Paracetamol: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, Top Brands in Pakistan

Paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic medication used for mild to moderate pain relief and to reduce fever. Paracetamol can easily be bought over-the-counter from pharmacies, and supermarkets however some forms are available on prescription basis. 

Here’s a detailed guide on paracetamol covering its uses, side effects, dosage, risks, warnings, and top paracetamol brands available in Pakistan.

Key takeaways

• Paracetamol is a common non-opioid analgesic used for mild to moderate pain relief and to reduce fever.
• It can be bought over-the-counter from pharmacies.
• Top paracetamol brands in Pakistan include: Panadol, Nuberol Forte, Provas-N Forte, Calpol, and Tonoflex-P.
• Side effects of paracetamol are rare but it may cause an allergic reaction, low blood pressure, or liver and kidney damage in some cases.
• Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice when using paracetamol.

Paracetamol uses

Paracetamol is primarily used for:

1. Mild to moderate pain relief

 It can be prescribed to manage and reduce pain. For example:

• Toothache
• Backache
• Menstrual pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Muscle aches
• Migraine pain
• Postoperative pain

Remember that paracetamol does not treat pain rather subdues the feeling of pain for temporary relief.

2. Fever reduction

As an antipyretic drug, paracetamol is effective in reducing fever and bringing the body back to normal temperature.

Paracetamol side effects

Paracetamol is considered safe to use for most individuals and side effects are rare. However, in rare cases its use may lead to the following side effects:

• Allergic reactions (Itching, rash, or swelling, dizziness, wheezing, trouble breathing)
• Low blood pressure
• Liver or kidney damage

Visit your doctor at once if you notice any severe side effects after using paracetamol.

Dosage

Here are the dosage instructions of paracetamol:

For adults:

• Adults can take 1-2 tablets of paracetamol (500mg) every 4-6 hours.
• Do not take more than 8 paracetamol (500mg) tablets in a day as it can result in an overdose.

For children:

• Children are usually prescribed a lower dose of paracetamol as compared to adults.
• They may be prescribed syrups or injections instead of tablets.
• Refer to a healthcare professional for the exact paracetamol dosage instructions for children.

Note: Do not take or administer paracetamol for longer periods. It is usually taken for temporary pain and fever relief and you may only need to take it for a few days. You can consult your doctor for further information.

How does paracetamol work?

Paracetamol works in two ways:

1. As an analgesic

It works by blocking certain chemical messengers in the brain that control the feeling of pain. These chemicals are known as prostaglandins.

2. As an antipyretic

It works by affecting the chemical messengers in the part of the brain that controls body temperature known as the hypothalamus. This action helps control and reduce fever.

What are the available forms of paracetamol?

Paracetamol is available in multiple forms such as:

• Tablets
• Capsules
• Syrups and suspensions
• Injections
• Suppositories
• Effervescent tablets
• Soluble powders

Risks and warnings

Paracetamol is generally well tolerated. However, its prolonged use is not recommended. Experts have warned that repeated administration of paracetamol may lead to several health issues such as gastrointestinal bleeding. Here’s a quote from an article on paracetamol published on The Guardian, a British daily newspaper:

“Paracetamol can actually be a very dangerous drug. It can cause kidney and liver problems, and causes as much gastrointestinal bleeding as the NSAIDs.” says Dr. John Dickson, retired general practitioner from Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

Following are the risks and warnings of paracetamol:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant or planning to conceive before taking paracetamol. Try to take it for the shortest time possible. Paracetamol can be taken in pregnancy and during breastfeeding if necessary. Small amounts of paracetamol may pass into breast milk. Always follow your doctor’s advice when taking it to avoid side effects.
• Risk of allergies: Do not take paracetamol if you have known allergies to its ingredients
• Other OTC medications: If you are taking other OTC medications for cough, flu, or other conditions, take paracetamol very carefully as your current medications may already contain paracetamol.
• Risks in older adults: Caution is advised when administering paracetamol specially over a prolonged period of time in older adults. According to a recent research on paracetamol conducted by experts at the University of Nottingham, paracetamol may lead to an increased risk of gastrointestinal, heart and kidney related complications in adults aged 65 and above. The study which was published in the Arthritis Care & Research journal of the American College of Rheumatology raised concerns over the use of acetaminophen (paracetamol) as the first-line oral analgesic for chronic conditions in older people (65+) due to its health risks.

Top paracetamol brands in Pakistan 2024

Here are the best and commonly used brands of medications containing paracetamol in Pakistan:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. How long does paracetamol take to work?

Paracetamol can take up to an hour to start working. 

2. How long can paracetamol’s effect last?

Paracetamol’s effect can last for several hours (up to 5 hours).

3. Who should not take paracetamol?

Do not take paracetamol if you are allergic to it, have alcohol misuse or abuse issues, or a history of liver or kidney disease. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, refer to a general physician before taking paracetamol.