Paracetamol & types of Paracetamol

One name we commonly hear from everyone when we are sick is Paracetamol. Yes, Paracetamol is a commonly used medicine. But the question is do we really know what exactly paracetamol is?

Paracetamol Introduction

Paracetamol is a medicine that is used as a pain killer and high fever.
It’s typically used to relieve mild or moderate pain, such as headaches, and toothache, and to reduce fever caused in the human body.
Paracetamol is often recommended as one of the first treatments for pain and it is safe for most people to take and side effects are very less.

What is paracetamol’s common name?

Very few people know that paracetamol has a different name in the pharmaceutical Industry. Paracetamol is commonly named acetaminophen.

What type of drug is paracetamol?

Paracetamol is a Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug. Also called NSAID

What paracetamol means?

  • Paracetamol is an active pharmaceutical ingredient or API.
  • Paracetamol is used as a pain killer.
  • Paracetamol is also used in fever.
Tablets of Paracetamol on blue background. Copy space

What is in paracetamol?

Paracetamol is an active drug that gives desired relief.
Paracetamol sold in the market is a finished medicine, which contains binders or granulating fluid, diluents, disintegrants, lubricants, glidants, colorants, sweeteners, flavourants, adsorbents, and surfactants along with paracetamol.

Types of paracetamol

Paracetamol can be bought from a Pharmacy store or online pharmacies.
Paracetamol in India is available as:

  • Tablet
  • Capsules
  • Syrup- Liquid form
  • Dispersible tablet
  • Suppositories
  • Intravenous Injection

Preferences and uses of these types of paracetamols

Tablet: Tablet is preferred for adult patients, Patients who are having mild to moderate disease severity, and those who can swallow tablets, Onset of action requires slowly.

Dispersible tablet: Dispersible tablets for patients who cannot swallow tablets, Require immediate relief from minor pain. The fizzing effect helps patients to feel good.

Syrup: Syrups are manufactured for pediatric patients, for those who cannot swallow tablets, slow onset of action is required.

Suppositories: Suppositories are manufactured for getting more bioavailability of paracetamol, for patients having difficulty swallowing the tablet.

Injection: Paracetamol is given intravenously to patients when they are hospitalized.

Paracetamol is also used with other molecules to get better results in cold and flu, corona, and many other diseases.
Those medicines available will be labeled with drug name, paracetamol alone or paracetamol, caffeine, and phenylephrine combination which gives very good results.

Paracetamol (Dolo 650 tablets uses)

Everyone can take paracetamol when needed including pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and Children above the age of 2 months.
Pediatrician advice for younger patient’s doses
Doctor consulting is strictly required for patients who have

  • Liver or kidney disorders.
  • History of long-term alcohol misuse.
  • Underweightht as per BMI.
  • Past allergy history with paracetamol.

Is paracetamol safe?

Yes, paracetamol is a safe medicine
Make sure you take paracetamol as per your consulting physician’s advice.
Paracetamol can be taken by pediatric patients and adults.
In adults, Paracetamol 650 can be taken by the patient every 6 hourly maximum of 4 tablets in the entire day.
In pediatric patients, Paracetamol should be taken as per weight and not age.
15mg/1kg is the ideal dose, with a maximum of 4 gm in 24 hours.
Be careful with an overdose of paracetamol if you are taking other medicines also.

Is it safe to take paracetamol with other medicines or all food?

The use of paracetamol with other medicines listed below may be risky.

  • Products containing paracetamol – including combination products where paracetamol is one of the ingredients as it may lead to overdose.
  • Epilepsy medicine like carbamazepine.
  • Liver disease medicine like Colestyramine.
  • Cancer medicine like Imatinib and Busulfan
  • Antifungal medicine like Ketoconazole
  • Nausea and vomiting medicine like Metochlopremide.
  • Blood clots medicine like warfarin.
  • Paracetamol is safe as it does not have any reaction with any food.

Side effects of paracetamol drug

Side effects from paracetamol are very less but can include:

  • An allergic reaction that can cause a rash and swelling.
  • When given IV it may lead to an increase in the heartbeat, flushing of blood.
  • Blood disorders, such as Thrombocytopenia (low number of platelet cells) and Leukopenia (low number of white blood cells)
  • Liver and kidney damage, if you take too much (overdose) – this can be fatal in severe conditions.

If the above problems occur reach out to your family physicians immediately.

Paracetamol overdose

Over intake or use of paracetamol can lead to dangerous side effects so one needs to be very much aware of its uses.
If an overdose of paracetamol is taken you need to immediately rush to your family physician.
If a patient takes more doses of paracetamol it can lead to vomiting, nausea and many more side effects.