Let us start with ACETAMINOPHEN, also known as PARACETAMOL.
What are the forms in which this medicine is available?
Paracetamol is available as Tablet, capsule, soluble tablet, oral liquid, suppository and injection.
Common brand names of this medicine are DOLO, TYLENOL, PANADOL, CALPOL etc.
Apart from used alone, Paracetamol is also used in combination with many other medicines.
Why should I take this medicine?
This tablet is generally taken as a fever reducer and for pain relief.
You are considered to be feverish if your temperature goes above 98.60F. This can occur in case of infections (viral or bacterial).
However an important point to be noted is that Paracetamol DOES NOT reduce normal temperature to below normal except in case of overdosing/poisoning. So if you were caught in the rain or suspect an impending flu, taking the tablet as a precautionary measure DOES NOT work. Take the tablet ONLY if you have raised temperature.
How much should I take?
Recommended adult dose (above 12 years) is 500mg to 1gm every 4 to 6 hours ( maximum of 4gm per day ie, maximum 4 doses per day)
As for kids and those with kidney or liver failure, the dose is adjustment as per age, laboratory tests and body weight. Hence a direct consultation with a doctor is necessary.
When should I take this medicine?
The tablet can be taken before or after food. Most prefer to take it after food to reduce any mild discomfort that the drug may cause.
When should I NOT take this medicine?
· If you are pregnant or breast feeding. Though paracetamol is considered to be a safe medicine in pregnancy, always consult your gynecologist before taking any medication during pregnancy
· If you are a chronic alcoholic or have liver diseases, the medicine can cause dangerous effects due to its accumulation in the body.
· If you are already on other medications, consult your pharmacist or doctor before adding paracetamol too.
· If you ever had an allergic reaction to the medicine
Can this medicine cause any side effects?
Paracetamol is one of the safer drugs with minimal side effects.
Rarely you can get an allergic reaction to this medicine with symptoms like skin rash, flaking skin, boils, sore lips and mouth, swelling of the face, fever.
However, if symptoms of sudden wheezing, fluttering or tightness of the chest or collapse. bruising more easily, sore throat or other signs of infection, severe pain in the abdomen and back, with fever are seen, consult a doctor ASAP.
What happens if I overdose on this medicine?
If you take more than 4 gm of paracetamol within a 24 hour interval, it can cause harm to your liver and even death.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
· Abdominal pain
· Appetite loss
· Coma
· Convulsions
· Diarrhea
· Irritability
· Jaundice
· Nausea
· Sweating
· Upset stomach
· Vomiting
Note: Symptoms may not occur until 12 or more hours after the acetaminophen was swallowed. So seek immediate help if you ingested more than 4 gm of this medicine in a day, EVEN if u feel well.
What can I do if I miss a dose?
As paracetamol is a “take when needed medicine”, you can take it as soon as you remember or if it is time for your next dose, you can skip the missed one altogether.
How should I store this medicine?
· Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
· Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
· Do not use after the expiry date (month, year) on the label and carton
