Paracetamol Arrow Conseil (Paracetamol)

Paracetamol is used for pain relief and fever reduction across common clinical pathways.

• Mild to moderate pain: alleviates headache, dental, musculoskeletal and menstrual discomfort.
• Fever: lowers elevated body temperature associated with infections or inflammatory conditions.
• Post‑operative discomfort: helps manage short‑term pain after minor surgical procedures.

• Paracetamol works by inhibiting central cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, primarily COX‑3, which reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins in the brain and spinal cord. This action diminishes the perception of pain and resets the hypothalamic temperature set‑point, producing analgesic and antipyretic effects without significant peripheral anti‑inflammatory activity.

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

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild stomach upset that resolves spontaneously.
• Rash: transient skin irritation or mild erythema.
• Elevated liver enzymes: mild, reversible changes in laboratory tests.
• Headache: occasional rebound headache after use.
• Dizziness: brief sensation of light‑headedness.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe hepatotoxicity: risk increases with overdose or chronic high‑dose use.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: rare severe skin reaction.
• Anaphylaxis: extremely uncommon allergic response requiring immediate medical attention.
• Blood dyscrasias: rare cases of agranulocytosis or thrombocytopenia.
• Hypersensitivity reactions: including angioedema and bronchospasm.

Paracetamol should be used with awareness of specific safety considerations.

• Dosage limits: do not exceed the maximum daily amount recommended by a healthcare professional.
• Liver disease: avoid or use only under medical supervision if hepatic impairment is present.
• Alcohol consumption: limit intake as concurrent use may increase liver toxicity risk.
• Concomitant medications: review other products containing paracetamol to prevent accidental overdose.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: consult a healthcare provider before use.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, in the original packaging, protected from moisture and direct sunlight.

Paracetamol can interact with several medicines, requiring attention to avoid adverse outcomes.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Warfarin: may increase anticoagulant effect and bleeding risk.
• Isoniazid: can potentiate hepatotoxicity when combined.
• High‑dose alcohol: synergistic liver toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Carbamazepine: may reduce paracetamol plasma levels.
• Rifampicin: may increase metabolism, lowering efficacy.
• Certain antiepileptics (e.g., phenytoin): may alter liver enzyme activity affecting paracetamol clearance.