Paracetamol

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Calpol, Empaped, Painamol, Panado and many others

Popular combinations:

Adco-dol, Betapyn, Compral, Gen-Payne, Ibumol, Lenadol, Lotem, Mybulen, Mypaid, Myprodol, Norflex co, Stilpane, Synaleve, Tramacet, and many others

Drug group:

Non-opioid analgesic

Prescription needed?

Yes, only for some combinations

What does it do?

Paracetamol is used to treat mild to moderate pain and fever.

How does it work?

Paracetamol is a non-opioid analgesic drug.

How should it be used?

It is not advisable to use paracetamol for longer than 48 hours without consulting your doctor, as more appropriate treatment may be necessary.

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Adults: 500mg–1g per dose, every 4–6 hours as necessary, maximum 4g daily
• Children: Do not give more than 4 doses per 24 hours; doses are based on weight or age:
  From 2 months  = 60mg x2 doses only (for fever following immunization) 
  From 3 months–1 year = 60–120mg per dose 
  From 1–5 years = 120–250mg per dose 
  From 6–12 years = 250–500mg per dose

How quickly will it start to work?

Within 15–60 minutes                                   

How long will the effects last?

Up to 6 hours                    
      

When should I stop using it?

Can be safely stopped as soon as no longer needed             
          

Is it safe for prolonged use?

If prescribed for long-term use, there is relatively little evidence of harm if taken as recommended.                                            

What are the possible side effects?

Paracetamol is safe and rarely produces side effects when taken as recommended.

The following have been reported:

• Less common: nausea
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: rash

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney problems, cystic fibrosis, eating disorder
• Other medicines: anticoagulants (eg warfarin), carbamazepine, colestyramine, metoclopramide, domperidone, imatinib
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Paracetamol not known to be harmful
• Children: Usually given from 3 months, reduced dose necessary up to 12 years
• Over 60: No special problems
• Driving and hazardous work: No special problems
• Alcohol: regular excessive alcohol intake can increase the risk of liver damage from paracetamol, and even small excess doses can become toxic