When in pain or with a fever, the first medicine that most people think of is paracetamol. This is because it effectively relieves mild pain, such as a headache or toothache, and can also reduce fever from a cold or flu. Most people can take paracetamol without any harmful side effects. However, because of its widespread use, paracetamol is the leading cause of drug-induced hepatitis and acute liver failure, according to data in the United States.

Different types of paracetamol

Paracetamol comes in many forms, such as:

• Tablets or capsules
• Children’s liquid medicine
• Water soluble tablets
• Vaginal suppositories
• Intravenous solution

Who can use paracetamol?

Paracetamol is safe for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children over 2 months of age. However, สมัครสมาชิก UFABET วันนี้ รับเครดิตฟรีทุกวัน people with health problems should consult a doctor before starting to use the drug, especially those with the following health problems:

• Liver disease, kidney disease
• Long-term alcohol addiction
• Low weight
• Currently taking other medications

If you have had an allergic reaction to paracetamol, you should not use the drug again and should ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice on an alternative drug.

How to take paracetamol

The medicine should be used according to the directions on the package or the drug label, or as advised by your doctor, using the smallest amount that will give the desired effect.

The appropriate dosage for each person depends on various factors such as the user’s age and weight, the type of paracetamol used, and the potency of the drug.

• Adults can take one paracetamol tablet (500 mg) every 4-6 hours, but should not exceed 4 grams (or the equivalent of 8 500 mg paracetamol tablets) in a 24-hour period. 
• Children under 16 years of age should take a smaller amount of paracetamol than adults, based on their age or weight. You can see the instructions on the box, the drug package insert, or ask your pharmacist or doctor for the appropriate amount. Young children can take liquid medicine using a measuring spoon or syringe.  

After taking paracetamol, it starts to work within 1 hour and will provide relief for several hours. If symptoms persist, you can continue taking the medication, but do not exceed the prescribed amount. Be careful not to take other medications that may contain paracetamol (such as antipyretics) at the same time.

Adults can take ibuprofen with paracetamol if necessary, but it is not recommended for children. If the pain worsens or lasts more than 3 days, see your doctor for proper examination and treatment.

Is it safe to take paracetamol with other medicines, food or alcohol?

There is currently no evidence that taking paracetamol with food or alcohol can cause any problems. However, it is best to eat or drink alcohol in moderation, not too much. Before taking paracetamol with other medicines, read the package insert or ask your pharmacist or doctor first. Taking paracetamol with some medicines can cause unwanted effects, reduced effectiveness, and a higher risk of side effects.

Taking paracetamol with the following medicines can be dangerous. 

• Warfarin anticoagulant 
• Carbamazepine anticonvulsant 
• Cholestyramine relieves itchy skin rashes due to primary biliary cirrhosis. 
• Cancer drugs Imatinib, Busulfan 
• Ketoconazole antifungal 
• Lixisenatide for type 2 diabetes patients 
• Metoclopramide relieves nausea and vomiting. 
• Phenobarbital, phenytoin, and primidone, which help control seizures.

What are the side effects of paracetamol?

In very rare cases, paracetamol may cause the following side effects:

• Have a rash or swelling due to an allergic reaction
• Red skin, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate from intravenous paracetamol.
• Blood diseases such as neutropenia, thrombocytopenia
• Liver and kidney damage can be life-threatening.