Paracetamol

Paracetamol

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    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.

  • How is it used?

    Paracetamol is usually swallowed and comes in different forms including:

    • Tablets
    • Capsules
    • Suppositories
    • Soluble powders
    • Liquids
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Side Effects of Paracetamol

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    There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries risk – even medications can produce unwanted side effects.

    Paracetamol affects everyone differently, based on:

    • Size, weight and health
    • Whether the person is used to taking it
    • Whether other drugs are taken around the same time
    • The amount taken
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    There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries risk – even medications can produce unwanted side effects.

    Paracetamol affects everyone differently, based on:

    • 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.
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    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.

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    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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    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

Paracetamol Overdose

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