidance on appropriate dosages.
• Chronic Medical Conditions: If you have certain chronic medical conditions, such as kidney problems, you should consult with a healthcare professional before taking paracetamol, as it can affect kidney function.

What are the precautions to be taken while taking Paracetamol?

Paracetamol is intended to be used as prescribed by the doctor. Inform the doctor if you are allergic to the medicine or any ingredient present in the medicine. If you have liver disease or drink alcohol on a daily basis, then the medication should also be avoided. The following are some diseases that must be disclosed to the doctor before taking medication. Here they are: 

• Liver diseases
• Kidney disorder
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Heartbeat disorder
• Low levels of potassium in the blood

What if I missed a dose of Paracetamol?

If you have missed a dose of paracetamol, then it isn’t going to react much to the body because it is a mild medicine. The skipped doses will cause no issues in the body. Also, avoid taking the double dose in case you missed your previous dose.

What if I overdose on Paracetamol? 

Overdosing with a drug like paracetamol can be damaging to the liver or kidney. If you have taken more tablets than prescribed, then it can prove to be harmful to the body. It can disable body functions and can lead to allergic reactions, hives, swollen throats, severe skin diseases, and much more. Don’t take this drug if you have any kind of allergy to the body or skin. Consult the doctor on paracetamol dosage and check if you have overdosed.

What are the storage conditions of Paracetamol?

Here are some key points that you need to remember regarding the storage of medicine. Here it goes:

• Direct contact with heat, air, or light can damage the medicine.
• Keep the medicine in a safe place, out of the reach of children.
• The medicine should be kept at room temperature
• Consult the doctor before taking the medication.
• Always carry medicine with you in order to avoid any kind of emergency.

In order to discard the medicine, throw it in a place where children are unable to reach it.

Can I take Paracetamol with other medications?

There is no such caution while taking paracetamol. It can be taken with other medications as well. But there are cases where paracetamol has led to some allergic reactions. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor and discuss all the previous medications you have been taking. Upon knowing your entire medical history, the doctor will provide you with the prescribed dose of medicine and alternatives if required.

How quickly do Paracetamol tablets show results?

On average, it takes an hour to start showing its results on the body. It keeps on continuously working for five hours in your body. The tablet works fast and helps one relieve pain quickly within one or two days. Patients who have been experiencing pain can take the tablet four times a day to get relief as soon as possible. However, self-administering the medicine is not recommended. Instead, consult your doctor.

Paracetamol vs Ibuprofen

Nowadays, there are certain medications that are used in place of paracetamol. Have a look at the comparison table for Paracetamol and Ibuprofen.

Paracetamol is a generic medicine that can be taken without a prescription from a doctor as well. If you have any kind of reaction or allergy to the medicine, then it is best to consult the doctor before taking the medicine. Being on the safe side is wiser than harming your body and health.

FAQs

1. What is a paracetamol tablet used for?

Paracetamol tablets are primarily used to alleviate pain and reduce fever. They are often used for various types of pain, including headache, toothache, muscle aches, and menstrual pain, as well as to reduce fever associated with illnesses like colds and the flu.

2. Is paracetamol a painkiller tablet?

Yes, paracetamol is a painkiller tablet. It is an analgesic medication that helps relieve pain, although it's not classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen or aspirin.

3. What are paracetamol's side effects?

Paracetamol is generally considered safe when taken at recommended doses. However, like any medication, it can have side effects, although they are typically rare and mild. Some potential side effects of paracetamol may include nausea, skin rashes, and liver damage in cases of overdose or misuse. It's important to follow dosing instructions and seek medical attention if you experience any adverse reactions.

4. Is paracetamol safe during pregnancy?

Paracetamol is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when taken at recommended doses. It is often recommended for managing pain or fever during pregnancy because it is less likely to cause harm to the developing fetus compared to some other pain relievers. However, pregnant individuals should always consult with their healthcare provider before taking any medication, including paracetamol, to ensure it is used appropriately.

5. Is paracetamol safe?

Paracetamol is considered safe when used according to the recommended dosage instructions. It is one of the most widely used over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers worldwide. However, safety depends on proper use and adherence to dosing guidelines. Overdosing on paracetamol can lead to serious liver damage, so it's crucial to use it responsibly and avoid exceeding the recommended daily limits.

References: 

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-57595/paracetamol-oral/details https://www.drugs.com/paracetamol.html

Disclaimer: The information provided here is not meant to substitute an advice from a healthcare professional. The information is not intended to cover all the possible uses, side-effects, precautions, and drug interactions. This information is not intended to suggest that using a specific drug is suitable, safe, or efficient for you or anyone else. The absence of any information or warning regarding the drug should not be interpreted as an implicit guarantee from the organisation. We strongly advise you to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and never use the medication without a doctor’s prescription.