Every medication- whether OTC or prescription medicine- should be
used as directed by a health professional. Here are things you should
know before using paracetamol.
1. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a
pain reliever and a fever reducer. It is used to treat many conditions
such as headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds,
and fevers. It relieves pain in mild arthritis but has no effect on the
underlying inflammation and swelling of the joint.
2. If you are
using paracetamol, do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold,
allergy, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or
pharmacist. Paracetamol is contained in many combination medicines. If
you use certain products together you may accidentally use too much
paracetamol.
3. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage while taking paracetamol.
4.
Since paracetamol is often used only when needed, you may not be on a
dosing schedule. If you are using the medication regularly, use the
missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use your next dose as
directed. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
5. It is not known whether paracetamol will harm an unborn baby. Before
using paracetamol , tell your doctor if you are pregnant. This
medication can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not
use paracetamol without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
6. Urine glucose tests may produce false results while you are taking
paracetamol. Talk to your doctor if you are diabetic and you notice
changes in your glucose levels during treatment.
7. Do not use more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of paracetamol can cause serious harm.
8.
The maximum amount of paracetamol for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per
dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more paracetamol could cause
damage to your liver. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages
per day, talk to your doctor before taking paracetamol and never use
more than 2 grams (2000 mg) per day.
9. When taken by mouth it is
rapidly absorbed into the body and will be effective within 15 to 30
minutes. The effects last up to 6 hours.
10. Consult your doctor
or pharmacist before using this drug if you have known liver or kidney
problems, or if you have a history of alcohol abuse.
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