Paracetamol is a go-to medication in most homes.
Easy to buy and widely trusted, it is commonly used to ease headaches, fever, body pain or discomfort linked to early or less severe arthritis, says Mayo Clinic, the well-known American medical centre.
But this familiarity often leads people to reach for the tablet at the first hint of unease. Taking paracetamol is something that deserves careful attention and should not be done too casually or too often.
Paracetamol is also known as acetaminophen or brand name Tylenol or brand name Dolo or brand name Calpol.
1. How Paracetamol Brings Down Fever and Eases Pain
Paracetamol reduces fever by acting on the brain's temperature-regulating centre, helping bring an elevated body heat back down to normal, says WebMD.
When it comes to pain relief, the medicine interferes with the transmission of pain messages to the brain. It also appears to limit the production of specific substances involved in triggering pain and inflammation, making discomfort feel less intense, adds WebMD.
2. Who Should Give Paracetamol A Miss?
People with existing kidney problems or liver disorders are advised to avoid this medication, as it may worsen these conditions, informs Mayo Clinic.
3. Forms And Strengths Of Paracetamol
According to Medical News Today, it is available in several oral forms, with varying strengths to suit different needs:
Liquid form: 160 mg per 5 ml
Chewable tablet: 160 mg
Standard tablet: 325 mg
Capsule: 325 mg
Oral powder: 160 mg
4. How Much Daily?
The total intake of paracetamol should never exceed 4,000 mg within a 24-hour span, cautions Healthline.
For example, taking 1,000 mg every eight hours helps ensure the total amount remains within the recommended maximum for a single day, says the US' National Institutes of Health.
According to the Mayo Clinic, adults can take three tablets in a day, every six hours, if needed.
5. Overdosage Side Effects
Taking excessive amounts of paracetamol can lead to harmful side effects, most notably severe injury to the liver, states Mayo Clinic.
6. What To Do If You've Taken Too Much Paracetamol
If you think you, or someone else, has exceeded the recommended amount of paracetamol, seek medical assistance immediately.
Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Call emergency services, go to an emergency room or try to reach a poison control centre as soon as possible, says WebMD. Prompt action can be life-saving.
7. Risks of Paracetamol During Pregnancy
The Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health suggests that taking paracetamol while pregnant could raise the risk of children developing cognitive or behavioural conditions, including autism and ADHD.
8. Avoid Paracetamol If You Are Drinking?
Consuming paracetamol while drinking alcohol can put serious strain on the liver. As a general rule, it is best to avoid acetaminophen if you regularly consume three or more alcoholic drinks per day, advises Healthline.
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