Paracetamol B. Braun Melsungen (Paracetamol)

Paracetamol acts as a centrally acting analgesic and antipyretic, providing relief across several common conditions.

• Headache: reduces pain intensity and improves daily functioning.
• Fever: lowers elevated body temperature associated with infections.
• Musculoskeletal pain: alleviates aches from strains or overuse.
• Dental pain: eases discomfort following dental procedures.
• Cold and flu symptoms: helps control pain and fever accompanying viral upper respiratory infections.

• Paracetamol exerts its effect primarily by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in the central nervous system, particularly COX‑2, leading to decreased synthesis of prostaglandins that mediate pain and fever. Its action is largely confined to the brain and spinal cord, with minimal peripheral anti‑inflammatory activity, which accounts for its analgesic and antipyretic properties without significant anti‑inflammatory effects.

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

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild stomach upset after ingestion.
• Skin rash: transient erythema or itching.
• Elevated liver enzymes: mild, reversible changes in laboratory tests.
• Headache: occasional rebound headache.
• Dizziness: brief sensation of light‑headedness.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Hepatotoxicity: severe liver injury, especially with overdose.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: rare severe skin reaction.
• Anaphylaxis: acute allergic response requiring emergency care.
• Blood dyscrasias: rare cases of agranulocytosis or thrombocytopenia.
• Renal impairment: uncommon acute kidney injury in susceptible individuals.

Paracetamol should be used with awareness of specific safety considerations.

• Liver function: avoid use in patients with severe hepatic impairment or chronic alcohol abuse.
• Alcohol consumption: limit intake as it may increase hepatotoxic risk.
• Pregnancy: use only when clearly needed and prescribed by a healthcare professional.
• Concomitant medications: review other products containing paracetamol to prevent accidental overdose.
• Age restrictions: dosage for children must be determined by a prescriber based on weight.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25°C in the original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Paracetamol can interact with several medicines, requiring careful management.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Warfarin: increased risk of bleeding due to enhanced anticoagulant effect.
• Isoniazid: heightened potential for liver toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Alcohol: additive hepatotoxic risk, especially with chronic use.
• Carbamazepine: may reduce paracetamol plasma concentrations.
• Rifampicin: may increase metabolism leading to reduced efficacy.
• Phenobarbital: similar enzyme‑inducing effect decreasing drug levels.
• Oral contraceptives: may slightly reduce plasma concentrations, though clinical impact is minimal.