Paracetamol Nutra Essential (Paracetamol)

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

• Pain: provides relief of mild to moderate pain such as headache or muscular aches.
• Fever: reduces elevated body temperature associated with infection or inflammation.
• Headache: alleviates tension‑type and migraine‑associated head pain.
• Toothache: eases dental pain after procedures or infection.
• Musculoskeletal pain: helps manage aches from strain or arthritis.

• Paracetamol inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins in the central nervous system by blocking the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, primarily COX‑2, which reduces the perception of pain and lowers the hypothalamic set‑point for body temperature, resulting in analgesic and antipyretic effects.

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

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild stomach upset or queasiness.
• Abdominal discomfort: occasional stomach pain.
• Rash: skin redness or mild itching.
• Elevated liver enzymes: transient increase in hepatic markers.
• Headache: paradoxical headache in some users.
• Dizziness: occasional light‑headed feeling.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: severe skin reaction requiring immediate medical attention.
• Anaphylaxis: rare but life‑threatening allergic response.
• Hepatotoxicity: serious liver injury, especially with overdose.
• Blood disorders: rare cases of thrombocytopenia or neutropenia.
• Renal impairment: occasional kidney function impact.
• Hypotension: rare drop in blood pressure.

Paracetamol should be used with caution and according to professional guidance.

• Assess liver function: avoid or adjust use in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
• Limit alcohol consumption: concurrent alcohol increases risk of liver injury.
• Use lowest effective dose: minimize potential toxicity while achieving symptom control.
• Monitor in children: dosing must be weight‑based and supervised.
• Avoid in known hypersensitivity: discontinue if rash or allergic signs develop.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

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

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Alcohol: synergistic hepatotoxic risk.
• Warfarin: may enhance anticoagulant effect, increasing bleeding risk.
• Carbamazepine: combined use can raise liver toxicity potential.
• Isoniazid: additive hepatic injury.
• Rifampicin: may reduce paracetamol effectiveness.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Phenytoin: may increase liver enzyme activity.
• NSAIDs: concurrent use raises risk of gastrointestinal irritation.
• Oral contraceptives: possible reduction in contraceptive efficacy.
• Antihistamines: may increase sedation.
• Antiretrovirals: monitor liver function during combined therapy.