When you have a fever, a headache, or a body ache, what is the first medicine that comes to your mind? Most of the time, it's Paracetamol, right? Another name for this medicine that we all know and use is Acetaminophen. This medicine comes in the form of tablets and as an oral powder. So today, let's talk about this acetaminophen powder medicine, how to use it, and what things to be careful about.
What exactly is Acetaminophen?
Simply put, acetaminophen is a drug that we use to relieve mild to moderate pain and fever . Paracetamol, which is very popular among us, is also used for this purpose. It provides good relief from headaches, toothaches, muscle aches, and body aches that come with colds.
When it comes in a powder form, it is easier to use, especially for those who have difficulty swallowing pills and for some children. These can be found in brands like Tylenol.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before taking any medication, it is very important to inform your doctor about your health condition. Especially if you are taking acetaminophen, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| The situation that affects you | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| If you drink alcohol regularly | Taking acetaminophen (paracetamol) with alcohol greatly increases the risk of serious damage to your liver. |
| If you have liver disease | The liver helps remove this medicine from the body. If the liver is weak, the medicine can accumulate in the body and become toxic. |
| If you have an allergy to acetaminophen or anything else | If you have previously had an allergy to this medicine, another medicine, food, or a preservative, you should tell us about it. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Any medication should only be taken during pregnancy on the advice of a doctor. So be sure to inform your doctor about this. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | A small amount of the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. Therefore, talk to your doctor and get advice. |
How exactly do you use this drug?
This is very easy to use.
1. Read the instructions on the medicine packet carefully.
2. Place the powder directly on your tongue .
3. No water is needed, it melts right on the tongue.
4. Most importantly: Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time. Do not take the medicine again within 4-6 hours. Never take more than the amount prescribed by your doctor or on the package.
When given to small children?
Although this can be given to children over 6 years of age in some cases, it is important to consult a doctor before giving any medicine to a child, especially to find out the correct dosage based on the child's weight.
Warning! What to do if you overdose?
If you think you or someone else has taken too much of this medicine, don't delay . Even if you don't have any symptoms, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. You can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. An overdose of acetaminophen can be fatal to the liver.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
Don't worry. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose for any reason.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Some medications and other things can react with acetaminophen and cause adverse effects.
- Alcohol: As we said before, this is the most dangerous. The damage to the liver is very high.
- Imatinib, Isoniazid: These are medications used for other diseases. Tell your doctor if you are taking these medications.
- Other medications containing acetaminophen (paracetamol): This is a common mistake that many people make. Your cold medicine, cough syrup, and other pain relievers may also contain acetaminophen. If you take these together without reading the label carefully, you could end up with a dangerous overdose without even realizing it.
Imagine you have a fever, cough, and body aches. You take a paracetamol powder for your body aches. Then you drink a syrup from the pharmacy that is said to be for coughs. That syrup may also contain paracetamol. Then you take two doses of paracetamol at once. This is very dangerous. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, even vitamins.
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
- If your pain lasts more than 10 days (more than 5 days for a child), gets worse, or if you have a new type of pain, see a doctor.
- If the fever lasts more than 3 days , tell a doctor.
- Always read the label on your medication. Check to see if any other medications contain acetaminophen. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
Most people do not experience any major side effects from this medication, but it is important to be aware of the possible side effects.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, and extreme fatigue. |
| Severe skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Headache | Headache |
| Nausea | Nausea |
| Difficulty falling asleep | Trouble sleeping |
| Stomach discomfort | Upset stomach |
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep it high and out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Never use expired medications . Dispose of them safely. When disposing of medications, it is safer to mix them with something like used tea leaves or coffee grounds before putting them in the trash, put them in a sealed container, and then dispose of them.
Take-Home Message
- Acetaminophen is the same as the paracetamol we commonly know.
- Always take this medicine exactly as directed on the package or by your doctor. Never take more than the recommended dose.
- Always read the label to see if any other cough, cold, or pain relievers you take also contain acetaminophen.
- If you have liver disease or if you drink alcohol frequently, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking this medication.
- If you have the slightest suspicion of overdose, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately, even if you are not showing symptoms.
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