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Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) Overview:
Paracetamol is a commonly used over-the-counter medication for pain relief and fever reduction. It’s generally considered safe when taken at the recommended doses but has potential side effects and contraindications.
Common Uses:
- Mild to moderate pain (e.g., headaches, toothaches, muscle aches, back pain)
- Fever reduction
- Osteoarthritis pain
Dosage:
- Adults:
- Typical dose: 500 mg to 1000 mg every 4-6 hours.
- Maximum daily dose: 4,000 mg (4 grams) per day.
- For prolonged use, a maximum of 3,000 mg is advised.
- Children:
- Dosing depends on weight and age.
- General guideline: 10-15 mg/kg per dose, every 4-6 hours.
- Maximum daily dose: 60 mg/kg/day (up to 4,000 mg).
- Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
Note: Always follow specific product labeling or consult a healthcare professional for individual dosing advice.
Side Effects:
- Common side effects (rare when taken at normal doses):
- Nausea
- Rash
- Allergic reactions (rare)
- Serious side effects (often linked to overdose):
- Liver damage: The most serious risk, especially when taken in excessive amounts or combined with alcohol.
- Kidney damage (in severe overdose)
- Blood disorders (e.g., thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, but rare)
Severe side effects of Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) are rare but can occur, especially in cases of overdose or prolonged use. These may include:
- Liver damage or liver failure (signs include jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain)
- Severe allergic reactions (e.g., swelling of the face, throat, difficulty breathing)
- Skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), or acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), which involve rash, blistering, or peeling skin
- Kidney damage (symptoms may include fatigue, changes in urination)
- Low blood cell count (which can lead to fatigue, easy bruising, or infections)
If any of these severe side effects occur, seek immediate medical attention.
Here’s a list of some popular Paracetamol brands along with their manufacturing companies and an approximate price range in India:
- Crocin 500 mg
- Company: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
- Price: ₹25-30 for a strip of 15 tablets
- Dolo 650 mg
- Company: Micro Labs Ltd.
- Price: ₹30-35 for a strip of 15 tablets
- Calpol 500 mg
- Company: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
- Price: ₹20-25 for a strip of 10 tablets
- P-500
- Company: Cipla Ltd.
- Price: ₹18-22 for a strip of 10 tablets
- Metacin 500 mg
- Company: Zydus Cadila
- Price: ₹15-20 for a strip of 10 tablets
- Paracip 500 mg
- Company: Cipla Ltd.
- Price: ₹17-22 for a strip of 10 tablets
- Pacimol 500 mg
- Company: Ipca Laboratories Ltd.
- Price: ₹15-20 for a strip of 10 tablets
Please note, prices can vary slightly based on location, availability, and pharmacy discounts.
Contraindications:
- Liver disease: Patients with severe liver impairment or liver failure should avoid paracetamol as it is metabolized in the liver.
- Alcoholism: Chronic alcohol use increases the risk of liver damage from paracetamol.
- Allergy to paracetamol: Any history of hypersensitivity reactions to paracetamol is a contraindication.
Warnings and Precautions:
- Avoid overdose: Overdosing on paracetamol can cause severe liver damage and may be fatal.
- Alcohol use: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption while taking paracetamol due to an increased risk of liver toxicity.
- Chronic use: Long-term or high-dose use can lead to liver and kidney issues.
- Use with other medications: Be cautious when taking paracetamol-containing products alongside other medications that may also contain it (e.g., cold and flu medications).
Overdose Symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Confusion
- Coma (in severe cases)
Immediate medical attention is required if overdose is suspected. Activated charcoal and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) are commonly used in medical settings for treatment.
Dite fever :-https://www.practo.com/healthfeed/diet-for-viral-fever-or-cold-36603/post
Here’s a general disclaimer you can use for a blog post on Paracetamol:
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a widely used medication for pain relief and fever reduction, but misuse or overuse can lead to serious health issues, including liver damage. Always follow the recommended dosage instructions and consult a healthcare professional before using Paracetamol, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. This blog does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
