Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Paracetamol

Paracetamol: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Paracetamol?

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is an analgesic used to alleviate pain and high fever. It is also used for treating headaches, muscle/joint pains, backaches, toothaches, and colds. One of the most effective remedies for reducing body temperature, it begins working in an hour.

Paracetamol is extensively available as tablets and capsules. It is also available as syrup or water-soluble tablets for those who cannot swallow tablets/capsules.

Some renowned brand names are Disprol, Hedex, Medinol, and Panadol.

What are the uses of Paracetamol?

Paracetamol lowers mild to moderate fever and pain by affecting the chemical messengers in the brain that regulate body temperature. It’s also combined with other pain-relief and anti-sickness medicines. Moreover, its ingredient is part of a wide range of cold and flu remedies. It is widely used for:

  • Reducing fever
  • Alleviating and relieving headaches
  • Reduce pain caused by menstrual cramps
  • Toothaches
  • Backaches
  • Reducing pain caused by arthritis (specifically, osteoarthritis) in joints in the hands, knees, hips, etc.
  • Colds

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    What are the side effects of Paracetamol?

    Paracetamol is a common, go-to pain relief medication. However, prolonged usage or overdose of paracetamol can lead to serious liver damage. Acetaminophen (an ingredient in paracetamol) may trigger some unwanted side effects. These are:

    • Loss of appetite
    • Increased sweating
    • Drowsiness and fatigue
    • Low fever with nausea, weakness, or vomiting
    • Diarrhea or constipation
    • Stomach or body ache
    • Swelling or cramps in the upper abdominal region or stomach

    Other serious and rare side effects are:

    • Cloudy or bloody urine infected by bacteria
    • A sudden decrease in urine
    • Black or tarry stool
    • Yellow eyes and skin (jaundice)
    • Allergic symptoms like skin rashes, red spots, itching
    • Mouth ulcers

    If you notice any of these side effects, immediately seek professional consultation.

    What is Paracetamol

    Uses of Paracetamol

    Side effects of Paracetamol

    References

    1. Paracetamol Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term
    2. Arthritis – Symptoms and causes
    3. Mouth Ulcers: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatments
    4. Can you take paracetamol after Covid vaccine?

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Paracetamol

    Yes, one can take painkillers like paracetamol, if required post the vaccination. However, it is crucial to not self-medicate and take expert opinion, especially if one is diagnosed with covid. As per NHS, in the U.K, certain painkillers that target inflammation, such as ibuprofen, may perhaps curb the immune reaction that the vaccine is trying to achieve.

    Paracetamol works by blocking chemical messengers in our brain that send chemical signals to the nervous system when we experience pain. It reduces the production of prostaglandins in the brain and spinal cord. It is a weak inhibitor of the synthesis of prostaglandins (PGs). The precise mechanism of how paracetamol works are unclear and lack studies.

    No, paracetamol is not an antibiotic drug but Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Also referred to as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents/analgesics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIMs). These are drugs that provide analgesic (pain-killing) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects. Additionally, when consumed in high doses, anti-inflammatory effects. Antibiotics are antimicrobial drugs consumed for killing bacterial infections in the body.

    Paracetamol for pregnancy has been routinely consumed at all stages to lower high fever and provide pain relief. There is no evidence that it has any harmful effects on an unborn baby or during breastfeeding. It is recommended to take the lowest available dose of paracetamol for a short period. However, do not exceed the recommended doses. Avoid other painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen.

    Paracetamol is a safe medication with only a rare occurrence of side effects. It is mostly recommended for initial treatment stages. You can safely take it with other painkillers as well if your doctor prescribes it. However, do not consume it with co-codamol, co-dydramol, or Tramacet, as these medications already contain paracetamol.

    Paracetamol is a common painkiller used to relieve pain and lower high body temperature. Apart from this, as per one study, paracetamol, or acetaminophen, can be viewed as an emotional reliever as well. It may potentially reduce people's emotional pain and dull emotional responses. This would also suggest that the painkiller can lower one's ability to experience pleasures.

    Yes. One of the most frequent side effects of paracetamol is exhaustion and fatigue, which causes one to fall asleep more frequently. The acetaminophen or the antihistamine content in the product can provide aid for sleep during nighttime specifically. Paracetamol in combination with codeine and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can enhance sleepiness or drowsiness.

    Paracetamol is a medication that is known for being a painkiller. As it used to cure fever and mild to moderate pain. When prescribed with a standard dose, paracetamol is useful in only slightly reducing the body temperature. However, it is inferior to other medications like ibuprofen in that respect, and the benefits of its use for fever are unclear.

    WHO warns against consuming painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine to avoid experiencing the side effects. The reason being, the effect of painkillers on how well the vaccine works is unknown. If advised by a specialist, then one can take paracetamol or other painkillers after the covid jab, if you experience side effects like pain, fever, swelling, headache, and muscle pain after vaccination.

    Both adults and children can safely consume a maximum of 4 tablets in 24 hours with a 4-hour gap. Do not exceed the dosage beyond this, as prolonged use can cause severe liver damage. If your symptoms do not get better after 3 days of taking paracetamol, visit your physician. For further medical assistance and to get top-notch quality healthcare advice, consult our team of experts at Yashoda Hospitals.
    S.no Product Name Dosage Form
    1. Dolo 650mg Tablet
    2. Crocin Advance 500mg Tablet
    3. Calpol 650mg Tablet