Paracetamol

Paracetamol is a analgesic and antipyretic (pain reliever and fever reducer) medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, side effects and precautions — and every brand with its current price.

Paracetamol is used for:

• Fever of any cause, including viral fever, flu and dengue fever
• Headache and migraine attacks
• Toothache and pain after dental procedures
• Body ache, muscle pain and back pain
• Period (menstrual) pain
• Pain of osteoarthritis and other joint pain
• Fever and soreness after vaccination in children and adults
• Cold and flu symptoms, often in combination products

It relieves symptoms but does not treat the underlying cause, so see a doctor if fever or pain persists.

At recommended doses Paracetamol is one of the best-tolerated medicines available. Side effects are uncommon, but may include:

• Skin rash, itching or allergic reactions (rare)
• Nausea or mild stomach discomfort
• Very rarely, blood disorders or severe skin reactions

The most important danger is overdose: taking more than the maximum daily amount can cause serious, sometimes fatal, liver damage — often with few symptoms in the first 24 hours. If you suspect an overdose, go to a hospital immediately even if you feel well.

Take these precautions with Paracetamol:

• Never exceed 4 g per day from all paracetamol-containing products combined
• Check the labels of cold, flu and pain combination medicines — many already contain paracetamol
• Use lower doses and consult a doctor if you have liver disease, drink alcohol regularly, or are malnourished or underweight
• Use with care in chronic kidney disease — your doctor may space doses further apart
• See a doctor if fever lasts more than 3 days or pain more than 5 days
• Keep syrups and tablets locked away from children — accidental overdose is common

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take. Important interactions with Paracetamol include:

• Warfarin and similar blood thinners — regular daily paracetamol for long periods can increase bleeding tendency; INR may need monitoring
• Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampicin — these increase the risk of liver injury from paracetamol
• Alcohol — regular heavy drinking raises the risk of liver damage even at normal doses
• Other paracetamol-containing products — combining them can silently push you over the daily limit
• Metoclopramide and domperidone — may speed up absorption (usually not harmful)

Do not take Paracetamol if you have:

• Known allergy to paracetamol or any ingredient of the product
• Severe liver failure or active severe liver disease

Use only with a doctor's advice if you have chronic liver disease, severe kidney disease, chronic alcoholism or severe malnutrition. Never combine two different paracetamol products at the same time.

Pregnancy: Paracetamol is generally considered the safest pain and fever medicine in pregnancy when used at the recommended dose for the shortest time needed. High fever itself can harm the baby, so treating fever is important. Avoid taking it continuously for long periods without medical advice.

Breastfeeding: Only small amounts pass into breast milk, and Paracetamol is considered compatible with breastfeeding. As with any medicine in pregnancy or lactation, confirm the dose with your doctor.

Store Paracetamol below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep tablets in the original blister pack until use. Keep syrup bottles tightly closed and discard suspension as advised on the label after opening. Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.