29/08/2016
What is paracetamol ?
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a pain reliever and a fever
reducer. The exact mechanism of action of is not known.
Paracetamol is used to treat many conditions such as
headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches,
colds, and fevers. It relieves pain in mild arthritis but has no
effect on the underlying inflammation and swelling of the
joint.
Paracetamol may also be used for other purposes not listed
in this medication guide.
Important information
There are many brands and forms of paracetamol available
and not all brands are listed on this leaflet.
Do not use more of this medication than is recommended.
An overdose of paracetamol can cause serious harm. The
maximum amount of paracetamol for adults is 1 gram (1000
mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more
paracetamol could cause damage to your liver. If you drink
more than three alcoholic beverages per day, talk to your
doctor before taking paracetamol and never use more than 2
grams (2000 mg) per day.
Do not use this medication without first talking to your
doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per
day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You
may not be able to use paracetamol .
Before using paracetamol , tell your doctor if you have liver
disease or a history of alcoholism.
Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy,
or pain medication without first asking your doctor or
pharmacist. Paracetamol is contained in many combination
medicines. If you use certain products together you may
accidentally use too much paracetamol . Read the label of
any other medicine you are using to see if it contains
paracetamol, acetaminophen or APAP. Avoid drinking alcohol
while taking this medication. Alcohol may increase your risk
of liver damage while taking paracetamol .
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Before taking this medicine
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to
acetaminophen or paracetamol.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take
paracetamol if you have:
liver disease; or
a history of alcoholism;
It is not known whether paracetamol will harm an unborn
baby. Before using paracetamol , tell your doctor if you are
pregnant. This medication can pass into breast milk and may
harm a nursing baby. Do not use paracetamol without telling
your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
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How should I use paracetamol ?
Use paracetamol exactly as directed on the label, or as
prescribed by your doctor.
Do not use more of this medication than is recommended.
An overdose of paracetamol can cause serious harm. The
maximum amount for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose
and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Using more paracetamol
could cause damage to your liver. If you drink more than
three alcoholic beverages per day, talk to your doctor before
taking paracetamol and never use more than 2 grams (2000
mg) per day. If you are treating a child, use a pediatric form
of paracetamol . Carefully follow the dosing directions on the
medicine label. Do not give the medication to a child younger
than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.
Measure the liquid form of paracetamol with a special dose-
measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do
not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for
one. You may need to shake the liquid before each use.
Follow the directions on the medicine label.
The paracetamol chewable tablet must be chewed thoroughly
before you swallow it.
Make sure your hands are dry when handling the
paracetamol disintegrating tablet. Place the tablet on your
tongue. It will begin to dissolve right away. Do not swallow
the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without
chewing.
To use the paracetamol effervescent granules, dissolve one
packet of the granules in at least 4 ounces of water. Stir this
mixture and drink all of it right away. To make sure you get
the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass,
swirl gently and drink right away.
Do not take a paracetamol re**al suppository by mouth. It is
for use only in your re**um. Wash your hands before and
after inserting the suppository.
Try to empty your bowel and bladder just before using the
paracetamol suppository. Remove the outer wrapper from the
suppository before inserting it. Avoid handling the
suppository too long or it will melt in your hands.
For best results from the suppository, lie down and insert the
suppository pointed tip first into the re**um. Hold in the
suppository for a few minutes. It will melt quickly once
inserted and you should feel little or no discomfort while
holding it in. Avoid using the bathroom just after inserting the
suppository.
Stop using paracetamol and call your doctor if:
you still have a fever after 3 days of use;
you still have pain after 7 days of use (or 5 days if treating
a child);
you have a skin rash, ongoing headache, or any redness or
swelling; or
if your symptoms get worse, or if you have any new
symptoms.
Urine glucose tests may produce false results while you are
taking paracetamol . Talk to your doctor if you are diabetic
and you notice changes in your glucose levels during
treatment.
Store paracetamol at room temperature away from heat and
moisture. The re**al suppositories can be stored at room
temperature or in the refrigerator.
See also: Dosage Information (in more detail)
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since paracetamol is often used only when needed, you may
not be on a dosing schedule. If you are using the medication
regularly, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If
it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip
the missed dose and use your next dose as directed. Do not
use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used
too much of this medicine.
The first signs of an paracetamol overdose include loss of
appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, and
confusion or weakness. Later symptoms may include pain in
your upper stomach, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or
the whites of your eyes.
What should I avoid?
Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy,
or pain medication without first asking your doctor or
pharmacist. Paracetamol is contained in many combination
medicines. If you use certain products together you may
accidentally use too much paracetamol . Read the label of
any other medicine you are using to see if it contains
paracetamol, acetaminophen or APAP. Avoid drinking alcohol
while taking this medication. Alcohol may increase your risk
of liver damage while taking paracetamol .
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Paracetamol side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of
an allergic reaction to paracetamol: hives; difficulty breathing;
swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this
medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious
side effect such as:
low fever with nausea, stomach pain, and loss of appetite;
dark urine, clay-colored stools; or
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
This is not a complete list of paracetamol side effects and
others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-
FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
Paracetamol dosing information
Usual Adult Paracetamol Dose for Fever:
General Dosing Guidelines: 325 to 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours
or 1000 mg every 6 to 8 hours orally or re**ally.
Paracetamol 500mg tablets: Two 500 mg tablets orally every
4 to 6 hours
Usual Adult Paracetamol Dose for Pain:
General Dosing Guidelines: 325 to 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours
or 1000 mg every 6 to 8 hours orally or re**ally.
Paracetamol 500mg tablets: Two 500 mg tablets orally every
4 to 6 hours
Usual Pediatric Dose for Fever:
Oral or Re**al:
1 month to 12 years: 10 to 15 mg/kg/dose every 4 to 6
hours as needed (Maximum: 5 doses in 24 hours)
Fever: 4 months to 9 years: Initial Dose: 30 mg/kg (Reported
by one study (n=121) to be more effective in reducing fever
than a 15 mg/kg maintenance dose with no difference
regarding clinical tolerance.)
>=12 years: 325 to 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours or 1000 mg
every 6 to 8 hours.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Pain:
Oral or Re**al:
1 month to 12 years: 10 to 15 mg/kg/dose every 4 to 6
hours as needed (Maximum: 5 doses in 24 hours)
Fever: 4 months to 9 years: Initial Dose: 30 mg/kg (Reported
by one study (n=121) to be more effective in reducing fever
than a 15 mg/kg maintenance dose with no difference
regarding clinical tolerance.)
>=12 years: 325 to 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours or 1000 mg
every 6 to 8 hours.
What other drugs will affect paracetamol ?
There may be other drugs that can interact with paracetamol .
Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-
counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and
drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new
medication without telling your doctor.