Paracetamol Mercury Pharmaceuticals Ltd (Paracetamol)

Paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic that acts on the prostaglandin pathway to manage pain and fever.

• Pain: provides relief of mild to moderate pain such as headache, toothache, and musculoskeletal discomfort.
• Fever: lowers elevated body temperature associated with infections or other causes.
• Post‑operative discomfort: helps control pain after minor surgical procedures.

• Paracetamol inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX‑1 and COX‑2) in the central nervous system, leading to reduced synthesis of prostaglandins that mediate pain and fever. This peripheral and central action lowers the pain threshold and resets the hypothalamic temperature set‑point, producing antipyretic effects without significant anti‑inflammatory activity.

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

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild gastrointestinal upset.
• Abdominal discomfort: occasional stomach pain.
• Rash: skin redness or mild itching.
• Elevated liver enzymes: transient changes detected in blood tests.
• Headache: occasional mild 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: life‑threatening allergic response.
• Blood dyscrasias: rare cases of agranulocytosis or thrombocytopenia.
• Hypotension: uncommon drop in blood pressure.
• Renal impairment: rare kidney function decline.

When using Paracetamol, consider the following safety measures.

• Dosage: follow prescriber or label instructions; do not exceed recommended daily amount.
• Liver disease: use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment.
• Alcohol consumption: avoid excessive alcohol to reduce risk of liver toxicity.
• Allergy: discontinue if signs of hypersensitivity such as rash or swelling appear.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: consult a healthcare professional before use.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Paracetamol may interact with other medicines; some combinations require avoidance while others need monitoring.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Alcohol: combined use increases risk of liver damage.
• Warfarin: may enhance anticoagulant effect, raising bleeding risk.
• Carbamazepine: can reduce paracetamol effectiveness by increasing metabolism.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Isoniazid, phenytoin, phenobarbital: may alter paracetamol metabolism, requiring dose adjustment.
• Rifampicin: may increase hepatic clearance, lowering therapeutic levels.
• Oral contraceptives: may experience reduced contraceptive efficacy; monitor for breakthrough bleeding.