Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer¹. It is commonly recommended for treating mild to moderate pain such as headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, backaches, toothaches, colds, and fevers². Available in tablets, capsules, syrup, powder, and suppository forms, it is accessible over-the-counter and by prescription for long-term pain management².

How It Works

Paracetamol works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins in the brain. These chemical messengers are responsible for signaling pain and producing fever².

Dosage

For adults, the typical dosage is 500 mg to 1,000 mg taken every 4 to 6 hours. The maximum dosage should not exceed 4,000 mg within 24 hours².

Safety and Side Effects

Paracetamol is generally safe when taken as recommended. However, overdosing can cause serious liver damage³. It is also important to avoid taking other medications that contain paracetamol to prevent an overdose². Paracetamol is usually safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding at recommended doses².

Comparisons With Other Painkillers

Paracetamol differs from other painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin. While it is often sufficient for general aches and pains, ibuprofen may be more effective for inflammation-related pains such as period pain or toothache².

Special Considerations

Paracetamol is suitable for people who cannot take aspirin, particularly those with stomach, liver, or bleeding disorders. Nevertheless, it should be used cautiously in patients with existing liver issues¹.

For further detailed guidance, including any potential interactions with other medications and specific conditions, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider.

Footnotes

1. NCBI Bookshelf ↩ ↩²

2. NHS on Paracetamol ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷

3. PubMed: Paracetamol and Fever Management ↩