Paracetamol
Generic Name: Paracetamol also known as Acetaminophen
brand names include: Metacin Panadol,Pacimol Calpol, Tylenol, Alvedon Dolo 650
Pharmacological Category : Analgesic (Pain reliever), Antipyretic (Fever reducer)
About Paracetamol Tablet :
PCM is the short name of Paracetamol (Metacin ,Tylenol, Calpol,) is an antipyretic and analgesic drug which is used to treat the Viral fever, Flu, mild-to-moderate pain ,Headache, it temporarily relieve to Dengue fever & It is available in the form of tablet,injection,capsule & syrup
it is an OTC (Over-The-Counter) medicine which means:
It can be taken without a doctor’s prescription for common conditions like:Fever,Headache,mild-to-moderate Body pain
How Does Paracetamol (PCM) Work in the Body( Mechanism of Action )?
Inhibits Prostaglandin Production in the Brain
- In the brain, there are chemicals called prostaglandins that cause pain and fever.
- Paracetamol blocks the enzyme called COX (Cyclooxygenase) which helps produce prostaglandins.
- When prostaglandins are reduced, pain and fever also reduce.
In short: Pcm blocks the signals of pain and fever in the brain,& provides you feel better without affecting inflammation.
Uses of Paracetamol Tablet
Paracetamol tablet is one of the most commonly used medicines worldwide due to its safe and effective action against pain and fever. It is over-the-counter medicin
Fever
Headache
Toothache
Body Pain / Muscle Pain
Menstrual Cramps (Periods Pain)
Back Pain / Joint Pain
migraine
Cold & Flu Symptoms
note- If you take an overdose, it can have harmful effects on your liver, especially when you consume alcohol during the use of PCM.
Side Effects of Paracetamol (PCM) Tablet
Pcm is generally safe for 99% of people when taken in the correct dose. “But, like all medicines, Pcm may also cause side effects in some people.”
Mild Side Effects with Reasons
Nausea or Vomiting
Reason:
- PCM is processed by the liver and stomach.
- In some people, it may irritate the stomach lining or affect the digestive system’s balance, leading to a feeling of nausea or urge to vomit.
Stomach Discomfort
Reason:
- “Paracetamol is not very acidic, but in some people, it can still cause mild stomach irritation, especially when taken on an (empty stomach) without taking food or in higher doses.”
- drug Direct contact with the lining of stomach
Skin Allergic or Irritation
- Reason:
- This happens due to a mild allergic reaction to Paracetamol or inactive ingredients in the tablet (like coloring or preservatives).
- The immune system may respond by producing histamines,which cause Skin Allergic & itching.
Loss of Appetite (Bhookh Kam Lagna)
Reason:
- This is often linked to the way Paracetamol affects the liver and digestive system.
- If the liver is slightly irritated, it may signal the brain to reduce hunger.
- In some cases, minor nausea can also make a person avoid eating.
Tip: To reduce these side effects, pcm should ideally be taken after food, with a full glass of water, and in the correct dose.
Serious (but Rare) Side Effects
These need immediate medical attention:
- Liver damage (due to the overdose or alcohol consumption use)
- Yellowing skin or eyes (it is jaundice symptoms)
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Severe skin reactions (like redness, peeling, or blisters)
- Difficulty in breathing or swelling (symptoms of allergic reaction)
Important Tip:
Always take Paracetamol as per recommended dose. Overdose or alcohol consumption increases the chance of liver damage.
Precautions Before Taking Paracetamol (PCM)
Before using PCM, keep the following important precautions in mind:
- Liver Problems –
If you already have any liver condition (such as hepatitis, liver infection, or cirrhosis), taking pcm may be risky. It is important to consult your doctor. - Alcohol Use –
If you drink alcohol regularly, pcm can put extra pressure on your liver,which increases the risk of liver damage. - Pregnancy and Breastfeeding –
Paracetamol is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but it is still important to consult your doctor, especially if you already have any other health conditions. - Kidney Disease –
“Dose adjustment may be required if you have any kidney-related issues.”
What Happens in Paracetamol Overdose?
When taken in recommended doses, Paracetamol is safe for most people. “In such conditions, taking an overdose—whether accidentally or intentionally—can cause serious health problems, especially liver damage.”
How overdose affects the body:
- In an overdose, the liver becomes overloaded and cannot break down pcm safely.
- A toxic substance called NAPQI (N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine) builds up in the liver.
- Normally, the liver neutralizes NAPQI using glutathione, but in large doses, glutathione gets used up.
- As a result, NAPQI begins to damage liver cells, which can lead to acute liver failure.
Emergency symptoms of Paracetamol Overdose:
- Nausea or vomiting that doesn’t ended again & again
- Abdominal (stomach) pain, especially in the upper right side
- Loss of appetite
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Confusion, extreme tiredness, and weakness also
- Dark-colored urine
What to Do in Case of Overdose:
- take medical help immediately.
- Treatment is most effective within 8 hours of the overdose.
- Antidote: A medicine called N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is often used in hospitals to protect the liver.
Paracetamol Interactions with Other Medicines
“Paracetamol is usually safe, but it can react with some other medicines. So, always ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are already taking any other medicine.”
Common interactions include:
- Blood thinners (e.g- Warfarin): increase the risk of bleeding due to daily use of pcm
- Anti-seizure drugs (e.g- Carbamazepine, Phenytoin): These drug increase the risk of liver toxicity.
- Rifampin (TB medicine): Rifampin reduces the effectiveness of pcm and increases the chance of liver damage.
- Alcohol: Alcohol consumption increases toxicity and risk of liver damage when it is combined with pcm.
- Some antibiotics or antiviral medicines: can change how fast paracetamol is processed in the body either increasing or decreasing its effect which can impact the liver.”
Paracetamol vs Ibuprofen vs Aspirin
| Feature | Paracetamol | Ibuprofen | Aspirin |
| Pain Relief | Mild to moderate | Mild to moderate | Mild to moderate |
| Fever Reduction | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-inflammatory | No | Yes | Yes |
| Stomach irritation risk | Low | Medium to High | High |
| Blood thinner effect | No | Minimal | Strong |
| Safe in pregnancy | (Consult doctor) | Avoid in 3rd trimester | Usually avoided |
| Liver risk | With overdose | Less risk | Less risk |
Conclusion:
- Choose paracetamol for mild-to-moderate pain and fever,
- ibuprofen is used to treat pain with inflammation (e.g., sprains).
- Aspirin is used for arthritis, heart health, it not general pain relief, due to bleeding risks.
Who Should Avoid Paracetamol?
- People with severe liver disease
- People who drink alcohol regularly
- People allergic to PCM
- Patients on long-term medication
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women – generally safe in small doses, but always consult a doctor.
- Children under 2 years old – should only be given under a doctor’s supervision and in the correct dose.
Always consult a doctor before taking paracetamol if you have any medical condition or are unsure about its safety for you.
Can Paracetamol Be Taken on an Empty Stomach?
Yes, paracetamol can be taken on an empty stomach. It is gentle on the stomach lining and does not usually cause gastric irritation like ibuprofen or aspirin.
- “If you feel sick or have a sensitive stomach, taking pcm with a small snack or some milk can help.”
- Always take it with plenty of water for better absorption.
Medical Tip:
Unlike NSAIDs, pcm doesn’t irritate the stomach, so it’s often the first choice for people with gastric issues.
Paracetamol Tablet Storage & Expiry (Safe storage practices)
To keep PCM tablets safe and effective, follow these tips:
- Store in a cool, dry place – Keep out from the sunlight ,children,pets.
and moisture area. - store below 25°C at room temperature
- Do not store in the bathroom or near the kitchen stove.
- Never take expired tablets, always Check expiry date before use. —expired tablets cause harm to the body.
Paracetamol Dosage Guidelines
“For best results, taking the right dose of Paracetamol is very important to stay safe.”
Below is some guidance for you
1. Adults:
- Typical dose: 500 mg to 650 mg per dose
- Maximum per day: 1950–2600 mg (usually not more than 4 doses/day)
- Gap between next dose : Minimum 4 to 6 hours
2. Children (Pediatric Use):
- Dose is based on weight and age
- Usual dose: 10–15 mg/kg of body weight
- syrup form is Available in (like Calpol or Crocin)
- Without conceding to doctor don’t take more then 4 doses in 24 hours
Example: For a child weighing 20 kg → 200–300 mg per dose - Use measuring cup or dropper for accurate dosing
3. Elderly:
- Same dosage as adults, but with extra caution
- Prefer lower doses if liver function is compromised
- Always consult a doctor if the person is on multiple medicines
Important Safety Tips:
- Maintain gap between two doses at least 4-hour
- Avoid alcohol during Paracetamol use
What is Paracetamol used for?
it is antipyretic and analgesic drug which is used to treat the Viral fever, Flu, mild-to-moderate pain ,Headache, it temporarily relieve to Dengue fever
Can I take Paracetamol on an empty stomach?
Yes, you can, but if you have a sensitive stomach, take it with food or milk.
How often can I take Pcm in a day?
Usually every 4 to 6 hours, but not more than 4 doses (max 4000 mg) in 24 hours.
Is Paracetamol safe during pregnancy?
Yes, but only in recommended doses. Always consult your doctor first.
Is Paracetamol the same as acetaminophen?
Yes, PCM is known as acetaminophen in the United States and Canada.
What is the usual dosage of PCM (acetaminophen) for adults?
The typical adult dose is 500 mg to 1000 mg every 4 to 6 hours, not exceeding 4000 mg in 24 hours.
Can acetaminophen be taken on an empty stomach?
Yes, it is generally safe to take with or without food.
How long does PCM take to work?
It usually starts working within 30 to 60 minutes.
How long does PCM stay in your system?
The effects last for about 4–6 hours. It is mostly eliminated from the body within 24 hours.
Can I take PCM and ibuprofen together?
Yes, they can be taken together or alternated for better pain control, but only under medical advice.
What are the side effects of PCM?
Side effects are rare but may include allergic reactions, liver damage with overdose, or rash.
Is PCM safe for people with liver problems?
No, people with liver disease should use PCM with caution or avoid it altogether.
What should I do if I overdose on PCM ?
Seek immediate medical attention. PCM overdose can cause serious liver damage.
Is PCM an anti-inflammatory?
No, it is not classified as an anti-inflammatory drug. It only reduces pain and fever.
Can I give Paracetamol to my pet?
No, Paracetamol is toxic to animals like cats and dogs.
Can I drive after taking PCM ?
Yes, it doesn’t impair alertness or cause drowsiness in most people.
What forms does PCM come in?
Tablets, capsules, syrup, suppositories, and injections.
What is the difference between Paracetamol and NSAIDs like ibuprofen?
Paracetamol relieves pain and fever, while NSAIDs also reduce inflammation.
Final Words: Is Paracetamol Safe for Regular Use? (Summary and expert advice)
Yes, Paracetamol is safe when used at the right dose and for a short time.
But: Avoid using it every day without a doctor’s advice.
Overuse can hurt your liver.