Paracetamol - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Paracetamol is a medicine to relieve fever and pain, including menstrual pain or toothache. Paracetamol or acetaminophen is available as tablets, syrup, drops, suppositories, and infusions.

Although the mechanism of action is not known with certainty, paracetamol is known to work on the temperature regulation center in the brain to lower body temperature when a person has a fever. In addition, this drug can also inhibit the formation of prostaglandins, so that it can relieve pain.

Merek trade paracetamol: Hufagesic, Mixagrip Flu, Naprex, Panadol, Paramex SK, Paramol, Poro, Sanmol, Tempra, Termorex

If you experience symptoms of Corona virus infection and require a COVID-19 examination, click the link below so you can be directed to the nearest health facility:

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  • PCR

What is Paracetamol

groupFree medicine
CategoryFever and pain relievers (analgesic and antipyretic)
BenefitRelieves fever and pain
Used byAdults and children
Paracetamol for pregnant and lactating womenDrinks and suppositories

Category B: Animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women.

Infusion and injection

Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women.

Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

Paracetamol canabsorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, it is better to consult with doctor first.

Drug formTablets, caplets, syrups, drops, infusions and suppositories.

Warning Before MengUse Paracetamol(Acetaminophen)

Before using paracetamol, you need to pay attention to the following points:

  • Do not use paracetamol if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
  • Consult a doctor if you suffer from liver disease, kidney disease, or alcohol addiction.
  • Some paracetamol syrup products may contain aspartame, consult your doctor if you have diabetes or phenylketonuria.
  • Consult your doctor first before you give paracetamol to children under 2 years of age.
  • Paracetamol injection should only be given by a doctor in a hospital or health facility.
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking certain supplements, herbal products, or medications, such as anticonvulsants, cough and cold medications, or blood-thinning medications.
  • Talk to your doctor about taking fever-reducing and pain-relieving medications, such as paracetamol if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
  • See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using paracetamol.

Dose and Rules of Use Paracetamol(Acetaminophen)

The dose of paracetamol will be adjusted according to the dosage form of the drug, the purpose of use, and the age of the patient. In general, the following dosages of paracetamol tablets or suppositories for pain and fever relief, according to the patient's age:

  • Adult: 500-1,000 mg or 10-15 mg/kg, every 4-6 hours. The maximum dose is 4,000 mg per day.
  • Infants and children: 10–15 mg/kg, not 4–6 hours. The dose should not be more than 15 mg/kgBW per dose.

Dosage for children under 2 years will be determined by the doctor.Especially for paracetamol infusion, dose and it will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor according to the patient's condition.

How to MengUse Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) correctly

Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the medicine package before using paracetamol. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.

Paracetamol infusion will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. Medication will be given as directed by the doctor.

Paracetamol can be taken before or after meals. For paracetamol syrup, shake the bottle before using the medicine. Use the measuring spoon provided in the medicine package for a more precise dose.

Paracetamol suppositories are used by insertion into the anus. Make sure you open the plastic wrap first, then insert the medicine with the sharp end into the rectum.

After the medicine is in, sit or lie down first for 10-15 minutes until the medicine melts. Do not forget to wash your hands before and after inserting paracetamol suppositories. Paracetamol suppositories need to be stored in the refrigerator.

Stop using paracetamol if the symptoms do not go away after 3 days of using this drug.

Store paracetamol in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Use paracetamolfor Corona virus infection

Paracetamol is a fever-lowering drug that is recommended to relieve fever due to Corona virus infection (COVID-19). The dose used is the same as the dose described above.

You can use paracetamol as initial treatment if you have a low-grade fever. However, if the fever does not go away or it gets worse and is accompanied by shortness of breath, consult a doctor immediately.

Interaction Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) with medicine Lain

Paracetamol can cause interactions if used with other drugs. Here are some interactions that can occur:

  • Increased risk of bleeding if used with warfarin
  • Decreased blood levels of paracetamol when used with carbamazepine, colestiramine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or primidone
  • Increased risk of side effects of the busulfan drug
  • Increased absorption of paracetamol when used with metoclopramide, domperidone, chloramphenicol, or probenecid
  • Increased risk of liver damage if used with isoniazid

In addition, if paracetamol is used with alcohol it can increase the risk of liver damage.

Side Effectsn Danger Paracetamol(Acetaminophen)

If taken according to the doctor's recommendations and instructions for use, paracetamol generally rarely causes side effects. However, if used in excess, the following side effects can occur:

  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Hard to sleep
  • Upper stomach hurts
  • Dark urine
  • Unusual tired
  • Jaundice

Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse. You should also see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to medication after using this medication.