Paracetamol / Acetaminophen
Description
Paracetamol is a medication for pain relief. This medicine is used to reduce fe
ver and alleviate pain, including toothaches, headaches, migraines, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, and other related conditions. While using this medication, one should avoid taking other products that also contain paracetamol. Do not exceed the recommended dosage, and ensure there is a minimum of four hours between consecutive doses. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney issues, if you are allergic to it, or if you are taking other medications, as this may affect the dose or suitability of the treatment. Generally, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary. This medicine is also the preferred choice of painkillers during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Uses
For the treatment of fever and pain including headache, muscle ache, tooth ache, periods pain and pain related to muscle and joints, etc.
Contraindications
When should one not use Paracetamol / Acetaminophen
- If you are allergic to paracetamol.
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
The chances of getting side effects with paracetamol are rare if taken in the recommended dose. In rare cases you may experience a skin rash, itching, blisters, allergic reaction and bruising.
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take paracetamol during pregnancy?
A:
Paracetamol can be used during pregnancy if the doctor recommends it. Yet, it should be used for a short duration in low doses and should not be used too frequently by pregnant women.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take paracetamol while breastfeeding?
A:
Paracetamol passes into the breastmilk in a small amount. This medicine can be used during breastfeeding.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed paracetamol?
A:
Paracetamol is not likely to affect your ability to drive or use machines.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with paracetamol?
A:
This medicine is not known to interact with alcohol. Avoid consuming alcohol and binge drinking when taking this medicine especially if you drink too often. Consult your doctor for further advise.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have severe liver or kidney disease.
- You are taking any other medicines or products that contain paracetamol.
- You are an alcoholic or are suffering from chronic malnutrition.
- You should not take this medicine too often and for a prolonged duration.
- Always keep a minimum gap of 4-6 hours between two consecutive doses.
- This medicine is not known to interact with alcohol. Moderate consumption of alcohol when you are taking paracetamol is usually safe. However, there is a risk of liver damage in chronic alcoholics and people with liver problems....
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Paracetamol works by inhibiting the formation of certain chemicals (prostaglandins) in the body responsible for fever and pain. It acts on the area of the brain which is responsible for controlling temperature. Thus, it controls the fever....
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Ceratin medicines can affect the way paracetamol works or paracetamol itself can affect the action of other medicines taken at the same time. Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbals you are taking to avoid any possible interaction....
- Especially if you are taking medicines used to treat nausea or vomitings like metoclopramide or domperidone, cholesterol-lowering medicines and anti-infectives such as chloramphenicol.
- Prolonged and regular use of paracetamol can lead to bleeding problems in individuals taking blood thinners such as warfarin.
Dosage
Overdose
Seek immediate medical healp in case of an overdose. Taking paracetamol in high doses may result in serious liver damage.
Missed a Dose
If you missed a dose, then take it as soon as you remember. Keep a gap of at least 4-6 hours between this dose and the next dose. If it is almost time for the next dose then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Nikita Toshi
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), WHO FIDES member
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What precautions should I take when using this medicine?
A: Be cautious if you are a patient with liver problems, kidney problems, or you drink alcohol too often. This medicine is known to cause serious liver damage in case of overdose. You should not take this medicine too often or for a prolonged duration.
Q: Can paracetamol be used for a headache?
A: Yes, paracetamol can be used for headaches. However, if you are feeling you get the headache too often and there is not much relief in the headache after taking this medicine, consult your doctor.
Q: Can I take paracetamol for cold and fever?
A: You can take this medicine for controlling fever, it may not have any action in reducing cold as cold is usually happen due to a viral infection and affects the nose and throat.
Q: What are the uses of paracetamol?
A: Paracetamol is a medicine used reduce fever and relieve pain. It is used to get relief from a headache, toothache, migraine, period pain and other painful conditions.
References
View All
- CALPOL TABLETS [Internet]. India-pharma.gsk.com. 2025 [cited 17th September 2025]
- CDSCO [Internet]. Cdscoonline.gov.in. 2025 [cited 17th September 2025]
- Paracetamol for adults: painkiller to treat aches, pains and fever [Internet]. nhs. uk. 2025 [cited 17th September 2025]
- Freo U, et al. Paracetamol: A review of guideline recommendations. J Clin Med. 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8347233/2025 [cited 17th September 2025]
- Grosser, T., Smyth, E., & FitzGerald, G. A. (2011). Anti-inflammatory, Antipyretic and Analgesic agents; Pharmacotherapy of gout. In J. G. Hardman, L. E. Limbird, P. B. Molinoff, R. W. Ruddon, & A. G. Gilman (Eds.), Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (12th ed., p. 693). New York: McGraw Hill Medical.2025 [cited 17th September 2025]
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