Paracetamol is an analgesic that also has antipyretic properties. It acts on the nervous system by altering the perception of pain by the body primarily through action on the mechanisms controlled by serotonin, opioids and cannabinoids, and lowering body temperature by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, molecules involved in the inflammation process.
What is Paracetamol?
Paracetamol is used to counteract the pain associated with mild to moderate headaches, muscle discomfort, menstrual pain, cold syndromes, sore throat, toothache, back pain, arthritis and reactions to vaccinations. It is also used to lower the fever. In combination with aspirin and caffeine it can also be used to reduce the pain associated with migraine.
How should Paracetamol be taken?
The paracetamol is commercially available for oral use in form of tablets, chewable tablets, capsules, suspensions, solutions, prolonged-release tablets or tablets that dissolve in the mouth, or rectally, in the form of suppositories.
Side effects associated with Paracetamol
Excessive intake of paracetamol can damage the liver.
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if the drug triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Redness of the skin, exfoliation or blistering
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles or calves
- Urticaria
- Itching
- Rash
- Hoarseness
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Paracetamol
Prior to administering paracetamol to a child you should make sure that the medicine available is suitable for pediatric use. In any case, it is always recommended to consult your doctor and it is important not to give paracetamol to children with severe sore throat associated with fever, headache, rash, nausea or vomiting because that may be a symptom of a problem that requires a more specific treatment.
In addition, for safe use it is important to:
- Not take more paracetamol based products simultaneously
- Follow the dosage indicated on the package leaflet or by the doctor and do not exceed 4,000 mg per day
- Not exceed 2 servings of alcohol per day
Moreover, inform your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Disorders in the liver (also in the past)
- Allergy to the active substance, its excipients or other drugs
- Concomitant use of other medicines, herbal remedies or supplements, as well as anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, painkillers, antipyretics, cough and cold medicines, and phenothiazines
- Pregnancy or breast-feeding.
- Phenylketonuria
