Paracetamol: View Uses, Side Effects and Medicines

Paracetamol

INFORMATION ABOUT PARACETAMOL

Paracetamol Uses

Paracetamol is used for pain relief and fever. It is used to relieve pain in conditions like headache, muscle pain, or dental pain.

How Paracetamol works

Paracetamol is an analgesic (pain reliever) and anti-pyretic (fever reducer). It works by blocking the release of certain chemical messengers that cause pain and fever.

Common side effects of Paracetamol

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common

Nausea, Vomiting, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Headache, Constipation, Itching

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Shreya Gupta

MDS (Oral Pathology & Microbiology), BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Shilpa Garcha

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

13 Jun 2023 | 11:29 AM (UTC)

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Medicine brands for Paracetamol

Sumo L

₹10 to ₹276

Alkem Laboratories Ltd

9 variant(s)

Kabimol

₹179 to ₹339

Fresenius Kabi India Pvt Ltd

2 variant(s)

Fepanil

₹14 to ₹402

Veritaz Healthcare Ltd

Ipca Laboratories Ltd

8 variant(s)

Febrinil

₹12 to ₹82

Maneesh Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Expert advice for Paracetamol

Paracetamol should be taken with food or milk to prevent upset stomach.
Take it as per the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Long term use may lead to serious complications such as stomach bleeding and kidney problems.
Do not take indigestion remedies (antacids) within 2 hours of taking Paracetamol.
Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medicine as it can increase your risk of stomach problems.
Inform your doctor if you have liver disease as your dose may need to be adjusted.
Your doctor may regularly monitor your kidney function, liver function and levels of blood components if you are taking this medicine for long-term treatment.

Frequently asked questions for Paracetamol

Q. What if I vomit after taking Paracetamol?

If you vomit in less than 30 minutes after having a dose of Paracetamol tablets or syrup, retake the same dose again. If you vomit after 30 minutes of a dose, you do not need to take another one until the next standard dose.

Q. When will I feel better after taking the Paracetamol?

Usually, you will start feeling better after about half an hour of taking a Paracetamol.

Q. How often can I take the Paracetamol?

You should only take four doses of Paracetamol in 24 hours. There should be a gap of at least 4 hours between two doses. Do not take Paracetamol for more than 3 days without consulting a doctor first.

Q. Does Paracetamol make babies sleepy?

No, Paracetamol does not make babies sleepy. It is a pain-relieving medicine that is also used to control high fever.

Q. Is Paracetamol safe for children?

Paracetamol is considered safe for children only when used as directed by the doctor.

Q. Is Paracetamol an antibiotic?

No, Paracetamol is not an antibiotic. It works as a painkiller and fever-reducing medicine.

Q. Can I take Paracetamol and ibuprofen together?

Ibuprofen and Paracetamol are safe medicines, but both should not be used together. Consult your doctor if you are not sure.

Q. How long does a Paracetamol take to work?

Paracetamol takes around 30-45 min to start working and show its effects. It is advised to take this medicine for the duration suggested by the doctor. Consult your doctor if you experience any bothersome side effects.

Q. What are the serious side effects of taking an excess of the Paracetamol?

Overdose of Paracetamole may cause severe life-threatening liver injury. Taking more than the prescribed dose may also cause kidney injury, decreased platelet count, and even coma. Early symptoms of an overdose include nausea, vomiting, and general tiredness. Immediately consult a doctor or reach an emergency in case of a suspected overdose.