A Quick Guide to Paracetamol

 A Quick Guide to Paracetamol

How do you take paracetamol? Do you know the right dose? Find out here with our quick guide to paracetamol. We’ll cover how it works, how much to take, potential side effects and much more. Take the time to learn all about it here, in our comprehensive guide!

What is it?

Paracetamol is a drug most commonly used as an analgesic and antipyretic. It is available without a prescription in many countries, such as United Kingdom and Australia, where it is commonly known by its brand name Panadol. In other countries, such as Canada and some of the United States, it is only available with a doctor's prescription; paracetamol has been referred to by some sources as the world's most popular pain reliever. As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), paracetamol is milder than most other pharmaceutical NSAIDs, though just as effective for acute pains. In addition to pain relief, both short-term and long-term use provides minor anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (though they do not affect their causes). The standard adult dose varies widely between countries: typical doses are 500 mg every four hours (Canada) or every six hours (UK), up to 4 g per day. Overdose is common, but rarely fatal. Long-term usage may cause liver damage. Like ibuprofen and aspirin, long term use may increase risk of cardiovascular disease by increasing blood pressure slightly. Paracetamol does not have any notable side effects when taken at recommended doses; however high doses can be toxic to kidneys leading to kidney failure in extreme cases.

Where can I get it?

You can find paracetamol in pharmacies, grocery stores and convenience stores without a prescription. You might find it sold under different brand names, such as Tylenol or Panadol, depending on where you live. If you take it as directed and have no underlying medical conditions that affect your liver or kidneys, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to buy it legally from one of these outlets.

How do I take it?

Typically, you’ll take paracetamol by mouth. You can chew or swallow it in a tablet or capsule form. Some tablets are scored so that they can be easily broken into smaller pieces, which makes them easier to swallow if your throat is sore and swollen. If you take paracetamol long-term (for pain lasting more than 3 days), consult your doctor on how much you should take each day and any potential interactions with other medications.

When should I take it?

The World Health Organization recommends that you should take paracetamol if your fever is higher than 38.5 degrees Celsius (101 degrees Fahrenheit) or moderate pain that affects your sleep, activity, or mood and lasts more than a few days. If your temperature is between 37.8 and 38.5 C (100 - 102 F), ask your doctor whether you should take it; at temperatures under 37.8 C (100 F), there’s no good evidence that paracetamol does anything for reducing fevers in adults. And if you're pregnant, seek advice from your doctor about taking paracetamol for treating mild illnesses like colds and flus.

Is there a better option than paracetamol?

So, does paracetamol work? In short, yes—but it might not be as effective as ibuprofen for treating headaches. And, if you’re trying to figure out which painkiller is best for you, consider also looking at NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and acetaminophen. If your main concern is minimizing any stomach side effects, then paracetamol can be a good option for you.