Do you also think of a paracetamol pill whenever you have a slight headache, body ache, or feel a slight fever? Many of us call this medicine Paracetamol. But its medical name is Acetaminophen. It comes in different forms - regular tablets, syrups, and tablets that can be chewed in the mouth and dissolved on the tongue. So today we are talking about this medicine, especially some of the most important things that we all need to know when using it.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, acetaminophen is a drug used to relieve mild to moderate pain . It is also used to reduce fever . For example, it can help relieve common headaches, toothaches, muscle aches, and backaches. But it can also be used for other medical conditions. If you have any questions about it, it's best to ask your doctor.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
Before you start taking acetaminophen, it is important to tell your doctor the following information, as you should be very careful when using this medication with these conditions.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you drink alcohol regularly | Taking acetaminophen with alcohol can increase liver damage. |
| If you have liver disease | This medicine can be dangerous for someone with liver disease. You should consult your doctor about the dosage. |
| Phenylketonuria condition | This is a rare genetic condition. Some acetaminophen may contain phenylalanine. So tell your doctor about this. |
| If you have an allergy to something | Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to acetaminophen, other medications, foods, or dyes. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | During these times, it is very important to seek medical advice before taking any medication. |
The correct way to use this medicine
This medicine is taken by mouth. In the case of the dissolving tablets we are talking about, the tablet can be placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve, or it can be chewed and swallowed whole.
The most important thing is to use the medicine exactly as directed on the package or in the instructions provided by your doctor. Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time. Never take more than the prescribed amount or more often than the prescribed amount.
If you give it to children...
Doctors sometimes recommend this medicine to children as young as 2 years old. But there must be special reasons for it, and you must be very careful. If you are giving it to a child, be sure to ask a doctor and give it exactly the dose he or she recommends. Never give medicine to children carelessly.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
This is the most important part of this article.
Taking too much acetaminophen is very dangerous. It can cause serious, even life-threatening, damage to your liver.
If you think you have taken too much medicine, even if you have no symptoms , seek help immediately. You may not feel any discomfort at first, but your liver may be damaged internally. Therefore, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This is very important. Also, this medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else.
Other things to consider when taking the medicine
- If your pain lasts more than 10 days (more than 5 days for children) , if the pain is getting worse, or if you develop a new type of pain, talk to your doctor.
- Also, if you have a fever for more than 3 days, tell your doctor about it.
- Very important: Do not take this with other medicines that contain acetaminophen (e.g., some cough and cold medicines). Before taking a new medicine, read the label carefully to see if it also contains acetaminophen. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, acetaminophen can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, while others are mild.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual fatigue. |
| Skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Tell your doctor if these persist or are bothersome) | |
| Headache, nausea, insomnia, stomach upset | These usually go away, but if they persist, tell your doctor. |
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius).
- Keep away from moisture and excessive heat.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is a medicine used for mild pain and fever.
- Always take only the prescribed dose as directed on the label or by your doctor. Never exceed the recommended dose.
- Check if other medications you are taking (especially cold medications) contain acetaminophen.
- If you have liver disease or if you drink alcohol frequently, talk to your doctor before taking this medication.
- If you suspect you have taken too much medicine, even if there are no symptoms, contact the National Poisons Information Centre immediately or go to the nearest ETU.
- If pain or fever persists, see your doctor.
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