What is Paracetamol ?
Paracetamol is readily available over the counter in pharmacies, supermarkets, and other shops. While it does not address the fundamental cause of pain, it effectively eases discomfort associated with various conditions such as:
Headache
Migraine
Toothache
Backache
Muscle strains
Period pain
Aches and pains due to colds and flu
For stronger pain relief, paracetamol can be used in combination with other pain relievers like codeine it’s important to follow dosage instructions carefully to avoid exceeding the recommended limits, as excessive use can lead to adverse effects on health.
How does Paracetamol Work ?
Paracetamol has been a staple medication for over 70 years, yet its exact mechanism for reducing pain and fever remains somewhat mysterious.
After ingestion, paracetamol typically starts to alleviate pain and reduce high temperatures within approximately 30 minutes. Its effects generally persist for around 4 to 6 hours, providing temporary relief from discomfort associated with various conditions.
How much paracetamol can I take ?
Taking more than the recommended dose of paracetamol can be dangerous, as it can lead to liver damage, which in severe cases, can be fatal.
For adults and children aged 12 years and over, the suggested dosing guidelines are:
- Do not exceed 1 gram (1000 mg) every 4 to 6 hours.
- The maximum daily dose should not exceed 4 grams (4000 mg).
Paracetamol is sold under various brand names, which can sometimes cause confusion and lead to unintentional overdose. Always check the label on the medication package to ensure you are taking the correct dosage.
For children aged 1 month to 12 years, the dosing is based on weight:
- The recommended dose is 15 mg per kg of body weight.
- It can be given every 4 to 6 hours as needed, but no more than 4 doses should be given within a 24-hour period.
If you forget to take a dose of paracetamol:
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is within 4 hours of your next scheduled dose.
- In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
It’s crucial to space doses of paracetamol at least 4 hours apart and never exceed the recommended maximum daily dose.
Always refer to the instructions on your medicine package for specific guidance on dosing and what to do if you miss a dose.
Advantage of Paracetamol.
Advantage of Paracetamol
Paracetamol offers several advantages as a medication:
Effective Pain Relief: It is effective in alleviating mild to moderate pain associated with conditions such as headaches, toothaches, muscle strains, and menstrual cramps.
Fever Reduction: Paracetamol is widely used to reduce fever, making it suitable for managing symptoms of infections and other febrile illnesses.
Ease of Access: It is available over the counter in pharmacies, supermarkets, and other retail outlets, making it easily accessible for self-medication when needed.
Well-Tolerated: It has fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.
Safety Profile: When taken correctly and within recommended limits, paracetamol has a good safety profile. It is suitable for use in various populations, including children and pregnant women (under medical guidance).
Fast Onset: It starts to work relatively quickly, typically within 30 minutes of ingestion, providing relatively rapid relief from pain and fever.
Despite these advantages, it’s essential to use paracetamol responsibly and adhere to recommended dosages to avoid potential risks, particularly liver damage associated with overdose.
Disadvantage of Paracetamol
While paracetamol has several advantages, it also comes with some potential disadvantages:
- Liver Toxicity: One of the most significant disadvantages of paracetamol is its potential to cause liver damage when taken in excessive doses or over a prolonged period. This can occur even with slightly above recommended doses and can be fatal in severe cases.
- Narrow Therapeutic Index: Paracetamol has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning there is a small margin between the effective dose and the dose that can cause harm. This makes it crucial to adhere strictly to recommended dosages.
- Overdose Risk: Accidental or intentional overdose of paracetamol can lead to severe liver damage, which may require emergency medical intervention, including liver transplant in extreme cases.
- Interaction with Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking paracetamol increases the risk of liver damage.
- Potential Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to paracetamol, such as skin rash, itching, or swelling. Severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis are extremely rare but possible.
- Masking Underlying Conditions: Paracetamol alleviates symptoms (pain and fever) without addressing the underlying cause. While this provides relief, it may mask symptoms that could indicate a more serious condition needing medical attention.
- Limited Anti-inflammatory Effects: Unlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol has limited anti-inflammatory effects. It is less effective in reducing inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis.
- Potential for Medication Overuse: Because paracetamol is readily available over the counter, there is a risk of medication overuse or misuse, especially in individuals who regularly rely on it for pain management without seeking medical advice.
It’s essential to use paracetamol responsibly, follow dosage instructions carefully, and seek medical advice if pain or fever persists or worsens.
What happen if I take to much paracetamol ?
If you’ve got taken too much paracetamol -call triple 0 (000) right away and ask for an ambulance even if you have no signs.
Liver failure can happen if you take an excessive amount of paracetamol and don’t get assist. This can result in death.
Symptoms of paracetamol overdose are:
liver problems
abdominal ache, nausea, vomiting
coma and death
Liver failure can happen if you take an excessive amount of paracetamol and don’t get assist. This can result in death.
Symptoms of paracetamol overdose are:
liver problems
abdominal ache, nausea, vomiting
coma and death
seizures
These signs typically appear 24 hours after taking the drug.