Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a widely used analgesic (painkiller) and antipyretic (fever reducer). It is effective in treating mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, and joint pain. Additionally, paracetamol helps reduce fever, making it a common ingredient in many over-the-counter cold and flu medications. It works by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the brain that signal pain and fever. Paracetamol is generally safe when taken as directed, but it is important not to exceed the recommended dose to avoid potential liver damage.
Dr Sarah Thornton MbChB, Coaching Academy diploma with distinction
Medical coaching
What is Paracetamol?
Paracetamol is a type of medicine known as an analgesic, commonly referred to as a painkiller. Paracetamol 500mg tablets are suitable for treating mild to moderate aches and pains, as well as high temperatures in individuals over the age of 10 years.
Paracetamol is highly effective in reducing pain and fevers, which is why it is included in many over-the-counter and prescription painkillers, as well as cold and flu medications.
You must not take paracetamol tablets with any other medicines that contain paracetamol. It is essential to read all Patient Information Leaflets thoroughly before starting any new medication.
What is the active ingredient in Paracetamol?
The active ingredient is paracetamol. Each tablet and soluble tablet contains 500mg of paracetamol.
What is Paracetamol used for?
What is Paracetamol Used For?
Paracetamol 500mg tablets are used to treat mild to moderate pain in children and adults over the age of 10.
Paracetamol is the most commonly used painkiller in the UK and is effective in reducing pain associated with the following conditions:
Toothache
Headache
Period pain
Joint and muscle pain
Post-operative pain
Paracetamol is also highly effective in reducing high temperatures, which are often symptoms of cold and flu. It can also help lower high temperatures caused by mild infections. However, if you think you have a fever caused by an infection, you must speak to a doctor about your treatment options, as paracetamol does not help clear infections.
Paracetamol for Kids
Paracetamol tablets and soluble tablets contain 500mg of the active ingredient paracetamol. These tablets should not be given to anyone under the age of 10 years. For children between 10-15 years old, they can take 1 tablet every 4-6 hours.
For the treatment of pain and fever in younger children, other formulations and dosages are available. Consult a healthcare professional for appropriate options.
How does Paracetamol work?
Paracetamol is believed to work directly on the central nervous system, reducing pain signals that travel up the spinal cord to the brain. By interfering with these signals, paracetamol helps to alleviate the sensation of pain.
Additionally, paracetamol, like other painkillers such as ibuprofen, is thought to prevent the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals naturally produced by the body in response to pain and fever. By decreasing their production, paracetamol reduces both pain sensations and body temperature, providing effective relief from discomfort and fever.
Paracetamol's dual action on the central nervous system and prostaglandin production makes it a widely used and effective treatment for various types of pain, including headaches, toothaches, period pain, and pain from minor injuries or surgeries. Its ability to reduce fever also makes it a common choice for treating symptoms of colds, flu, and other mild infections.
How do you take Paracetamol?
Dosage Instructions:
Do not take more than the recommended dose.
If you need to use this medicine for more than three days at a time, consult your doctor.
Adults and Children Over 16:
The usual dose is 2 tablets.
Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water.
Wait at least 4 hours before taking another dose.
Do not take more than 4 doses in any 24-hour period.
Use in Children Aged 10 to 15:
Take one tablet every four to six hours when necessary, up to a maximum of four doses in 24 hours.
Use in Children Under 10:
Paracetamol 500mg Tablets should not be given to children under 10 years of age.
If You Take More Paracetamol Than You Should:
Talk to a doctor immediately if you take too much of this medicine, even if you feel well. Excessive paracetamol can cause delayed, serious liver damage.
Remember to take any remaining tablets and the packaging with you so the doctor knows what you have taken.
If You Forget to Take Paracetamol:
If you forget to take a dose at the right time, take it as soon as you remember. However, do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. Ensure you leave at least 4 hours between doses.
Who should not take Paracetamol?
Do not take paracetamol and inform your doctor if:
You are allergic to the active substance or any other ingredients in your medicine. Signs of an allergic reaction include a rash, breathing problems, and swelling of the legs, arms, face, throat, or tongue.
Children:
Paracetamol 500mg Tablets must not be given to children under 10 years of age.
Do not take paracetamol if any of the above conditions apply to you. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking paracetamol.
Warnings and Precautions:Take special care and check with your doctor before taking paracetamol if:
You have severe kidney or liver problems.
You have a liver problem caused by alcohol.
If you are unsure if any of the above conditions apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.
Other Medicines and Paracetamol:
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including those obtained without a prescription, including herbal medicines. Paracetamol can interact with some medications and affect how they work, and some medications can affect how paracetamol works.
While taking paracetamol, do not take any other medicines containing paracetamol, including some painkillers, cough and cold remedies, and a wide range of other medicines available from your doctor or in shops.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking:
Flucloxacillin (antibiotic), due to a serious risk of blood and fluid abnormality (high anion gap metabolic acidosis) that requires urgent treatment, particularly in cases of severe renal impairment, sepsis, malnutrition, chronic alcoholism, and if the maximum daily doses of paracetamol are used.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
Medicines used to thin the blood, such as warfarin.
Metoclopramide or domperidone - used to relieve nausea or vomiting.
Colestyramine - used for lowering blood cholesterol levels.
If you are unsure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking paracetamol.
Taking Paracetamol with Alcohol:
You should not drink alcohol while taking these tablets, as it can increase the risk of side effects.
Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding:
Consult your doctor before taking these tablets if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, plan to get pregnant, are breast-feeding, or plan to breast-feed.
If necessary, paracetamol can be used during pregnancy. Use the lowest possible dose that reduces your pain and/or fever and for the shortest time possible. Contact your doctor or midwife if the pain and/or fever are not reduced or if you need to take the medicine more often.
What are the side effects of Paracetamol?
Like all medicines, this medication can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The following side effects may occur:
Stop taking paracetamol and seek immediate medical attention if:
You experience swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, or throat, which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing. You might also notice an itchy, lumpy rash (hives) or nettle rash (urticaria). This may indicate an allergic reaction to paracetamol.
You develop serious skin reactions. Although very rare, cases have been reported.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects become serious or persist for more than a few days:
You experience infections or bruise more easily than usual. This could be due to a blood problem (such as agranulocytosis, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia). This side effect has occurred in a few people taking paracetamol.
Reporting of Side Effects: If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Does Paracetamol interact with any other medicines?
Paracetamol can interact with various medications, which may affect how it works or increase the risk of side effects. It is essential to inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products.
Common Drug Interactions:
Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants):
Warfarin: Taking paracetamol regularly with warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding. Occasional use is generally safe, but long-term use should be monitored by a healthcare professional.
Medicines for Nausea and Vomiting:
Metoclopramide and Domperidone: These can increase the absorption rate of paracetamol, leading to faster relief of symptoms but potentially higher risk of side effects.
Cholesterol-Lowering Medicines:
Colestyramine: This can reduce the absorption of paracetamol, making it less effective. It's best to take these medications several hours apart.
Medicines for Epilepsy:
Carbamazepine and Phenytoin: These can increase the metabolism of paracetamol, reducing its effectiveness and potentially increasing the risk of liver damage.
Antibiotics:
Flucloxacillin: There is a risk of blood and fluid abnormality (high anion gap metabolic acidosis) if taken with paracetamol, especially in certain conditions such as severe renal impairment, sepsis, malnutrition, or chronic alcoholism.
Rifampicin (an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis): May reduce the effectiveness of paracetamol.
Medicines for Mental Health Conditions:
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Should be avoided as they can interact with paracetamol and increase the risk of side effects.
Antipsychotics (Phenothiazines): May increase the risk of side effects.
Medicines for Treating Gout:
Probenecid: May reduce the clearance of paracetamol, increasing the risk of toxicity.
Alcohol:
Regular consumption of alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage when taking paracetamol.
Sedatives and Tranquilizers:
Paracetamol can interact with medications that depress the central nervous system, leading to enhanced sedative effects.
Important Notes:
Do not take other medications containing paracetamol while taking paracetamol to avoid exceeding the maximum recommended dose.
Always check with a healthcare professional before starting or stopping any medications while using paracetamol.
By informing your healthcare provider of all the medications you are taking, you can help avoid potential interactions and ensure the safe use of paracetamol.
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Paracetamol FAQs
What is paracetamol?
Paracetamol is a type of medicine known as an analgesic, or painkiller. Paracetamol 500mg tablets are suitable for treating mild to moderate aches and pains, as well as high temperatures in people over the age of 10 years. It is very effective in reducing pain and fevers and is therefore included in many over-the-counter and prescription painkillers, as well as cold and flu medications. You must not take paracetamol tablets with any other medicines that contain paracetamol. It is essential to read all Patient Information Leaflets thoroughly before starting any new medication.
What is paracetamol used for?
Paracetamol 500mg tablets are used to treat mild to moderate pain in children and adults over the age of 10. It is effective in reducing pain associated with conditions such as toothache, headache, period pain, joint and muscle pain, and post-operative pain. Paracetamol is also highly effective in reducing high temperatures, which are often symptoms of cold and flu, as well as mild infections. If you think you may have a fever caused by an infection, consult a doctor about your treatment options, as paracetamol does not help to clear infections.
Can children take paracetamol?
Paracetamol tablets and soluble tablets contain 500mg of the active ingredient paracetamol and should not be given to anyone under the age of 10 years. For children between 10 and 15 years old, they can take 1 tablet every 4-6 hours. For children under 10 years old, syrup or melt versions of paracetamol should be used.
How does paracetamol work?
Paracetamol is thought to work directly on the central nervous system, reducing pain signals that travel up the spinal cord and reach the brain. It also prevents the production of prostaglandins, chemicals generated by the body in response to pain and fever. By decreasing their production, paracetamol reduces pain sensations and body temperature.
How long does paracetamol take to work and how long does it last?
Paracetamol can take up to an hour to take effect, but most people notice improvement within half an hour. The effects typically last 4-6 hours. If you need additional pain relief, you may consider taking another painkiller, such as ibuprofen, alongside paracetamol. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
How often can you take paracetamol?
You can take paracetamol every 4-6 hours, without exceeding 4 doses in 24 hours. For more information on how to take paracetamol, refer to the Directions section on this page and the Patient Information Leaflet.
What is the recommended dose of paracetamol?
Paracetamol 500mg tablets are suitable for people over the age of 10 years. Refer to the Directions section on this page and the Patient Information Leaflet for detailed dosage instructions.
Can you take paracetamol with ibuprofen?
Yes, paracetamol can be taken with ibuprofen at their recommended doses. To maximize effectiveness, stagger the doses of both medicines for a consistent reduction in pain and fever over a longer period.
Can you take paracetamol with naproxen?
It is safe to take paracetamol with naproxen, as long as both medicines are taken as directed and only for a short time. If you cannot control your pain with naproxen or paracetamol after 3 days, consult a doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Can you take paracetamol with codeine?
Yes, paracetamol can be taken with codeine as long as both medicines are taken as directed and only for a short time. Medicines containing both paracetamol and codeine are available. Do not take codeine continuously for more than 3 days, as it can cause addiction. If you cannot control your pain with codeine and paracetamol after 3 days, consult a doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Can you take paracetamol when pregnant?
Paracetamol can be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Always take the smallest recommended dose for the shortest amount of time. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication while pregnant or breastfeeding.
How much paracetamol is dangerous?
It is important to follow the dosage instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet. Taking more than the recommended dose can cause serious side effects and be dangerous. If you have taken more than the recommended dose, go to your nearest accident & emergency (A&E) department as soon as possible.
