Many of us have a habit of grabbing a packet of painkillers from the nearest pharmacy when we have a headache, body aches, or a slight fever and drinking them in a glass of water. These are very popular because they provide quick relief. But how many of us know exactly what is in this medicine packet, how it affects our body, and what precautions we should take while using it? Today, we will talk about these painkillers that many people use but do not know exactly.
What is this medicine? Let's understand it simply.
This is actually a combination of two types of painkillers.
1. Acetaminophen: This is what we all know as Paracetamol. It mainly helps reduce pain and fever.
2. Aspirin: This also reduces pain and fever. It also helps reduce inflammation and joint pain (arthritis).
Simply put, a powder made by combining these two medicines provides quick relief from mild to moderate pain, fever, and swelling.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This is very important . Before you take this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. Because this medicine is not suitable for everyone.
| Health condition or habit | Why should you tell the doctor ? (Simply) |
|---|---|
| Asthma or other respiratory diseases | Aspirin can worsen asthma symptoms in some people. |
| Bleeding disorders | Aspirin reduces blood clotting, which increases the risk of bleeding. |
| Frequent drinking | The risk of liver and stomach damage is very high when this medication is taken with alcohol. |
| Kidney disease | This medication may affect people with poor kidney function. |
| Liver disease | Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is mostly metabolized in the liver. If the liver is weak, it can be damaged. |
| Stomach bleeding or ulcers | Aspirin increases the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It can have adverse effects on the baby, especially during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. |
| Breast-feeding | Medication can pass into breast milk, so you should always ask your doctor. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | If you have allergies to acetaminophen, aspirin, or other pain relievers, it is very important to tell your doctor. |
How should I use this medicine?
The way it is used is also a little different. It usually comes in powder form. All you have to do is open the powder packet and place it directly on your tongue and let it dissolve . Then drink some water. Follow the directions on the medicine label exactly. You can take it before or after meals. However, if you feel upset, it is better to take it with some food. Never use more than the prescribed dose.
Most importantly: This medicine is not meant to be taken continuously every day. It should only be used when necessary, especially when there is pain or fever.
Special information about children and adults
- Children: Although this medicine can be given to children over the age of 12 in some special cases, you should definitely talk to a doctor about it.
- People over 65: Older people's bodies may react more severely to this medication, so they may need a lower dose than usual.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not delay . Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. If you suspect you have taken too much, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms, it is safest to seek medical advice.
Other things that should not be taken with this medicine and that may cause interactions
This painkiller may interact with other medications you are taking, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal products).
| Do not take this medicine with any other medicine. | |
|---|---|
| Medicines such as Abrocitinib, Cidofovir, Defibrotide, Ketorolac, Probenecid. (Since these are medicines given for specific medical conditions, your doctor should be aware of them if you are taking them). | |
| Use with caution (interactions may occur) | |
| Alcohol | Greatly increases the risk of liver and stomach damage. |
| Blood thinners (e.g. Warfarin, Apixaban) | Aspirin also thins the blood, which greatly increases the risk of bleeding. |
| Some medications for diabetes | May affect blood sugar levels. |
| Other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) | Because aspirin is also an NSAID, it increases the risk of side effects such as stomach ulcers. |
| Steroids (e.g. Prednisone) | Increases the risk of stomach bleeding. |
Warnings to be aware of when taking this medicine
1. Risk to the liver (due to paracetamol)
This medicine contains acetaminophen (paracetamol). If you accidentally take other medicines containing paracetamol (e.g. some cold medicines) at the same time, it can cause serious liver damage . Therefore, always read the label of the medicines you take. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
2. Stomach bleeding and ulcers (due to aspirin)
Aspirin can damage the protective lining of the stomach, causing stomach inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding. This can happen without warning . This risk increases with smoking, alcohol consumption, and aging.
If you experience symptoms such as severe stomach pain, vomiting blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds, or passing black or bloody stools , seek medical advice immediately.
3. Serious skin allergies
Rarely, serious skin reactions may occur, even weeks after starting this medicine. If you experience fever, body aches, red or purple blisters, peeling, or peeling skin, see a doctor immediately.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Bleeding symptoms | Black stools, vomiting blood/coffee grounds, dark brown/red urine, red/purple spots on the skin. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the eyes/skin, dark yellow/brown urine, unusual fatigue. |
| Symptoms of kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, and feet. |
| Hearing problems | Hearing loss, ringing in the ears. |
| Usually nothing to worry about (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Headache, nausea, stomach upset, loss of appetite, insomnia. | |
Take-Home Message
- Before using these painkillers, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- These are not daily medications. Take them only when needed , in the prescribed dosage, when you have pain or fever.
- Avoid taking other medicines containing paracetamol with this medicine. It can cause liver damage.
- If you experience symptoms such as stomach pain, black stools, or vomiting blood, it could be a sign of stomach bleeding. Seek medical advice immediately.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use these without consulting your doctor.
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