Introduction
A common drug used to relieve fever and pain is paracetamol. Additionally, it is referred to as paracetamol or by a number of brand names, including Tylenol, Panadol, and Actamin. Acetaminophen may be administered intravenously, or it may be combined with other medications. It is a member of the analgesic and antipyretic medication class, which treats both pain and fever.
Dosage
The amount of paracetamol to take depends on a number of variables, including the patient's age, weight, and general health, the type and intensity of the pain or fever, and the presence of other drugs that might interact with it. The following general advice is given to adults and kids over the age of 12:
- One gramme of paracetamol, or 1000 mg, should never be consumed at once.
- Take no more acetaminophen than 4000 mg (four grammes) in a 24-hour period.
- Without seeking medical advice, never take paracetamol for more than 10 days to treat pain or for more than three days to treat a fever.
- Acetaminophen dosage for children under the age of 12 should be determined by their weight and age, and should not exceed 5 doses in a 24-hour period. The recommended dosage for each child can be found on the package label or from a physician or chemist.
It is crucial to carefully follow the instructions on the prescription or package label and use a particular tool, like a syringe or a cup, to measure the liquid form of paracetamol. The labels of additional medications, such as cold and flu cures, cough syrups, headache tablets, and narcotic painkillers, that might include acetaminophen should also be carefully read. Acetaminophen overdose can result in severe liver damage or even death.
Uses
Acetaminophen is used to treat mild to moderate pain from a variety of sources, including headaches, muscle aches, cramps from the menstrual cycle, arthritis, backaches, toothaches, sore throats and traumas. Additionally, it can be applied to lower fever brought on by illnesses, shots, or other circumstances. Acetaminophen functions by preventing the body from producing prostaglandins, which are molecules that induce pain and inflammation.
To treat various forms of pain or disorders, acetaminophen can also be taken in combination with additional medications. Acetaminophen can be combined with other medications to increase their effectiveness, such as caffeine to treat headaches, codeine or hydrocodone to treat moderate to severe pain, antihistamines to treat allergy symptoms, decongestants to clear nasal congestion, or aspirin or ibuprofen to treat osteoarthritis.
Side effects
When taken as directed, acetaminophen often has no negative side effects. However, some individuals may develop allergic responses, resulting in rashes, itching, swelling, or breathing problems. If this occurs, they ought to stop taking paracetamol and get help right away.
Acetaminophen's most harmful adverse effect is liver damage, which can happen if too much of it is consumed or if it is combined with alcohol or other liver-damaging medications. Neonausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dark urine, clay-colored faeces, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), and bleeding or bruising easily are all signs of liver damage. The individual should immediately cease taking paracetamol and seek medical attention if any of these symptoms appear.
A skin response known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which can cause severe blistering and peeling of the skin and mucous membranes, is another uncommon but significant side effect of paracetamol. Dehydration, organ failure, infection, and even death may result from this. After taking paracetamol, a person should stop taking medication and seek medical help right away if they have a rash or skin irritation.
When using paracetamol, some people could also have minor side effects like headache, sleepiness, dizziness, or nausea. Except when they are severe or persistent, these side effects are often minor and transient and do not necessitate medical treatment.
Conclusion
When properly ingested, the commonly used drug acetaminophen can successfully reduce temperature and pain. But if used in excess or when combined with other liver-harming medications or alcohol, it can also have major negative effects. As a result, it's crucial to carefully follow the dosage guidelines and seek a doctor or chemist's advice before combining paracetamol with other drugs.
