As the season starts to change you will experience a shift in health. Many of us fall sick due to changes in weather with a fever, body pain, cold and cough. These are some common seasonal illnesses that can be cured by taking paracetamol.
Paracetamol is an over-the-counter medication that is used to treat different types of sickness. And it is often taken without prior recommendation from doctors. This may lead to some side effects like allergic reactions or skin rash.
There are many types of paracetamol with different names. Some perform better for fever, while others work best for body ache.
You know when you have to take paracetamol when you have a fever of more than 100.4 degrees F.
For adults, it is a major concern if the fever exceeds 103 degrees F or 39.4 degrees celsius. For children, even a mild fever can be dangerous.
Paracetamol Side Effects and Symptoms of Paracetamol overdoses:
In this blog, we will be discussing everything about the effects and side effects of Paracetamol.
The paracetamol side effects require immediate medical attention. Due to the acetaminophen content present in the paracetamol, it may hamper unwanted effects on your body.
- Skin rashes
- Allergy
- Wheezing
- Swelling around face
- Chest tightness
- Low blood pressure
- Trouble breathing
- Blood disorders
- Fast heartbeat
- Leukopenia (low count of white blood cells)
- Thrombocytopenia (low count of platelets)
- Kidney damage
- Liver damage (>4gm/day)
The uses of paracetamol and overdose of Paracetamol side effects:
Paracetamol works as a painkiller (analgesic) to give instant relief from the following pain conditions –
- Toothache
- Backache
- Sore throat
- Neuralgia
- Rheumatic pain
- Headache
- Menstruation pain
In some cases, if paracetamol is taken more than the required amount, you can have serious complications. It can often be associated with an overdose of paracetamol symptoms.
The symptoms of paracetamol overdose may include:
- Diarrhoea
- Excess sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling nausea/ vomiting
- Stomach cramps/pain
- Swelling or pain in the upper abdomen
Some of the key facts about paracetamol are:
- After consuming the tablet, it takes max. an hour for the effects to kick in
- Do not take more than two paracetamol (500mg tablets at a time)
- Paracetamol is safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding (the lowest dose)
- Top paracetamol names include Disprol, Medinol, Hedex and Panadol
Note: An adult can take up to 4 doses of paracetamol within 24 hours. I.e up to eight 500mg tablets. You will need to wait for at least 4 hours between the doses.
Most people can take paracetamol without any doctor’s recommendation. Even women who are pregnant and breastfeeding can take paracetamol at a limit. Although there are certain people who have to take precautions with paracetamol.
You can check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking paracetamol if you have the following –
- An allergic reaction to paracetamol in the past
- Liver or kidney problems
- Drinking problem more than 14 units a week
- Medication for epilepsy and tuberculosis
Often there are questions about taking paracetamol with other painkillers. It is better to take paracetamol with other types of painkillers that don’t contain paracetamol. Some of the medicines are ibuprofen, aspirin and codeine.
There is a high chance of overdose if you take 2 different medicines that contain paracetamol.
FAQs
Anything taken a lot can be harmful to your health. Stick to the said limit of 500mg tablets at a time. You can take 2 tablets a day.
The acetaminophen ingredient present in Paracetamol. It is good if taken in moderate doses but if overtaken, you can experience nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
No, the agreeable dose for an adult is 500 mg which can be taken 4 times in 24 hours. After taking one dose, it is recommended to wait for 4 hours to take the next dose.