What is paracetamol tablets?
Paracetamol tablet is also called acetaminophen tablet, it is a medicine used for mild to moderate pain. It can be bought over the counter in pharmacies, supermarkets and other shops.
You can also take paracetamol tablets / acetaminophen tablet for:
Fever(high temperature)
Stronger pain - used with other pain relievers.
Paracetamol tablets doesn't treat the cause of your pain, it just eases the feeling of pain.
Usual specifications of Paracetamol / Acetaminophen Tablets: 250mg, 500mg, 750mg, 1000mg.
Paracetamol tablets / Acetaminophen tablets can be used for:
Backache
Headache
Migraine
Muscle strains
Period pain
Toothache
Aches and pains due to colds and flu
How does paracetamol tablets / Acetaminophen tablets work?
Paracetamol tablets has been in use for more than 70 years. The way it works to reduce pain and fever is not fully understood.
Paracetamol tablets begins to ease pain and lower a high temperature about 30 minutes after a dose is taken. Its effects usually last for about 4 to 6 hours.Types of paracetamolParacetamol comes in the following forms:
Can I use paracetamol tablets / Acetaminophen tablets often?
You should talk to your doctor about using paracetamol tablets for a long time.
Long-term use of paracetamol tablets can cause:
Tiredness
Breathlessness
Your fingers and lips to go blue
Anaemia (low red blood cell count)
Liver and kidney damage
Heart disease and stroke if you have high blood pressure
What happens if I take too much paracetamol tablets?
If you have taken too much paracetamol tablets -Call local emergency center immediately and ask for an ambulance- even if you have no symptoms.
Liver failure can happen if you take too much paracetamol tablets and don't get help. This can lead to death.
Symptoms of paracetamol tablets overdose are:
Abdominal pain,nausea,vomiting
Liver problems
Seizures
Coma and death
These symptoms usually happen 24 hours after taking the drug.
You can be given an antidote if you get medical help soon after taking paracetamol tablets.
How can I avoid taking too much paracetamol tablets?
You can make sure that you don't take too much paracetamol tablets by:
Carefully following the directions for using paracetamol tablets-containing medicines
Learning how to identify paracetamol tablets as the active ingredient in medicines
Paracetamol tablets and life stages
Can paracetamol tablets / Acetaminophen tablets be given to children?
You can give your child paracetamol tablets if they have a high temperature, and this is making them uncomfortable. Get medical advice if the fever does not get better.
You can give paracetamol tablets to your child after their vaccinations (shots) to treat pain and fever.
Don't give paracetamol tablets to babies younger than one month old.
How much paracetamol tablets / Acetaminophen tablets should I give my child?
Paracetamol tablets comes in different strengths for different ages. It's important to choose the right paracetamol tablets product for your child's age.
Make sure that you:
Always read the medicine label and packaging before use
Know your child's weight - the recommended dose of paracetamol tablets is based on their body weight
When giving your child paracetamol tablets, never:
Give more than the maximum recommended dose
Give more doses than recommended in a 24-hour period
When giving your child medicines, you should:
Measure liquid medicines accurately using the syringe that comes with the medicine
Write down all the medicines your give them, and when you give them
Don't give your child paracetamol tablets for more than 48 hours unless told to do so by a doctor.
Always keep medicines in a safe place, out of the reach of children.
