Class:Analgesic(Pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer).
MOA: Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the CNS, reducing pain and fever.
Common uses:
Fever
Mild to moderate pain(headache, toothache, muscle pain).
Post-vaccination fever.
Recommended Dose:
ADULT: 500mg-1000mg per dose every 4-6 hours as needed. The maximum dose is 4g per day.
Children (below 12 years): 10-15mg/kg per dose every 4-6 hours as needed.The maximum dose shouldn’t be more than 4 doses.
Safety Tips:
Do not exceed the daily limit as it causes the risk of liver toxicity.
Avoid combining with other paracetamol containing medicines(cold/flu syrups, tablets).
Alcohol increases the risk of liver damage, hence should be avoided while taking paracetamol.
Paracetamol works best for mild to moderate pain and fever, not severe inflammation.
Long- term use without doctor’s advice is not recommended.
Signs of allergic reaction like rash, itching, swelling, difficulty in breathing are some of the side effects and should be immediately bought to doctor’s attention.
Keep a safe gap between doses (at least 4 hours).
Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed.
Drinking water helps absorption.
Store in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children.
“Do you always check the dose before taking paracetamol?'“
I always double-check! Even though it’s ‘just’ paracetamol, you can’t be too careful with your liver. Better to take 10 seconds to read the label than to risk taking too much by mistake!
Good information on paracetamol. Its a common medicine everyone uses in daily day life for fever and the side effect it causes no one knows.Its better to check the dose and time gap to reduce the toxicity it can cause. I always double check it and use it carefully.
The dose and the time gap between the doses need to be kept in mind while taking PCM, because excess intake can lead to liver toxicity or acute liver failure.