Paracetamol

Paracetamol is a pharmaceutical drug, which is used to treat a number of conditions including:
  • Mild pain
  • Fever
  • Strong pain (when combined with codeine)
  • Colds and flu (when combined with antihistamines and decongestants)
  • Some people misuse paracetamol by intentionally taking more than the recommended dose in a mistaken attempt to get high, or as an act of self-harm.
  • Paracetamol may also be known by its brand or trade names.
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Paracetamol Overdose

Dangerous Signs

If the dose is too high or the recommended daily dose is exceeded, an ambulance should be called straight away by dialing 999 or 112:

Overdose symptoms, listed below, usually only occur 24 hours after taking the drug.

  • Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
  • Liver problems
  • Seizures
  • Coma

Fatal

Death from paracetamol overdose often takes a couple of days and is usually very painful.

How is it used?

Paracetamol is usually swallowed and comes in different forms including:

  • Tablets
  • Capsules
  • Suppositories
  • Soluble powders
  • Liquids

Side Effects of
Paracetamol

There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries risk.

The effects of taking Paracetamol with other drugs including over-the-counter or prescribed medications can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Paracetamol affects everyone differently, based on:

  • A person’s size, weight and health
  • Whether the person is used to taking it
  • Whether other drugs are taken around the same time
  • The amount taken

The most common side effects of paracetamol are:

  • Drowsiness and fatigue
  • Rashes and itching
  • Children may occasionally experience low blood sugar and tremors, and feeling hungry, faint and confused after taking paracetamol.

Long-term effects:

Regular use of paracetamol may eventually cause the following effects:
  • Tiredness
  • Breathlessness
  • Bluish tinge to fingers and lips
  • Anaemia (low red blood cell count)
  • Liver and kidney damage
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