With each passing day, our world is being exposed to new and mutated forms of diseases. And you might have observed that the use of certain drugs have increased over some time.
From treating extreme fever to daily aches in the body, paracetamol is one of the drugs that is constantly used in our lives. The frequent use of this drug might compel you to delve into the details of this drug. So to help you in this regard, we are here with everything about paracetamol.
Table of Contents
Overview
Paracetamol or acetaminophen is a general drug that is used to treat aches and pains in the body. The drug is believed to reduce the sensation of pain and simultaneously it works as an anti-inflammatory substance as well. It is therefore one of the most frequently used over the counter painkillers.
The painkiller is available in various potencies but the most frequently administered potency is 500mg. To increase the effectiveness of the drug it is sometimes combined with caffeine, which can also be observed on the packaging of this drug.
Caffeine has many important purposes to serve. It is a local neuro stimulant that means it activates the brain cells. According to a study conducted by the National LIbrary Of Medicine, Caffeine increases the energy metabolism throughout the brain.
Caffeine also activates the centres of the brain that are concerned with the release of dopamine.This dopamine hormone is concerned with elevating your mood. That’s the reason why you can’t skip tea, as it also contains caffeine that releases dopamine i.e. the happy hormone which gives you instant happiness and contentment.
There are many forms in which this paracetamol formulation is available:
- The most common of all is in the form of a tablet. The tablet is used frequently by adults and teenagers.
- It is also available in the form of capsules. This mode of transmission ensures that the drug can reach the site where it is needed the most.
- The other form of this drug includes syrups. The doctors most often prescribe the syrups to infants and children who might face difficulty in swallowing the tablets.
- It is available in the form of injections and drips that are used to relieve the pain immediately as the drug then passes intravenously into the body.
The amount of drug in different forms is varied and should only be used if the doctor has prescribed depending upon your body conditions.
Dosage of Paracetamol:
The drug is deemed safe and it is not likely to cause any serious side effects if it is consumed according to the body’s need.
However on a general baseline, there are said rules and protocols in taking this drug. The dose of paracetamol is different for different age groups.
Starting with infants, the drug is administered relative to weight. A teaspoonful at a time can be given. However the drug should be given every 4 to 6 hours.
But it should not be consumed more than 1g in a day span.
For adults, the dose is a bit different. It can be given to adults in the form of tablets. The dose available in tablets is around 500mg. Also the drug should be used after every 4 to 6 hours.
This makes the daily consumption of this drug at around 2000mg. Exceeding this maximum amount within the span of day will pose detrimental effects on the overall body.
How to Take Paracetamol?
There are no specific guidelines issued regarding the use of paracetamol. It can be taken with or without food. It can also be used in conjunction with many other drugs.
But the gap of about 4 hours should be maintained within the doses. Do Not double the dose of paracetamol at a time if you are experiencing severe pain. Instead give other methods a try to alleviate the pain. Read out these pain relieving methods.
Who Cannot Take Paracetamol?
Though the drug is deemed fit and safe for general use and is sold over the counter there are certain conditions when consuming this drug will pose a serious threat to your health.
Liver impairment
The patients who have any previous history of liver diseases and liver impairment should consult their healthcare providers before consuming this drug. The drug can make your already compromised liver to function more beyond its capacities and this can aggravate the liver disease.
Side note: Read these amazing liver foods that will help to keep your liver healthy.
Allergic reaction to paracetamol
If you are allergic to paracetamol use then try to choose other painkillers. The allergic reaction of paracetamol is of moderate consequences but it can lead to far worse and grave consequences like an anaphylactic shock.
This may require immediate medical intervention.
Kidney diseases
If you are suffering from kidney disorders then use this drug carefully. Paracetamol, in standard dose, can be administered to patients suffering from kidney disorders. However it should be cautiously administered when used for a longer duration of time.
Can You Take Paracetamol with Other Painkillers?
The answer to the above question is Yes. There are many cases when paracetamol is given along with other painkillers.
The point that should be noted is that the other painkiller drug should not contain paracetamol in it. As it can lead to a potential overdose scenario that will do harm instead of bringing any good.
Paracetamol is safe to be used otherwise. There are certain medications that can possibly contradict the action of paracetamol. The list is not so extensive, if you are using any of the following drugs already then consult your healthcare providers before using paracetamol:
- Blood thinner drugs especially the one containing warfarin.
- Drugs to treat epilepsy
- Drugs to treat asthma and tuberculosis.
Can You Use Paracetamol in Pregnancy?
The first drug that most of the healthcare providers and doctors will suggest in pregnancy and afterwards during breastfeeding is paracetamol.
There are no side effects reported to the use of paracetamol in above mentioned cases. If you feel any adverse side effects, then visit the nearest hospital or consult your doctor.
Find out about migraine pregnancy and ways to treat it.
Can You Take Paracetamol for an Extended Period?
You can take paracetamol for an extended period of time as long as you are abiding by the dose that is considered safe to use. It is not advisable to use large doses of paracetamol for a longer duration as it can cause many allergic reactions and kidney diseases.
Do Paracetamol Affect Fertility?
The question which can possibly arise in every person’s mind, will paracetamol affect fertility?
Fortunately the answer is a big No.
There are no studies that can confirm the relationship between paracetamol and fertility both in men and women. So it is safe to say that paracetamol use does not affect fertility
The Bottom Line
So in view of the above discussion it is evident that paracetamol use does not cause any serious side effects. The drug can be used to treat pain and body ache. However it should be dealt with as a drug. Consuming extra doses or overdosing paracetamol will bring toxic effects to your body which can become fatal in certain conditions.
If you are experiencing any unusual pain in your body then it is advisable to contact the physician. Make an appointment today with the best general physician and get yourself treated.To read more on issues related to pain management and general health, visit our website healthwire.pk.
