Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a widely used medicine for reducing fever and relieving mild to moderate pain. It is available in various forms, including paracetamol tablets, paracetamol syrup for children, and paracetamol injection for use in hospitals. Common strengths include paracetamol 500mg and paracetamol 650mg, which are often used to treat headaches, body aches, and fever.
Paracetamol tablets also have uses that extend to managing arthritis-related discomfort and flu symptoms. Paracetamol dosage should always follow a doctor's advice to avoid overuse, which may affect the liver. Though rare, paracetamol side effects can include allergic reactions or liver damage in high doses. The paracetamol structure classifies it as a non-opioid, non-steroidal analgesic and antipyretic agent.
What Is Paracetamol?
Paracetamol is a painkiller and works as a fever reducer. The paracetamol tablets are used to treat headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, backaches, body aches, and fevers. This helps relieve pain in mild arthritis, but it does not affect the inflammation and swelling of the joint. Paracetamol tablets can be taken in combination with other painkillers and anti-sickness medications.
Paracetamol Tablet Uses
Paracetamol is used to treat the following diseases:
While paracetamol is mainly used to relieve fever and pain, it also has several secondary uses. It is often recommended as a safer alternative to NSAIDs for people with stomach issues or bleeding risks. In some cases, paracetamol tablets are used to manage mild pain in conditions such as osteoarthritis, back pain, and post-surgery discomfort.
Doctors may also combine paracetamol 500mg or paracetamol 650 mg with other medications for enhanced relief in cases of cold, flu, or migraine. It is also commonly used in pediatric care in the form of paracetamol syrup for fever control.
How Does Paracetamol Work?
Paracetamol works by blocking certain chemicals in the brain that signal pain and regulate body temperature. It acts on the central nervous system but does not directly affect hormones. Unlike NSAIDs, it does not reduce inflammation, making it gentler on the stomach.
Paracetamol Dosage
The typical paracetamol dosage for adults is 500mg to 1000mg every 4 to 6 hours, not exceeding 4000mg in 24 hours. For children, paracetamol syrup is used based on weight and age. Paracetamol 650 is often prescribed for more substantial relief from fever or pain. Paracetamol paediatric oral suspension IP is commonly used in infants and young children based on weight and age. Paracetamol 1000 is occasionally prescribed for adults in cases of severe pain, under medical supervision only.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double the dose.
What Happens If There Is an Overdose?
Overdosing on paracetamol tablets or paracetamol 500mg can lead to serious liver damage. Seek medical help immediately if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of Overdose May Include:
Nausea or vomiting
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain (especially upper right side)
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
If it is an emergency or overdose symptoms appear, visit our hospital immediately.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
If any symptoms worsen or unusual effects appear, consult our General Medicine doctors immediately for proper care and guidance.
Precautions and Warnings
Who Should Avoid Paracetamol?
People with severe liver disease
Those allergic to paracetamol
Use cautiously during pregnancy and breastfeeding (only under medical advice)
Conditions Needing Caution
Liver or kidney issues
History of alcohol use disorder
Are There Age Restrictions?
Paracetamol is safe for use in all age groups, including infants and children, when given in appropriate doses. Paracetamol syrup is commonly used in children.
Alcohol or Food Interactions
Avoid consuming alcohol while using paracetamol tablets or paracetamol 500mg, as it increases the risk of liver damage. There are no significant food interactions.
Drug Interactions
Paracetamol may interact with blood thinners (like warfarin), anti-seizure drugs, and other medicines that stress the liver. Always inform your doctor about all medicines you take.
Supplements and Herbal Products
Some herbal products that affect the liver (like kava or high-dose green tea extracts) may increase the risk of liver problems when combined with paracetamol. Consult your doctor before using them together.
Storage Instructions
How Should Paracetamol Be Stored?
Store paracetamol tablets, syrup, or paracetamol injection at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Keep them tightly closed in their original packaging.
What Happens If Paracetamol Is Not Stored Properly?
Exposure to high heat, sunlight, or moisture can reduce its effectiveness. Always keep it out of reach of children and do not use expired medication.
Paracetamol vs Ibuprofen
Paracetamol
Ibuprofen
Paracetamol is a painkiller and fever reducer. It is commonly used to relieve headaches, body aches, back pain, and fevers.Paracetamol tablets are also gentle on the stomach.
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce fever and treat inflammation-related pain.
Paracetamol is a pain reliever that also serves to lower fevers. Paracetamol tablets are used to treat various diseases, including headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, backaches, and fevers. This helps to relieve pain in mild arthritis, but it has no effect on joint inflammation or edema.
Acetaminophen or paracetamol is an effective treatment for mild-to-moderate pain and fever in adults and children when used as directed in the product information. The maximum dose should not be exceeded in 24 hours.
The medicine you need to treat your pain depends on the pain you have. Paracetamol and ibuprofen work in different ways. Acetaminophen is therefore superior to ibuprofen for certain types of pain. Paracetamol is typically recommended for most types of pain, including headaches and stomachaches. Ibuprofen may be more effective for menstruation cramps or toothache.
Drinking a small amount of alcohol while taking acetaminophen is usually safe. Try to follow the recommended guidelines of only 14 units of alcohol per week. It may not be safe for you to drink alcohol with acetaminophen if you have certain health conditions, such as liver problems.
Paracetamol 500mg tablets should be taken as directed on the package or by your doctor. The usual dosage for adults and children over 12 is 500mg to 1000mg every 4 to 6 hours, not exceeding 4000 mg in 24 hours.
You can use Ibuprofen and Paracetamol together. They work differently to relieve pain and reduce fever, and taking them together can be more effective for certain types of pain. However, it's important to follow dosage recommendations and consult with a healthcare provider.
The appropriate dosage of Paracetamol depends on your age, weight, and medical condition. It is crucial not to exceed the recommended dosage to avoid liver damage. Adults should not take more than 4000 mg in 24 hours.
Panadol tablets, containing Paracetamol, are used to treat mild to moderate pain and fever. They are widely used to treat headaches, muscle pain, arthritis, backaches, toothaches, colds, and fevers.
Paracetamol is a mild analgesic and antipyretic, and is recommended for the treatment of most painful and febrile conditions, for example, headache including migraine, toothache, neuralgia, colds and influenza, sore throat, backache, rheumatic pain and dysmenorrhoea.
The most common paracetamol side effects are drowsiness and fatigue.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
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