Paracetamol – action, indications, dosage, side effects

Proven content

Paracetamol is a medicine for combating fever and pain. Importantly, it has no anti-inflammatory effect. Although paracetamol has been available in the world since the mid-twentieth century, it has been the most popular in Poland since the 90s, when it was replaced by aminophenazone, which was dangerous to health. What else is worth knowing about paracetamol?

Paracetamol is a medicine for combating fever and pain. Importantly, it has no anti-inflammatory effect. Although paracetamol has been available in the world since the mid-twentieth century, it has been the most popular in Poland since the 90s, when it was replaced by aminophenazone, which was dangerous to health. What else is worth knowing about paracetamol?

Paracetamol – characteristics

Paracetamol is a very popular drug that is often used in fight the pain and fever. According to the World Health Organization, it is a very important drug in the health care system.

Paracetamol is used not only as a stand-alone drug, but is also a component of many drugs of various types of action. Medicines containing paracetamol can be administered with both adults and children. Before use, it is always worth reading the leaflet to find out about the indications and contraindications for use. It is also worth getting to know possible side effects to help you recognize disturbing symptoms. It should be remembered that any drug not used as intended may be dangerous to health and life.

Paracetamol – history

Paracetamol was created in 1893, but as a widely available drug it appeared in pharmacies only in 1953. It is worth noting that initially the drug was available only on prescription, which changed in 1959. Today, paracetamol is one of the most commonly used medications for pain or fever.

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Paracetamol – action

The effect of paracetamol is not fully understood. However, it was assumed that it acts on the central nervous system, i.e. the brain and spine. The task of paracetamol is to alleviate the pain signals received by the brain. In addition, it prevents the release of substances responsible for the intensity of pain or increased body temperature, i.e. prostaglandins.

Paracetamol is metabolized in the liver and its residues are then excreted in the urine. The drug used in low doses is safe and well tolerated, therefore it is available over the counter. Paracetamol does not irritate or damage the gastric mucosa. The drug does not interfere with kidney function, blood pressure or blood clotting.

Thanks to such properties of paracetamol, it is recommended for people with hypertension, problems with blood clotting, stomach ulcers and aspirin-induced asthma. The drug is also safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, however, it should be taken under medical supervision.

Paracetamol given in the case of fever works for about 6-8 hours after its administration. If the administration is caused by pain, the symptoms will be alleviated for about 4-6 hours.

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Paracetamol – characters

Paracetamol can be used by people of all ages and therefore comes in many forms. Paracetamol can be purchased in the form of tablets, suppositories, syrups, dissolving tablets and powders in sachets for the preparation of solutions. In exceptional circumstances, intravenous paracetamol may be administered.

After administration of paracetamol in the form of tablets, the drug starts working after approx. 30 minutes and works for approx. 6 hours. In the case of rectal suppositories, paracetamol works similarly, but less of the drug goes into the body.

For children, the best form of paracetamol is suppositories and syrups. In many ways paracetamol in the form of a syrup is a better choice than suppositories. To undeniable benefits of paracetamol syrups belongs:

1. quick effect – in this form, paracetamol works after a few minutes (suppositories are absorbed much slower);
2. easy measurement of the exact dose of the drug – the syrup can be very precisely measured and the dose can be adjusted to the child’s weight, which is impossible with suppositories. However, it is not recommended to administer the paracetamol syrup with a spoon or a teaspoon, as they have a different volume. There is therefore a risk of overdosing or underdosing. It should also be remembered that the syringes included in the paracetamol package are adjusted to the density of a given preparation, so it is not worth using one measuring cup to administer a syrup from another manufacturer;
3. easy administration – the paracetamol syrup pack is usually equipped with a special syringe which makes giving the medicine to the child very easy.

In addition, paracetamol can be used with other drugs with a similar effect. In the fight against severe pain, it can be administered, for example, together with codeine, caffeine or tramadol, which is available on prescription. Paracetamol is also a common ingredient in broad-acting cold remedies. It can also be used together with nasal decongestants such as pseudoephedrine or antihistamines.

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Paracetamol – indications

Because safety of paracetamol use is a drug with a wide range of applications. It is used in the case of:

1. flu-like and cold symptoms;
2. mild to moderate pain, e.g. migraines;
3. muscle and joint pain, for example as a result of sports injuries;
4. menstrual cramps;
5. tooth aches;
6. back pain;
7. arthritis, incl. osteoarthritis;
8. pain in neoplastic diseases;
9. fever;
10. nervous

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Paracetamol – contraindications

Paracetamol is not indicated for:

1. children up to 3 months of age;
2. people with renal or hepatic insufficiency;
3. diagnosed G-6-PD deficiencies, deficiencies of methaemoglobin reductase.

People who abuse alcohol, as well as those who are malnourished and dehydrated, should also exercise caution.

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Paracetamol – dosage

A dose of paracetamol adapts to the age and state of health of a person. For adults, a safe daily dose is 4 g, which should be taken in several doses administered up to a maximum of 1 g at once. There should be a gap of 4 hours between consecutive doses of paracetamol, and in people with renal insufficiency, it should be waived at least 8 hours.

When giving paracetamol to children, the dose is calculated based on the weight of the little patient. The drug can only be given to a child for 3 days without consulting a doctor. The dose that is safe for a child is 10-15 mg per 1 kg of body weight in a single dose, while within a day the dose should not exceed 60-75 mg / kg of body weight. Paracetamol can be given to your child for a maximum of 5 days in case of pain and 3 days in case of fever. If symptoms persist or worsen, see your pediatrician.

In the case of children under 3 months of age, paracetamol should be used strictly according to the doctor’s instructions. A baby under the age of 3 months with a fever must always be seen by a doctor, as fever can be a symptom of many serious diseases.

Paracetamol – overdose

If you suspect an overdose of paracetamol, contact your doctor as soon as possible or go to the hospital directly. Be aware that overdosage with paracetamol may be asymptomatic. The effects of an overdose may only develop over time in the form of liver damage. Therefore, it should be remembered that the maximum daily dose of paracetamol totals:

1. 4 g per day for adults and children over 12 years of age;
2. 1500 mg daily for children under 12 years of age.

Paracetamol overdose is most often accidental, as most people do not control the amount of paracetamol in various medications and preparations taken, for example, during the flu or colds. Unfortunately, the names of paracetamol preparations available on the market are not completely associated with this substance. Therefore, striving to improve your well-being during illness can easily be exceeded the recommended dose of paracetamol.

Symptoms of paracetamol overdose have:

1. diarrhea;
2. eating disorders;
3. abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting;
4. excessive sweating;
5. weakness and drowsiness.

Liver damage is most common due to paracetamol overdose, which is manifested by:

1. pain in the right hypochondrium;
2. nausea;
3. jaundice;
4. a feeling of stretching in the upper abdomen;
5. hemorrhagic diathesis.

When paracetamol is overdosed, the damaged liver can lead to coma, disruption of many organs, and death. Vomiting should be induced within the first hour of administration of an excessive dose of paracetamol. In any case, a doctor should be consulted, because treatment requires hospitalization and administration of an antidote, i.e. N-acetylcysteine.

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Paracetamol – safety

Paracetamol is not recommended for people who have allergy to paracetamol or another ingredient of the drug.

Paracetamol is considered a safe drug, but it may have a negative effect if the safe dose is exceeded. Remember that acetaminophen is very readily available. You can get it not only at a pharmacy, but also at gas stations or drugstores. In addition, paracetamol is a common ingredient in various preparations for pain and cold ailments, which makes it very easy to overdose paracetamol.

The effects of paracetamol overdose first of all, the liver will feel it. The toxic effect of paracetamol is increased by simultaneous drinking of alcohol. Therefore, remember not to combine paracetamol with alcohol and not to reach for it on the so-called alcohol for safety. hangover. You should also not use the drug for more than a few days in a row, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Paracetamol – interactions

Paracetamol interacts with other medications. When taking the drug, remember not to take at the same time:

1. drugs that can delay the elimination of paracetamol from the blood, such as cimetidine and ranitidine;
2. coumarin derivative anticoagulants, such as acenocoumarol, as paracetamol increases the effect of these drugs;
3. lamotrigine and chloramphenicol as paracetamol lowers blood levels of these;
4. monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as rasagiline, as this combination may result in agitation and high fever;
5. microsomal enzyme inducers, e.g. phenytoin, fifampicin, as this increases the risk of liver damage;
6. NSAIDs containing e.g. acetylsalicylic acid, as they increase the risk of kidney damage.

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Paracetamol – side effects

Side effects of using paracetamol are rare, but while using the drug, the following may occur:

1. hypersensitivity reactions, hives, erythema or rash;
2. nausea, digestive disorders and vomiting.

Very rarely, after administration of paracetamol, the following occur:

1. thrombocytopenia, i.e. a reduction in the number of platelets;
2. granulocytopenia, i.e. a decrease in the number of granulocytes;
3. bronchospasm in patients with hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid or other NSAIDs;
4. acute liver damage – a consequence of overdose;
5. pigment purpura;
6. angioedema and even anaphylactic shock;
7. severe skin reactions.