Paracetamol is a medicine that we often think of giving to our little one when they have a cold, fever, or aches. So, acetaminophen is another name for paracetamol. These are available in chewable tablets that are easy to give, especially to young children. But there are a few things we need to be very careful about when giving this medicine. Let's talk about that today.
Why do we use this acetaminophen?
Simply put, this medicine is used for two main purposes.
- Reduce mild to moderate pain: This provides relief from pains like headaches , toothaches , and body aches.
- Reduce fever: When the body temperature rises and a fever develops, this medicine helps control it.
Don't be alarmed when you hear the name acetaminophen, most of the time you know this as the same medicine called Paracetamol . But it can come under different names in the market. For example, you may have heard names like Tylenol and Panadol.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
Before giving this medicine to you or your child, it is important to tell your family doctor the following information. These can sometimes affect how the medicine works.
| Situation to be concerned about | Description |
|---|---|
| Alcohol use | If you drink alcohol regularly, it is essential to tell your doctor. |
| Liver diseases | If you have any liver-related conditions, inform your doctor about it. |
| Phenylketonuria | This is a rare, congenital condition. Some chewable tablets may contain an ingredient that may be harmful to these patients. |
| Allergies | If you have allergies to acetaminophen or other medicines, foods, or preservatives, tell your doctor. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, seek medical advice before taking any medication. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
Since this is a chewable tablet, it should be swallowed whole . It is okay to take it with a little water. Always take the medicine exactly as directed on the medicine packet or in the instructions provided by your doctor. It is very important to take the correct dose at the correct time. Never take more than the prescribed amount.
When given to small children
This medicine is usually given to children over 2 years of age on medical advice. However, it is essential to know the correct dosage for the child's weight. Therefore, ask the doctor for the exact dosage every time you give this medicine to your child.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
This is the main thing we need to be careful about with acetaminophen. If you think you or someone else has taken too much of this medicine, you should seek medical advice immediately, even if there are no symptoms .
Things to do immediately if you take too much:
1. Go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
2. Alternatively, call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine is for you only. Do not share your medicine with others. It can be dangerous.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Imagine you forgot to give a dose of medicine. Give it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for the next dose, don't give the missed dose, just give the next dose at the scheduled time.Do not give a double dose for any reason.
What other things can interact with this medicine?
Although acetaminophen is a very safe medication, it can cause problems when taken with certain things.
- Alcohol: Taking this medication with alcohol greatly increases the risk of liver damage.
- Some medications: Some medications like Imatinib and Isoniazid may interact with this.
- Other medicines containing acetaminophen: This is a common mistake that many people make. Other medicines used for colds, coughs, and pain (e.g., Panadeine, Cold-tabs) may also contain acetaminophen. If you take this with those medicines without realizing it, the total dose that reaches the body can increase and cause liver damage.
Therefore, read the label of every medicine you take. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
Things to consider when taking medication
When using this medicine, be aware of the following:
- If the pain lasts for more than 10 days (more than 5 days for a child) , if the pain is getting worse, or if you have a new type of pain, see a doctor.
- If the fever lasts more than 3 days, seek medical advice.
Again, a reminder: Taking too much acetaminophen is very dangerous. It can cause serious liver damage and even death. Liver damage can begin even without any symptoms at first. So if you suspect you've taken too much, go to the hospital immediately.
What are the possible side effects?
Most people do not experience any major side effects from this medication, but sometimes the following may occur.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual weakness. |
| Skin blistering | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Side effects that are usually not dangerous (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Headache | Headache. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
| Insomnia | Difficulty falling asleep at night. |
| Stomach discomfort | Feeling like a burning sensation in the stomach. |
How to store medicine safely?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets . This is a chewable, tasty tablet that children may be tempted to eat. It is dangerous.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Keep away from moisture and excessive heat.
- Dispose of expired medication immediately.
Take-Home Message
- Acetaminophen is a common medicine used to treat fever and pain. It is also known as paracetamol.
- When giving medicine, always give the exact dose prescribed by the doctor, at the correct time. It is especially important to know the appropriate dose for children, especially when giving them to children.
- Most importantly: Never give more than the prescribed dose. Check to see if other cold medicines you take also contain acetaminophen.
- If you suspect an overdose, go to a hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately or call the National Poisons Information Center, even if there are no symptoms.
- Always inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you may have.
Acetaminophen, Paracetamol, Fever medicine, Pain medicine, Fever for children, Chewable tablets
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