Paracetamol

What is paracetamol?

Paracetamol is a type of medicine called analgesic - more commonly known as painkillers. Paracetamol 500mg tablets are suitable for treating mild to moderate aches and pains, as well as high temperatures in people over the age of 10 years.

Paracetamol is very effective in reducing pain and fevers and is, therefore, included in many over the counter or prescription painkillers and also cold and flu medication.

You must not take paracetamol tablets with any other medicines that contain paracetamol. It is therefore essential that you read all Patient Information Leaflets thoroughly before starting any new medication.

What is paracetamol used for?

Paracetamol 500mg tablets are used to treat mild-moderate pain in children and adults over the age of 10.

Paracetamol is the most commonly used pain killer in the UK and is known to be effective in reducing pain associated with the following causes:

• Toothache
• Headache
• Period pain
• Joint and muscle pain
• Post-operative pain

It is also now known that paracetamol is highly effective in the use of reducing high temperatures which are often a symptom of cold and flu. Paracetamol can also help lower high temperatures caused by mild infections.

If you think you may have a temperature (fever) that is caused by an infection you must speak to a doctor about your treatment options. Paracetamol does not help to clear infections.

Paracetamol for kids

Paracetamol tablets and soluble tablets contain 500mg of the active ingredient paracetamol. These tablets should not be given to anyone under the age of 10 years. For children between 10-15 years old, they can take 1 tablet every 4-6 hours.

For the treatment of pain and fevers in children under 10 years old, syrup or melt versions of paracetamol should be used.

What does paracetamol do and how does it work?

Paracetamol is thought to work directly on the central nervous system within the body, reducing the pain signals that can travel up the spinal cord and reach the brain.

It is also thought that paracetamol, like other painkillers such as ibuprofen, prevent the chemical prostaglandins being produced. Prostaglandins are naturally generated by the body as a result of pain and fever so by decreasing their production; paracetamol reduces pain sensations and the body's temperature.

How long does paracetamol take to work and how long does it last for?

Paracetamol can take up to an hour to take effect but most people will notice some improvement to their pain and fever within half an hour.

Like all medicines, paracetamol starts to be broken down by the body as soon as it is swallowed. If you were to take one single dose of paracetamol, usually you will notice pain or a fever return within 4-6 hours.

If you are experiencing moderate pain which you are not able to tolerate with just paracetamol alone every 4-6 hours you may want to consider taking another pain killer alongside paracetamol such as ibuprofen or an opioid painkiller.

If you are unsure or would like further advice about what killers you should take you may want to take a look at our Pain page or speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

How often can you take paracetamol?

You can take paracetamol every 4-6 hours without exceeding 4 doses in 24 hours. For more information on how to take paracetamol, go to the Directions section on this page.

What is the paracetamol dose?

Paracetamol 500mg tablets are suitable for people over the age of 10 years. For details on the dosage of paracetamol please see our Directions section on this page and also read the Patient Information Leaflet.

Can you take paracetamol with ibuprofen?

Paracetamol can be taken with ibuprofen at their recommended doses. For the best outcome when using both paracetamol and ibuprofen to reduce pain and fevers you should stagger the doses of both medicines so you feel a more consistent reduction and feel the benefits over a longer period.

Paracetamol & naproxen

It is safe to take paracetamol at the same time as naproxen as long as you take both medicines as directed and this is only for a short time.

If you are finding that you are unable to control your pain with naproxen alone or with paracetamol after 3 days you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Paracetamol & codeine

Paracetamol can be taken at the same time as codeine as long as you take both medicines as directed and this is only for a short time. You can buy medicines that contain both paracetamol and codeine online at The Independent Pharmacy over on our Pain page.

You should not take codeine continuously for more than 3 days as it can cause addiction.

If you are finding that you are unable to control your pain with codeine and paracetamol after 3 days you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Can you take paracetamol when pregnant?

Paracetamol can be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. When taking any medications while pregnant or breastfeeding it is always recommended that you take the smallest recommended dose and for the shortest amount of time.

How much paracetamol is dangerous?

When taking paracetamol it is important to make sure you take it as is directed in the Patient Information Leaflet. Taking over the recommended dose can cause unwanted side effects and can be dangerous.

If you have taken over the recommended dosage of paracetamol you should go to your nearest accident & emergency (A&E) department as soon as possible.

Sources

• https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-adults/
• https://www.nhsinform.scot/tests-and-treatments/medicines-and-medical-aids/types-of-medicine/paracetamol
• https://patient.info/medicine/paracetamol-calpol-disprol-hedex-panadol
• https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-children/
• https://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/Medicine--pregnancy/Paracetamol/
• https://www.nurofen.com.au/about-nurofen/advice/what-is-paracetamol-what-do-i-use-paracetamol-for/
• https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/naproxen/
• Paracetamol Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5164/pil
• Paracetamol 500mg Soluble Tablets Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/4199/pil

Paracetamol dosage

Adults and children over 16 years: Swallow 2 tablets or dissolve 2 soluble tablets in a full glass of water. Repeat dose as needed every 4 hours to a maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours.

Use in children aged 10 to 15 years: Swallow 1 tablet or dissolve 1 soluble tablet every 4-6 hours in a full glass of water when needed to a maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours.

Use in children under 10 years: Paracetamol 500mg tablets and soluble tablets should not be given to children under 10 years of age.

Paracetamol 500mg tablets and soluble tablets treat mild-moderate pain in children and adults over the age of 10 years. Paracetamol tablets are for oral use only.

For more information on how to use and take paracetamol please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

Paracetamol overdose

Taking over the stated dosage of paracetamol, even as an accident, counts as an overdose and can be harmful.

If you have taken too much paracetamol you should get another person to accompany you to your nearest emergency department straight away. Some people may feel sick, be sick or have abdominal pain as a result of taking too much paracetamol but sometimes symptoms are delayed. You must seek medical help even if you are feeling well.

You should try to take the pack of paracetamol with you so the doctors know what and how much you have taken.

Paracetamol ingredients

The active ingredient is paracetamol. Each tablet and soluble tablet contains 500mg of paracetamol.

Tablets and soluble tablets contain different inactive ingredients, please ensure you have read the correct leaflet for your medication which will be contained within the product packaging.

To ensure you are familiar with the full list of ingredients, before commencing treatment with any medication, you must read the Patient Information Leaflet contained within the packaging thoroughly.

Paracetamol side effects

Side effects are very rare when paracetamol tablets are taken as directed in the Patient Information Leaflet.

If you experience a severe allergic reaction to paracetamol you must seek help from your nearest emergency department immediately.

Allergic reactions to paracetamol may include:

• Rash (hives)
• Swelling of the hands, feet, mouth, lips
• Difficulty breathing

For a full list of side effects please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

Paracetamol warnings

For a full list of warnings and precautions associated with paracetamol, see the Patient Information Leaflet.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking paracetamol if you:

• Have problems with your kidneys or liver or
• If you regularly drink large amounts of alcohol.

Paracetamol & other medicines

Many over the counter and prescription painkillers and cold and flu medications contain a dose of paracetamol.

You must not take paracetamol with any other medicines that already contain paracetamol. If you have accidentally taken too much paracetamol you should speak to a doctor.

It may not be recommended for you to take paracetamol if you are taking other medications, you should, therefore, speak to a doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medications.

Before starting any new medication you must read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly to make sure you are aware of the ingredients in which your medicines contain.

Paracetamol & alcohol

Paracetamol should not be taken with alcohol as it can increase the chance of you experiencing unwanted side effects.