Paracetamol

Common use

Paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic drug that is used to temporarily relieve mild-to-moderate pain and fever. Is used to treat pain (including headache, toothache, back and period pain) and cold or flu symptoms.

Dosage and direction

The usual dose of paracetamol is 1-2 tablets. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. Wait at least 4 hours before taking another dose. Do not take more than 4 doses in any 24-hour period. Do not take for more than 3 days, unless your doctor tells you to. Contact your healthcare professional if your symptoms get worse or do not improve.

Precautions

Before you take paracetamol, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including: if you suffer from mild arthritis and need to take pain relief every day; have liver or kidney problems; are underweight or malnourished; regularly drink alcohol; have a severe infection as this may increase you risk of metabolic acidosis.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If necessary, paracetamol can be used during pregnancy. Paracetamol can be taken if you are breastfeeding. Small amounts of paracetamol pass into breast milk.

Contraindications

Do not take medications containing paracetamol if you are allergic to it or any of the other ingredients in the paracetamol product you are taking.
You may need to avoid or limit paracetamol. If you have glucose-6-phosphatedehydrogenase deficiency (enzyme deficiency); suffer from asthma and are sensitive to aspirin; have hemolytic anemia (abnormal breakdown of red blood cells).
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is found in many different OTC cold and flu medications. Do not take paracetamol if you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription medications containing paracetamol or acetaminophen.

Possible side effect

In general, Paracetamol is well-tolerated when administered in therapeutic doses. The most commonly reported adverse reactions have included nausea, vomiting, constipation.

Drug interaction

Tell your doctor if you take: Blood thinning medications (anticoagulants) such as warfarin and you need to take a pain reliever daily; Medications to help relieve nausea (metoclopramide or domperidone); Medications to treat high cholesterol (cholestyramine); Medications to treat epilepsy (lamotrigine); Medications to treat tuberculosis (isoniazide); Medication to treat fever or mild pain (aspirin, salicylamide); Barbiturate and tricyclic antidepressants to treat depression (amitriptyline); A medication to treat gout called probenecid; A medication used to treat bacterial infections called chloramphenicol; A medication used in HIV infections and AIDS called zidovudine; Flucloxacillin (antibiotic).

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of paracetamol, give the next dose when needed as long as it's been more than 4 hours since your last dose. Do not give a double dose or exceed the maximum daily dose.

Overdose

If you or your child takes too much paracetamol, get medical help. Paracetamol can caused delayed, serious liver damage. There may be no symptoms of overdose during the first 24 hours although paleness, nausea, sweating, vomiting, loss of appetite and abdominal pain may occur.

Storage

Keep out of sight and reach of children. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date. Store below 77°F (25°C) unless instructed otherwise.