About Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
Note: Acetaminophen and Paracetamol are two names for the same active ingredient.
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen in some countries like the United States and Canada, is one of the most widely used over-the-counter medications for relieving mild-to-moderate pain and reducing fever.
What is Paracetamol?
It belongs to a class of drugs known as analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers). It's available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, caplets, liquid suspensions, suppositories, and intravenous formulations.
Unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin, paracetamol generally has fewer effects on stomach irritation and blood clotting.
How Does It Work?
The exact mechanism of how paracetamol works is not fully understood. It's believed to work primarily in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) by inhibiting the production of chemicals called prostaglandins, which are involved in signalling pain and causing fever. It appears to have less effect on prostaglandins in the rest of the body, which explains its weaker anti-inflammatory effect compared to NSAIDs.
Common Uses
Paracetamol is commonly used to treat symptoms such as:
- Headaches (including tension headaches and migraines)
- Muscle aches and pains
- Backache
- Toothache
- Cold and flu symptoms (like fever, sore throat, aches)
- Period pain (dysmenorrhea)
- Arthritis pain (though less effective for inflammation)
Important Considerations & Safety
- Dosage:Always follow the recommended dosage instructions on the product packaging or as advised by a healthcare professional. Taking too much paracetamol can cause serious liver damage, which can be fatal.
- Maximum Daily Dose:Do not exceed the maximum daily dose stated on the packaging (typically 3000mg to 4000mg for adults, depending on the country and specific product, but often lower). Be mindful of paracetamol content in combination cold/flu remedies.
- Time Interval:Ensure you wait the minimum recommended time between doses (usually 4-6 hours).
- Alcohol:Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol while taking paracetamol, as this increases the risk of liver damage.
- Existing Conditions:Consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking paracetamol if you have liver or kidney problems, are underweight, or have other underlying health conditions.
- Other Medications:Check if other medications you are taking also contain paracetamol to avoid accidental overdose. Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications you are taking.