When we think of fever and body aches, the most common medicine that comes to our mind is paracetamol. So, another name for this medicine called paracetamol is Acetaminophen. Now this medicine comes in the market not only as tablets, but also as a syrup to make it easier to give to children, and also as flavored, chewable gums (gummies) or soft chews. Although these are easy to use, they can also be dangerous if not used properly and with proper knowledge. So today, let's talk about these Acetaminophen gummies.
Why is Acetaminophen used?
Simply put, this is a painkiller used for two main purposes.
1. Reduce common and mild pain. For example, headaches, toothaches, and body aches.
2. Reduce fever.
These are the main uses, but sometimes doctors may prescribe this medicine for other medical reasons as well.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you or your child uses this medicine, it is important to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below. This is very important.
- Liver disease: It is very risky to use this medicine if you have any liver disease.
- If you are a frequent drinker: Combining acetaminophen with alcohol can cause serious liver damage.
- Diabetes: Some types of gummies may contain sugar and may affect diabetics.
- High blood pressure.
- If you have an allergy to acetaminophen or other medicines, foods, or dyes.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
It is very important for your safety to provide this information to your doctor.
How exactly do you use this?
Even though this is a gummy, don't think of it as a candy. This is medicine.
Most importantly: This should be chewed completely and swallowed. Do not try to swallow it whole.
Read the instructions on the medicine package carefully. Usually, this type of medicine is recommended for people over 12 years of age. If you are giving it to children under that age, be sure to ask your doctor and only give the dosage he or she recommends.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdose) - This is very dangerous!
An accidental overdose is a medical emergency . Acetaminophen overdose can cause serious, even life-threatening, liver damage.
If you have the slightest suspicion that you or someone else has overdosed, even if there are no symptoms, there are two things you should do immediately:
1. Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
2. Or call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital .
Remember, liver damage may not show any symptoms in the first few hours, so don't delay seeking help.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Acetaminophen is a drug that can interact with some other medications and foods you are taking. It is important to be aware of this.
| The material that is likely to collide | Why is it risky? |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | The damage to the liver can be very high. |
| Other medicines containing acetaminophen (paracetamol) | There is a high risk of unintentionally taking an overdose of medication. Some medications used for fever and colds also contain paracetamol. |
| Medicines like Imatinib and Isoniazid | These are specific medications given for conditions like cancer and tuberculosis. Be sure to consult your doctor about taking acetaminophen with these. |
Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all medications, vitamins, traditional medicines, and supplements you are taking.
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.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Liver injury | Abdominal pain under the right rib cage, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, and extreme fatigue. |
| Serious skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| 🙂 Usually not serious (but if it persists, tell your doctor ) | |
| Common side effects |
|
Where is the medicine kept safely?
Since this looks like a delicacy, special consideration should be given to the safety of children.
- Keep it locked up, out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep at a temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (20-25 C).
- Dispose of expired medication immediately.
Take-Home Message
- Acetaminophen is the same as the paracetamol we all know. Gummy is just one form of its delivery.
- Overdose is very dangerous. It can cause permanent liver damage. If in doubt, go to the ETU immediately.
- Check the label to see if any other fever and cold medications you are taking also contain acetaminophen/paracetamol.
- Chew these gummies completely and swallow them whole. Do not swallow them whole.
- If you have liver disease or if you drink alcohol frequently, it is essential to talk to your doctor before taking this medication.
- If you have any doubts, do not make decisions alone, but ask your doctor.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න