Paracetamol (which is also known as Acetaminophen) is an antipyretic, non-opioid analgesic, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and it is one of the most commonly used medicines worldwide. Despite its popularity, the exact mechanism of action of paracetamol is still the subject of debate. It is usually used to relieve mild or moderate symptoms, such as headache, toothache, or spring pain, as well as to reduce the temperature caused by diseases such as colds and flu. Well, along with its features, what are paracetamol side effects, uses, precautions, dosages, and other elements too?
Here in this blog, we have given all the necessary details of Paracetamol. It is one of the most commonly used drugs globally, and over-the-counter sales in the United States exceed 25 thousand million doses per year. All the important things you will figure out. Let’s begin.
What is Paracetamol?
Paracetamol is a common medicine used to temporarily treat mild to moderate pain and fever. Mostly this is used in the situation of cold and flu remedies. It also works to decrease body temperature. It is a common name for acetaminophen (Tylenol).
International Nonproprietary Name (INN) generic name system assigned the drug’s name- Paracetamol. This name is used in countries like India, Newzealand, Europe, and Australia.
United States Adopted Names (USAN) system assigned the drug’s name- Acetaminophen. This name is used in countries like the Us, Japan, and Canada.
This medicine was first tried on humans in 1887 by clinical pharmacologist Joseph Von Mering but synthesized by Harmon Morse in 1878. When it comes to painkillers then it is one of the most used painkillers across the globe.
Paracetamol Uses
As we know it is a widely used painkiller in the world now we will let you know its uses. This is a medicine that is prescribed by doctors:
- Headache
- Cold and flu
- Sinus pain
- Backache
- Migraine
- Tension headache
- Muscle pain
- Toothache
- Post-operative pain
- Sore throat
- Mild arthritis
- Period pain
- Fever
Note: Do not take Paracetamol or acetaminophen if you are already taking any medicine which already contains it.
Dosages Of Paracetamol
Dosage of Paracetamol 500mg tablets can be swallowed with a glass of water.
| Age | Quantity | Frequency (in 24 hours) |
| 10-15 years | 1 Tab | up to 4 times |
| 16+ | 1 to 2 Tab | up to 4 times |
Missing Dose or Overdose: Consequences
- If you have missed a dose then again you can have it only after 4 hours from the time of the last dose. Avoids exceeding the daily dose.
- After overdosing do not panic and just get medical emergency help or call to poison helpline number.
- It could cause liver damage and the fact is that within 24 hours you could not figure out its symptoms still you can have the pain of abdominal and would experience sweating, vomiting, paleness, nausea, etc.
Breastfeeding and Pregnancy
In both conditions, it could be taken at a low intensity if required. Many mothers and babies have taken it without any side effects on the body. Babies consume it through the breastmilk procedure. Doctors give priority to it in the condition of pregnancy instead of any other painkiller. Having it at low intensity less frequently is good but if the pain is still there then contact your doctor.
Precautions Taken During Paracetamol Intake:
It must be used only if the doctor recommends it. Every day 4000mg of it can be used, if it does not work on the illness then consulting again a doctor is advisable. As we know now it is available widely, so many products of paracetamol come with a warning of overdose.
Avoid using it and consult a doctor if:
- You are suffering from kidney disease.
- You drink a large quantity of alcohol and have liver disease.
- You have an allergy to it and its ingredients.
- You are reliable in other medication practices
- You can swallow it with or without having food.
Paracetamol Side Effects
Rarely we do get any of its side effects if used in proper dosage. Still, there are chances that we get paracetamol side effects.
Here are some of paracetamol’s side effects:-
- Allergic reaction (severe or mild) includes Itching, skin rashes, shortness of breathing, and swelling of the throat, face, or tongue.
- Breathing problem
- Liver problem
- Sudden Weight loss
- Eyes seem Yellowish
- Redness around the rectum
- Kidney problem (if taken for an extended period)
- Tightness in the chest
People who take it continuously for long periods may face the problems of Kidney and liver problems at the extreme. If you get severe side effects from it then you must consult a doctor for good medication practice.
Storage
- Keep it away from children
- Do not refrigerate or freeze it.
- Do not use expired medicine
- Store below 25°C
- Store it in a cool and dry place that is below 30°C
- Protect it from direct sunlight.
Conclusion
There are a lot of things that could be discussed about any medicine but here we have explained the most important information which is going to help you now and in the future. We discussed that Paracetamol is a drug/medicine that is used to treat mild to moderate pain, fever, migraine, cold & flu, etc. It is the first priority of doctors for breastfeeding & pregnant women to fulfill the need for painkillers. Now we know what are the paracetamol side effects and its other elements.
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