Paracetamol Aurobindo (Paracetamol)

Paracetamol acts systemically to alleviate pain and lower temperature in common acute conditions.

• Fever: reduces elevated body temperature by acting on the hypothalamic heat‑regulation center.
• Headache: alleviates tension‑type and mild migraine‑associated head pain.
• Toothache: provides relief from dental pain after procedures or infection.
• Musculoskeletal pain: eases sore muscles, joint aches and minor injuries.
• Common cold symptoms: helps control fever and discomfort associated with viral upper‑respiratory infections.

• Paracetamol exerts its analgesic and antipyretic actions primarily through inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in the central nervous system, especially COX‑2. This reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins that sensitize nociceptors and reset the hypothalamic set‑point for body temperature, thereby diminishing pain perception and fever.

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

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild stomach upset after ingestion.
• Rash: skin redness or mild itching.
• Headache: occasional worsening of head pain.
• Dizziness: transient light‑headedness.
• Abdominal discomfort: mild stomach pain or indigestion.
• Elevated liver enzymes: laboratory finding without symptoms.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe skin reactions: Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Acute liver failure: especially with overdose or chronic high dosing.
• Blood disorders: agranulocytosis or thrombocytopenia.
• Anaphylaxis: rare but potentially life‑threatening allergic response.
• Hypotension: sudden drop in blood pressure in susceptible individuals.

Paracetamol should be used with attention to specific safety considerations.

• Dose limitation: do not exceed the maximum daily amount recommended by a healthcare professional.
• Liver impairment: adjust dose or avoid use in patients with severe hepatic disease.
• Alcohol consumption: avoid or limit alcohol while taking paracetamol due to increased liver risk.
• Renal impairment: use caution and consider dose reduction in patients with reduced kidney function.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: consult a healthcare provider before use.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Paracetamol can interact with several medicines, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Warfarin: increased anticoagulant effect and bleeding risk.
• Isoniazid: heightened potential for liver toxicity.
• Alcohol: additive hepatotoxicity leading to liver injury.
• Other hepatotoxic drugs: combined use may overwhelm liver metabolism.
• Carbamazepine: may reduce paracetamol effectiveness through enzyme induction.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Oral contraceptives: possible reduction in contraceptive efficacy.
• Phenytoin: may increase paracetamol clearance, lowering its effect.
• Rifampin: enzyme induction can decrease paracetamol plasma levels.