Paracetamol Eg Labo (Paracetamol)

Paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic that acts on the central nervous system to relieve pain and lower temperature.

• Headache: provides relief from mild to moderate tension‑type headaches.
• Fever: reduces elevated body temperature in febrile illnesses.
• Musculoskeletal pain: eases discomfort from muscle aches, back pain and minor joint pain.
• Dental pain: alleviates pain associated with toothaches and dental procedures.
• Cold symptoms: helps control headache and fever that accompany common colds.

• Paracetamol reduces fever and pain by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in the central nervous system, particularly COX‑2, which lowers prostaglandin synthesis. This action diminishes the neuronal signaling that generates pain and resets the hypothalamic temperature set‑point, producing antipyretic effects.

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

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild stomach upset may be experienced.
• Skin rash: occasional mild dermatologic reactions.
• Elevated liver enzymes: transient increase detectable in blood tests.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Hepatotoxicity: risk of liver injury, especially with overdose.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: rare severe skin reaction.
• Anaphylaxis: extremely rare allergic response.
• Blood disorders: rare cases of thrombocytopenia or neutropenia.

Paracetamol should be used with awareness of potential risks and specific patient factors.

• Dose adjustment: reduce dose in patients with hepatic impairment.
• Alcohol use: avoid excessive alcohol as it increases liver toxicity risk.
• Pregnancy: limit use to the lowest effective dose and shortest duration.
• Concomitant medications: review all other products containing paracetamol to prevent accidental overdose.
• Age considerations: adjust dosing for children according to weight‑based guidelines.
• Store below 25°C: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Paracetamol may interact with several medicines, requiring monitoring or avoidance.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Warfarin: may enhance anticoagulant effect and increase bleeding risk.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Isoniazid: can increase risk of liver toxicity.
• Antiepileptic drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin): may reduce paracetamol clearance.
• Alcohol: combined use raises hepatotoxic potential.
• HIV protease inhibitors: may alter paracetamol metabolism.
• Rifampicin: may increase hepatic metabolism leading to reduced efficacy.