Paracetamol Arrow (Paracetamol)

Paracetamol acts as a centrally acting analgesic and antipyretic.

• Fever: Reduces elevated body temperature in acute febrile states.
• Headache: Alleviates tension‑type and mild migraine‑related head pain.
• Musculoskeletal pain: Provides relief from back, joint and muscle aches.
• Dental pain: Helps control pain following dental procedures.
• Cold/flu symptoms: Eases discomfort associated with common cold and influenza.

• Paracetamol exerts its effect primarily by inhibiting cyclo‑oxygenase enzymes (COX‑1 and COX‑2) in the central nervous system, leading to reduced synthesis of prostaglandins that mediate pain and fever. The exact peripheral mechanism remains less defined, but central inhibition of prostaglandin production accounts for its antipyretic and analgesic actions.

Paracetamol is generally well tolerated, but adverse reactions can occur.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: Mild stomach upset after ingestion.
• Abdominal discomfort: Transient pain or fullness.
• Rash: Skin redness or mild itching.
• Elevated liver enzymes: Minor, often reversible changes.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Hepatotoxicity: Severe liver injury, especially with overdose or chronic high use.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: Rare severe skin reaction.
• Blood dyscrasias: Aplastic anemia or thrombocytopenia.
• Anaphylaxis: Immediate hypersensitivity requiring emergency care.

Paracetamol should be used with awareness of specific safety considerations.

• Liver disease: Avoid or limit use in patients with hepatic impairment.
• Alcohol consumption: Limit intake as combined use increases hepatotoxic risk.
• Age restrictions: Use lower doses for children; follow pediatric guidelines.
• Pregnancy and lactation: Use only when clearly needed and prescribed by a healthcare professional.
• Overdose risk: Do not exceed recommended daily maximum; monitor concurrent products containing paracetamol.
• Store at room temperature below 25°C: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture.

Paracetamol may interact with several medicines, requiring attention to dosage and monitoring.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Warfarin: Paracetamol can potentiate anticoagulant effect, increasing bleeding risk.
• Alcohol: Combined use heightens risk of liver injury.
• Carbamazepine: Enzyme induction may reduce paracetamol efficacy.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Isoniazid: May increase risk of liver toxicity.
• Phenytoin: May alter paracetamol metabolism, requiring dose adjustment.
• Rifampicin: Can increase hepatic clearance, potentially lowering therapeutic effect.