Paracetamol: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, Precautions & More | CARE Hospitals

 

Paracetamol

Paracetamol is a pain reliever as well as an antipyretic (which reduces body temperature). It can be taken along with other medications as well.

What are the uses of paracetamol?

The paracetamol tablet uses are the following:  

  • Headaches
  • Menstrual period
  • Body ache
  • Toothache
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Backaches
  • Fever
  • Arthritis pain
  • Cold

How and when to take paracetamol?

Paracetamol should be taken with food or at least juice or water. The usual dose for adults is 500mg. This dose can be taken up to four times a day. 

Paracetamol must be taken when you are experiencing some kind of pain in your body. If you have a fever, this medicine can also be used to bring down the temperature. Don’t take the medication unnecessarily. If you have some serious aches in your body that are intolerant, then it is best to consult a doctor first.

What are the side effects of paracetamol?

There are some common and severe side effects of paracetamol. Have a look.

  • Nausea
  • Swelling
  • Vomiting
  • Pain
  • Tenderness in the upper abdomen
  • Sweating
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach cramps
  • Diarrhea

Major side effects are as follows:

  • Dark-colored urine
  • High fever
  • Lower backache
  • Skin having red spots
  • Rashes
  • Inflammation
  • Itching
  • Sore throat
  • Ulcers
  • Breathlessness
  • Yellowish eyes
  • Pale skin 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then it is best to consult a doctor for further assistance. If, however, major symptoms occur, then it is best to avoid the medicine. Before you take the medicine, you must tell the doctor about the issues you have and the medications you have been taking previously. 

What are the precautions to be taken while taking Paracetamol?

Paracetamol is intended to be used as prescribed by the doctor. Inform the doctor if you are allergic to the medicine or any ingredient present in the medicine. If you have liver disease or drink alcohol on a daily basis, then the medication should also be avoided. The following are some diseases that must be disclosed to the doctor before taking medication. Here they are: 

  • Liver diseases
  • Kidney disorder
  • Myasthenia Gravis
  • Heartbeat disorder
  • Low levels of potassium in the blood

What if I missed a dose of paracetamol?

If you have missed a dose of paracetamol, then it isn’t going to react much to the body because it is a mild medicine. The skipped doses will cause no issues in the body. Also, avoid taking the double dose in case you missed your previous dose.

What if I overdose paracetamol? 

Overdosing with a drug like paracetamol can be damaging to the liver or kidney. If you have taken more tablets than prescribed, then it can prove to be harmful to the body. It can disable body functions and can lead to allergic reactions, hives, swollen throats, severe skin diseases, and much more. Don’t take this drug if you have any kind of allergy to the body or skin. Consult the doctor on paracetamol dosage and check if you have overdosed.

What are the storage conditions of paracetamol?

Here are some key points that you need to remember regarding the storage of medicine. Here it goes:

  • Direct contact with heat, air, or light can damage the medicine.
  • Keep the medicine in a safe place, out of the reach of children.
  • The medicine should be kept at room temperature
  • Consult the doctor before taking the medication.
  • Always carry medicine with you in order to avoid any kind of emergency.

In order to discard the medicine, throw it in a place where children are unable to reach it.

Can I take paracetamol with other medications?

There is no such caution while taking paracetamol. It can be taken with other medications as well. But there are cases where paracetamol has led to some allergic reactions. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor and discuss all the previous medications you have been taking. Upon knowing your entire medical history, the doctor will provide you with the prescribed dose of medicine and alternatives if required.

How quickly do paracetamol tablets show results?

On average, it takes an hour to start showing its results on the body. It keeps on continuously working for five hours in your body. The tablet works fast and helps one relieve pain quickly within one or two days. Patients who have been experiencing pain can take the tablet four times a day to get relief as soon as possible. However, self-administering the medicine is not recommended. Instead, consult your doctor.

Paracetamol is a generic medicine that can be taken without a prescription from a doctor as well. If you have any kind of reaction or allergy to the medicine, then it is best to consult the doctor before taking the medicine. Being on the safe side is wiser than harming your body and health.

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