What is Paracetamol?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Pharmacist, Dr. Phan Quynh Lan - Director of Pharmacy Department of Vinmec Health System - Head of Pharmacy Department of Vinmec Times City International Hospital
Although Paracetamol is an over-the-counter drug, patients should still consult a pharmacist before taking the drug to promote its effectiveness and avoid possible negative consequences when using the drug incorrectly.

1. What is Paracetamol?

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is an active ingredient that helps relieve pain and reduce fever, used to treat symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, joint pain, back pain, toothache, cold and fever... pain for mild cases of arthritis but not for more severe inflammatory conditions such as myositis. The usual dosage used is paracetamol 500mg.

2. Warning information when using Paracetamol

According to recommendations, the maximum dose of paracetamol for adults is 1g/time and 4g (4000mg)/day. If used in excess of the prescribed dose can cause serious effects. In case you are using alcoholic beverages daily, the maximum recommended dose is 2g/day.
There are hundreds of medicines containing the active ingredient paracetamol, if you use them together, you can accidentally overdose without knowing it. So read the label of any other medicine you're taking carefully to see if it contains Paracetamol, Acetaminophen, or APAP.
While using the drug, you should avoid drinking alcohol. Because alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage.
Do not use paracetamol if you are allergic to acetaminophen or paracetamol. Pregnant and nursing women can still use paracetamol, so consult a pharmacist before use.

3. How should Paracetamol be used?

Do not use the drug overdose. If you are treating a child, use a child-specific form of paracetamol. Carefully follow the dosing instructions on the medication label. For children under 2 years old, liquid paracetamol will be more suitable.
If using liquid paracetamol, you can measure it with a spoon or a dedicated dosimeter. If you do not have a dosimeter, ask your pharmacist. Before each use, you should shake the liquid gently and follow the instructions on the medicine label.
For paracetamol chewable tablets, must be chewed thoroughly before swallowing.
Make sure your hands are dry when handling the dissolving paracetamol. When you put the tablet on the tip of your tongue, it dissolves immediately. Note that the tablet should not be swallowed whole, but should be allowed to dissolve in the mouth.
To use paracetamol effervescent form, should dissolve a pack of medicine or 1 tablet in at least 100ml - 150ml of water, then stir well and use immediately.
Do not take paracetamol rectally, because it is only for rectal use. The way to use this medicine is to wash your hands thoroughly and put the medicine directly into your anus. Before putting paracetamol in the anus, you should empty your bowels and bladder. In particular, it should be handled quickly once the medicine has been removed to avoid melting the medicine.

3.1 Usual Dosage of Paracetamol

Dosage for fever and pain relief for adults General dose: 325-600mg every 4-6 hours for no more than 4 days
Children's dose for fever and pain relief 10-15mg/kg/dose every 4-6 hours when necessary (maximum: 5 doses in 24 hours), not to exceed 75mg/day.
It is very important to note that paracetamol preparations are very diverse and rich with different concentrations and concentrations, so it is necessary to carefully read the pharmacist's instructions:
Usually:

3.2 Paracetamol side effects

When using paracetamol can cause some of the following allergic reactions:
Allergy, skin rash Pain in the mouth, fever, difficulty breathing Nausea, weight loss, loss of appetite Jaundice, yellow eyes When any symptoms occur If you have any symptoms while taking the drug, stop using it and see a doctor immediately

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Articles refer to sources: webmd.com, Drugs.com.