PARACETAMOL USES _ Know your #DOLO Crocin

This article presents an overview of uses of Paracetamol as a widely used medication. Most common types of ailments for which Paracetamol is used are fever, headaches, muscle aches, toothaches etc. Paracetamol is chemically known as acetaminophen, is a widely used medication known for its pain-relieving and fever-reducing properties. It is available over-the-counter and is recognized as a safe and effective option for managing various types of pain and discomfort by doctors and scientists.

Primary uses of Paracetamol:

Fever Reduction

Pain Relief

Do you know how paracetamol acts in Pain Relief? Mechanism of action of Paracetamol in relieving pain and the Dosage and administration guidelines for pain relief are given in this article. Know How Paracetamol helps in reducing fever along with Conditions or illnesses that often involve fever and the use of Paracetamol (e.g., common cold, flu).

Other things like Paracetamol as a solution for alleviating menstrual pain, Role of Paracetamol in reducing menstrual cramps. Potential side effects or adverse reactions of Paracetamol in addition to Important precautions to take before using Paracetamol (e.g., liver or kidney conditions, interaction with other medications) are mentioned below.

 

I. Introduction

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a widely used medication known for its pain-relieving and fever-reducing properties. It is available over-the-counter and is recognized as a safe and effective option for managing various types of pain and discomfort.

A. Mechanism of Action: Paracetamol works by inhibiting the production of certain chemicals in the body that contribute to pain and inflammation, primarily in the central nervous system.

II. Pain Relief

B. Common Types of Pain: Paracetamol is commonly used to alleviate different types of pain, including headaches, muscle aches, toothaches, and joint pain. It is effective for mild to moderate pain.

C. Dosage and Administration: Proper dosing guidelines should be followed based on the individual’s age, weight, and the severity of the pain. It is important to read and follow the instructions provided on the packaging or consult a healthcare professional for guidance. MORE DOSAGE DETAILS OF PARACETAMOL CLICK HERE

III. Fever Reduction

A. How Paracetamol Helps: Paracetamol is effective in reducing fever by acting on the hypothalamus in the brain, which regulates body temperature. It helps to bring down elevated body temperature.

B. Conditions Involving Fever: Paracetamol is commonly used to manage fever associated with various conditions such as the common cold, flu, and other infections.

C. Proper Dosing Considerations: The dosage of Paracetamol for fever reduction is based on the individual’s age and weight. It is important to follow the recommended dosing intervals and not exceed the maximum daily dose.

Click here for exact dosage details of Paracetamol

IV. Cold and Flu Symptoms

A. Relief of Symptoms: Paracetamol provides relief from common symptoms associated with cold and flu, including headache, sore throat, body aches, and fever. It helps improve overall comfort during the illness.

B. Common Symptoms Addressed: Paracetamol is particularly effective in reducing headache pain and alleviating body aches and sore throat, making it a suitable choice for managing these symptoms.

C. Usage Recommendations: It is advisable to take Paracetamol as directed on the packaging or as recommended by a healthcare professional. It is important to consider other medications being taken and any specific instructions or warnings provided.

V. Menstrual Pain

A. Alleviating Menstrual Pain: Paracetamol is commonly used to relieve menstrual pain and discomfort, including menstrual cramps. It helps reduce the intensity of cramps and provides relief.

B. Role in Reducing Menstrual Cramps: Paracetamol works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are responsible for triggering uterine contractions and causing menstrual cramps.

C. Proper Use and Dosing Guidelines: It is recommended to take Paracetamol at the onset of menstrual pain and follow the recommended dosage instructions. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially for severe or persistent menstrual pain.

VI. Precautions and Considerations

A. Potential Side Effects: Paracetamol is generally safe when used as directed, but it may have side effects in rare cases. These can include allergic reactions or liver damage if taken in excessive doses or with alcohol.

B. Precautions for Specific Conditions: Individuals with liver or kidney conditions, as well as those taking other medications, should exercise caution when using Paracetamol. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it is safe and appropriate.

C. Consulting a Healthcare Professional: If there are any concerns or questions regarding the use of Paracetamol, it is recommended to seek advice from a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

 

Paracetamol uses in Fever


Acetaminophen is used medication for reducing fever and relieving mild to moderate pain. Here are some ways paracetamol is used in the context of fever:

Fever reduction: Paracetamol is widely used to lower fever in both adults and children. It works by acting on the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates body temperature, and helps to bring down elevated body temperature.

Pain relief: Paracetamol can also help alleviate pain associated with fever, such as headaches, muscle aches, and sore throat. It is particularly effective in managing mild to moderate pain.

Symptom relief: In addition to reducing fever and relieving pain, paracetamol can also provide symptomatic relief for other accompanying symptoms of fever, such as chills and discomfort.

 

Paracetamol uses in cough


Paracetamoll, is primarily used to reduce fever and relieve mild to moderate pain. While it may help alleviate discomfort associated with coughing, it does not directly target or treat the underlying causes of a cough.

Coughing is a natural reflex that helps clear the airways of irritants, mucus, or foreign substances. However, if a cough persists or is accompanied by severe symptoms, it is important to identify and address the underlying cause. Common causes of cough include respiratory infections (such as the common cold or flu), allergies, asthma, bronchitis, or even more serious conditions such as pneumonia.

In the case of a cough, it is generally more effective to focus on treating the underlying condition causing the cough rather than relying solely on paracetamol for symptom relief. Over-the-counter cough syrups or expectorants may be more appropriate to help alleviate cough symptoms by loosening mucus or suppressing the cough reflex.

It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance if you have a persistent or severe cough. They can help identify the cause of the cough and recommend appropriate treatment options based on your specific condition.

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, can be used to alleviate tooth pain on a temporary basis until you are able to see a dentist for proper evaluation and treatment. Here’s how paracetamol tablet can be used for tooth pain:

Pain relief: Paracetamol has analgesic properties and can help reduce mild to moderate tooth pain. It works by blocking certain pain signals in the brain.

Fever reduction: Tooth pain can sometimes be accompanied by fever. Paracetamol can help reduce fever if present along with tooth pain.

It’s important to note that paracetamol provides temporary relief and does not treat the underlying cause of the tooth pain. If you are experiencing tooth pain, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible to identify and address the underlying issue.

Additionally, follow the recommended dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer or consult a healthcare professional for guidance on the appropriate dosage based on your age, weight, and overall health condition. It’s essential to use paracetamol responsibly and avoid exceeding the recommended dosage to prevent potential adverse effects.

Please remember that this information is not a substitute for professional dental advice, and it’s important to consult a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment of tooth pain.

Paracetamol tablet uses in pregnancy

The use of paracetamol during pregnancy is generally considered safe when used at the recommended doses. Paracetamol is commonly used to relieve pain and reduce fever in pregnant women. However, it’s always important to consult with a healthcare professional or your obstetrician before taking any medication during pregnancy, including paracetamol.

Here are some key points to consider regarding paracetamol use during pregnancy:

Pain relief: Paracetamol can be used to alleviate mild to moderate pain during pregnancy, such as headaches, muscle aches, or toothaches. It is often recommended as the first-line treatment for pain relief in pregnant women.

Fever reduction: Paracetamol is also effective in reducing fever, which can sometimes occur during pregnancy due to various reasons. Reducing fever is important to maintain the mother’s comfort and prevent any potential complications.

Recommended dosage: When using paracetamol during pregnancy, it’s important to follow the recommended dosage guidelines provided by your healthcare professional or the instructions on the packaging. It is typically considered safe when used at the recommended doses.

Avoid excessive use: It’s crucial to avoid excessive or prolonged use of paracetamol during pregnancy, especially at higher doses than recommended. Taking excessive amounts of paracetamol for an extended period can potentially have adverse effects on the mother and the developing fetus.

Seek medical advice: If you have any concerns or questions about using paracetamol or any other medication during pregnancy, it is always best to consult with your healthcare professional or obstetrician. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and guide you on the appropriate use of medications.

Remember that each pregnancy is unique, and individual circumstances may vary. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure the safe and appropriate use of any medication during pregnancy.


Paracetamol tablet uses in chronic diseases

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is commonly used for pain relief and fever reduction. However, its use in chronic diseases should be approached with caution, and it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice. Here are a few considerations regarding the use of paracetamol tablets in chronic diseases:

Liver disease: Paracetamol is primarily metabolized in the liver, so individuals with liver disease or impaired liver function should use paracetamol with caution. Excessive or prolonged use of high doses can potentially cause liver damage. It’s important to follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate guidance.

Kidney disease: Paracetamol is generally considered safe for individuals with kidney disease when used at recommended doses. However, individuals with severe kidney disease or on dialysis should consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage and monitor kidney function.

Cardiovascular disease: Paracetamol is typically considered safe for individuals with cardiovascular disease. However, certain formulations of paracetamol, such as combination products containing other ingredients like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may have cardiovascular risks. It’s important to read the product label and consult with a healthcare professional before using combination medications.

Other chronic conditions: Paracetamol can be used for pain relief in various chronic conditions, such as arthritis or chronic back pain. However, it is essential to consider any potential interactions with other medications being taken for the specific chronic condition. It’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure the safe and appropriate use of paracetamol in conjunction with other treatments.

In general, it’s important to follow the recommended dosage guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any specific chronic disease or condition. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual health situation and help you determine the appropriate use of paracetamol or other medications.

Paracetamol tablet uses for head ache


Paracetamol is most commonly used for the relief of headache. It is effective in reducing mild to moderate pain, including headaches. Here’s how paracetamol tablets can be used for headache:

Pain relief: Paracetamol works by blocking certain pain signals in the brain, helping to alleviate headache pain. It is particularly effective for tension headaches and mild migraines.

Fever reduction: Paracetamol also has antipyretic properties, which means it can help reduce fever that may sometimes accompany certain types of headaches.

Here are a few important considerations when using paracetamol for headaches:

Dosage: It’s important to follow the recommended dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer or consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate dosing based on your age, weight, and overall health condition.

Combination medications: Paracetamol is often available in combination with other active ingredients, such as caffeine or aspirin. These combination products may provide additional benefits for specific types of headaches, but it’s important to read the product label and consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable option for your specific headache type.

Caution with other medications: If you are taking other medications or have any underlying health conditions, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist to ensure that paracetamol does not interact with any other medications you are currently taking.

It’s important to note that while paracetamol can help provide temporary relief from headache pain, it does not address the underlying causes of recurrent or severe headaches. If you experience frequent or severe headaches, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management.

Caution 🙏 Pleas eremember that this information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific concerns or questions about using paracetamol for headaches, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance

Use of paracetamol for periods/Menstrual Stomach Pain

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) can be used to alleviate pain associated with menstrual periods, such as menstrual cramps or discomfort. Here’s how paracetamol can be used for period pain:

Pain relief: Paracetamol is an effective analgesic and can help reduce mild to moderate pain commonly experienced during menstrual periods. It works by blocking certain pain signals in the brain.

Menstrual cramps: Paracetamol can help alleviate menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea. These cramps are caused by the release of certain chemicals called prostaglandins, which cause the uterus to contract. Paracetamol can help reduce the intensity of these cramps and provide relief.

When using paracetamol for period pain, it’s important to follow the recommended dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer or consult with a healthcare professional. It’s generally advisable to start taking paracetamol as soon as the symptoms begin and continue as necessary, while not exceeding the recommended dosage.

It’s worth noting that if you consistently experience severe menstrual pain that significantly affects your daily activities or quality of life, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional. They can help assess your symptoms, rule out any underlying conditions, and provide appropriate management options.

Remember, while paracetamol can help alleviate period pain, it does not address the underlying cause of menstrual discomfort. It is important to practice good self-care during your menstrual cycle, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying hydrated, applying heat to the abdomen, and practicing relaxation techniques.

 

 Conclusion

In summary, Paracetamol is a versatile medication used for pain relief, fever reduction, managing cold

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a widely used medication with several applications. Here are some common uses of paracetamol:

  1. Pain relief: Paracetamol is commonly used to alleviate mild to moderate pain, including headaches, toothaches, muscle aches, back pain, and menstrual pain.
  2. Fever reduction: Paracetamol is effective in reducing fever, making it useful for managing fever associated with illnesses such as the common cold, flu, or other infections.
  3. Cold and flu symptoms: Paracetamol can help relieve symptoms commonly experienced during cold and flu, such as headache, sore throat, and body aches.
  4. Post-vaccination discomfort: Paracetamol is sometimes recommended for managing pain or discomfort at the injection site following certain vaccinations.

If you have any concerns or questions about using paracetamol for pain or need further guidance, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice

Paracetamol || Child Adults Dosage Weight Calculator || Uses || Side Effects || Structure

Paracetamol Dosage - Children 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 years

Paracetamol Dosage By Weight Child

The correct dose of paracetamol for a child depends on their weight. The usual dose is 15 mg per kilogram of weight. In other words, if a baby weighs 10 kg it should have 10 x 15mg, which is 150 mg. This dose can be taken once every 4 to 6 hours, up to 4 times in 24 hours if needed.

Maximum Dose Of Paracetamol For Child

For children without underlying medical conditions, or with underlying medical conditions that are not inflammatory in nature, beginning treatment with oral paracetamol is preferred because of its long track record of safety.
The correct dose of paracetamol for a child depends on their weight. The usual dose is 15 mg per kilogram of weight.
You should not exceed the recommended dose except on the advice of your doctor. No child should take a total of more than 60 mg per kilogram of their body weight in a day.

Paracetamol tablet dosage for 10 year old:

Example of calculating a paracetamol dose:

A boy, aged 10 years, weighing 67 kg presents with myalgia of a suspected viral cause. You prescribe paracetamol for management at home. The calculation for paracetamol dosing is 15 mg × 67 kg = 1005 mg , however, you round this down to the maximum adult dose of 1 g, which is prescribed as 20 mL of a 250 mg/5 mL formulation, every four to six hours with no more than four doses every 24 hours.

Paracetamol Dosage Weight Calculator

Paracetamol is a medicine that is commonly used in children and adults which is available without a prescription. The main uses of paracetamol are for relief of pain and for reducing a fever.
Paracetamol Dosage By Weight Adults

Paracetamol Dosage - Children 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 years

Paracetamol Side Effects:

Paracetamol is one of the most commonly used ‘over-the-counter’ medicines, especially for the minor illnesses suffered by many children. But it is not always used in the correct dosage, which may make it less effective or dangerous.

Reasons Side Effects with paracetamol included:

  1. Exceeding recommended doses
  2. Too frequent dosing
  3. Prolonged dosing (up to 24 days in one case)

Paracetamol rarely causes side-effects when it is taken as recommended, but if you experience any symptoms which you think may be due to it, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

Paracetamol Contraindications:

Paracetamol overdose can result in liver damage and, at very high dosages, can be fatal.

Some people need to take extra care with paracetamol. Like :

If you have had an allergic reaction to paracetemol or any other medicines in the past
If you have liver or kidney problems
If you regularly drink more than the maximum recommended amount of alcohol (14 units a week)
If you take medicine for epilepsy
If you take medicine for tuberculosis (TB)
If you take the blood-thinner warfarin and you may need to take paracetamol on a regular basis

Paracetamol Indication:

Too much paracetamol is very harmful to the liver.

If you realise you have had too much (including other products with paracetamol in it), call your doctor, nurse or the Poisons Centre 0800 POISON (0800 764 766) immediately.
Older people are most at risk so take extra care.
Do NOT wait for signs of an overdose as these appear late when the damage to the liver is already done.

Late signs may include:

  • nausea or vomiting
  • diarrhoea,
  • yellow skin or eyes,
  • poor appetite,
  • confusion or extreme sleepiness.

paracetamol dosage weight calculator:

Maximum dose of paracetamol for Adults:

Do not take more than 4 grams in 24 hours. This equates to 8 x 500 mg tablets, or 6 X 665 mg tablets per day.
Keep track of the timing of the doses and check when it was last taken before taking it again.

Paracetamol tablet dosage for children:

The oral dose of paracetamol for children aged 1 month to 18 years is:

15 mg/kg per dose, to a maximum of 1 g per dose, every four to six hours, with a maximum of 60 mg/kg daily, without exceeding 4 g daily

paracetamol dosage by weight adults

Paracetamol Dosage for Infants:

For children aged 6 months-1 year: 120 mg every 4-6 hours up to a maximum of four doses daily.
For children aged 3-5 months: 60 mg every 4-6 hours up to a maximum of four doses daily.
For children aged 2 months following immunization: 60 mg, repeated once after 4-6 hours if needed.

Paracetamol Dosage for Toddlers:

For children aged 2-3 years: 180 mg every 4-6 hours up to a maximum of four doses daily.
For children aged 6 months-1 year: 120 mg every 4-6 hours up to a maximum of four doses daily.

Paracetamol Uses:

Paracetamol is Used for Pain and fever (high temperature) in adults and children. Available as Tablet, capsule, soluble tablet, ‘melt-in-the-mouth’ tablet, oral liquid, oral liquid sachets, suppository and injection

FOR MORE DETAILS OF USES OF PARACETAMOL CLICK

Paracetamol 500mg Dosage

Generally 3 times a day or 500 mg 6hrs

Paracetamol Dosage For 12 Year Old

Paracetamol Dosage Calculator Adults:

The usual dose in adults is 500 mg to 1 gram (1 or 2 tablets) every 4 to 6 hours when required for pain.

Paracetamol can be safely used by adults including pregnant women but there is a limit to the amount of paracetamol that can be safely taken in a 24-hour period. Taking more than the daily limit is very harmful to the liver. For adults the usual maximum dose is 4 grams per day. This may be less if you are frail or elderly.

Paracetamol tablets are available in two strengths — 500 mg tablets or 665 mg tablets.
The 665 mg tablets are used for osteoarthritis

Paracetamol 500mg

Paracetamol is used for relief of pain and Fever. Analgesic and Anti Pyretic. Paracetamol has analgesic (pain relief) and antipyretic(reduces fever) but no anti-inflammatory activity; it is less irritant to the stomach than Ibuprofen.
It will not cause drowsiness or cause your child to sleep. It can be used for children and babies over 3 months old. Younger babies must see the doctor.
Paracetamol is highly lipid-soluble and has a relatively short half life of 2–2.5 hours.2 Following oral administration, paracetamol is rapidly absorbed across the mucosa of the duodenum and into the bloodstream where it is mainly metabolised by the liver.

Paracetamol Dosage By Weight Child Adult pdf

Recommended doses of paracetamol are:

 

  • For adults and children aged 16 years and older: 500 mg-1 g every 4-6 hours up to a maximum of 4 g daily.
  • For children aged 12-15 years: 480-750 mg every 4-6 hours up to a maximum of four doses daily.
  • For children aged 10-11 years: 480-500 mg every 4-6 hours up to a maximum of four doses daily.
  • For children aged 8-9 years: 360-375 mg every 4-6 hours up to a maximum of four doses daily.
  • For children aged 6-7 years: 240-250 mg every 4-6 hours up to a maximum of four doses daily.
  • For children aged 4-5 years: 240 mg every 4-6 hours up to a maximum of four doses daily.
  • For children aged 2-3 years: 180 mg every 4-6 hours up to a maximum of four doses daily.
  • For children aged 6 months-1 year: 120 mg every 4-6 hours up to a maximum of four doses daily.
  • For children aged 3-5 months: 60 mg every 4-6 hours up to a maximum of four doses daily.
  • For children aged 2 months following immunization: 60 mg, repeated once after 4-6 hours if needed.

Paracetamol Tablet

Food Interactions to Paracetamol: 🙄 

Avoid alcohol (may increase risk of hepatotoxicity).
Take without regard to meals.

Pharmacodynamics of Paracetamol: 😆 

Acetaminophen (USAN) or Paracetamol (INN) is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug that is used for the relief of fever, headaches, and other minor aches and pains. It is a major ingredient in numerous cold and flu medications and many prescription analgesics. It is extremely safe in standard doses, but because of its wide availability, deliberate or accidental overdoses are not uncommon. Acetaminophen, unlike other common analgesics such as aspirin and ibuprofen, has no anti-inflammatory properties or effects on platelet function, and it is not a member of the class of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. At therapeutic doses acetaminophen does not irritate the lining of the stomach nor affect blood coagulation, kidney function, or the fetal ductus arteriosus (as NSAIDs can). Like NSAIDs and unlike opioid analgesics, acetaminophen does not cause euphoria or alter mood in any way. Acetaminophen and NSAIDs have the benefit of being completely free of problems with addiction, dependence, tolerance and withdrawal. Acetaminophen is used on its own or in combination with pseudoephedrine, dextromethorphan, chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, codeine, hydrocodone, or oxycodone.

Pharmacology and Mechanism of action of Paracetamol:

Acetaminophen is thought to act primarily in the CNS, increasing the pain threshold by inhibiting both isoforms of cyclooxygenase, COX-1, COX-2, and COX-3 enzymes involved in prostaglandin (PG) synthesis. Unlike NSAIDs, acetaminophen does not inhibit cyclooxygenase in peripheral tissues and, thus, has no peripheral anti-inflammatory affects. While aspirin acts as an irreversible inhibitor of COX and directly blocks the enzyme’s active site, studies have found that acetaminophen indirectly blocks COX, and that this blockade is ineffective in the presence of peroxides. This might explain why acetaminophen is effective in the central nervous system and in endothelial cells but not in platelets and immune cells which have high levels of peroxides. Studies also report data suggesting that acetaminophen selectively blocks a variant of the COX enzyme that is different from the known variants COX-1 and COX-2. This enzyme is now referred to as COX-3. Its exact mechanism of action is still poorly understood, but future research may provide further insight into how it works. The antipyretic properties of acetaminophen are likely due to direct effects on the heat-regulating centres of the hypothalamus resulting in peripheral vasodilation, sweating and hence heat dissipation.

Paracetamol Structure

Paracetamol 3D Structure -Tablet Acetaminophen composition Paracetamol Structure -Acetaminophen chemical structure

paracetamol 125 mg dosage

Paracetamol dosage for 12 year old

Paracetamol dose for children aged 12-15 years: 480-750 mg every 4-6 hours up to a maximum of four doses daily.