Fever reduction (antipyretic):<\/strong> helps bring down a high temperature from infections such as colds and flu, ear infections, and after vaccinations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nParacetamol is often the first-line<\/strong> choice because it\u2019s effective for mild to moderate pain and usually easier on the stomach than medicines like ibuprofen or aspirin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/span>How it works<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nParacetamol lowers the production of pain- and fever-causing chemicals called prostaglandins<\/strong> in the brain and spinal cord. This changes the body\u2019s perception of pain and resets the \u201cthermostat\u201d that controls body temperature. Unlike anti-inflammatory medicines (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), paracetamol has very little anti-inflammatory action<\/strong> in the rest of the body\u2014so it won\u2019t reduce swelling much.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOnset and duration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Starts working in about 30\u201360 minutes<\/strong> (faster in liquid forms).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lasts around 4\u20136 hours<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/span>Who can take paracetamol<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Adults and teenagers<\/strong>: generally safe if used at the recommended doses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Children and infants<\/strong>: safe when dosed by weight<\/strong> with child-specific strengths.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Older adults<\/strong>: often preferred because it\u2019s gentler on the stomach than many alternatives.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding<\/strong>: usually considered the first-choice pain\/fever medicine<\/strong> when needed, at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. If you need it regularly, discuss with your healthcare professional.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
People who must take special care<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Liver disease<\/strong>, hepatitis, or previous liver injury.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Regular heavy alcohol use<\/strong> (even if liver tests are normal).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Low body weight<\/strong> (e.g., <50 kg) or malnutrition<\/strong>, including very poor appetite, eating disorders, chronic illness, or prolonged fasting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Taking certain enzyme-inducing medicines<\/strong> (see interactions).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
These groups may need a lower daily maximum<\/strong>. Always check with a doctor or pharmacist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/span>Forms and strengths you\u2019ll see<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Tablets\/capsules:<\/strong> commonly 500 mg<\/strong> each (also 325 mg in some markets).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Effervescent tablets<\/strong>: dissolve in water, usually 500 mg<\/strong> each.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Syrups\/suspensions<\/strong> (children): commonly 120 mg\/5 mL<\/strong> or 250 mg\/5 mL<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Infant drops<\/strong>: check the label; concentration varies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Suppositories<\/strong> (rectal): for people who can\u2019t swallow or are vomiting; strengths vary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Combination products:<\/strong> cold\/flu remedies, sinus tablets, pain-relief combos with codeine<\/strong>, caffeine<\/strong>, antihistamines<\/strong>, decongestants<\/strong>, etc. Many of these already contain paracetamol\u2014watch for duplicate dosing<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Always read the label to confirm the amount of paracetamol per tablet or per 5 mL<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/span>Adult dosing (ages 12+ unless label says otherwise)<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Usual single dose:<\/strong> 500\u20131000 mg<\/strong> (1\u20132 standard 500 mg tablets).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dose spacing:<\/strong> every 4\u20136 hours<\/strong>, as needed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Maximum per 24 hours:<\/strong> 4,000 mg (4 g)<\/strong> total from all<\/em> sources.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\nSome people should aim for a lower cap of 3,000 mg\/day<\/strong> (e.g., older age, low body weight, chronic alcohol use, or liver concerns). If in doubt, stay under 3,000 mg\/day and ask your clinician.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nDo not<\/strong> take more than 1,000 mg<\/strong> at once, and do not<\/strong> take doses closer than 4 hours<\/strong> apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/span>Dosing for children (by weight)<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nUse child-specific liquids or suppositories, and measure with a proper dosing syringe\/spoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Single dose:<\/strong> 10\u201315 mg per kg<\/strong> of body weight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dose spacing:<\/strong> every 4\u20136 hours<\/strong> as needed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Maximum daily dose:<\/strong> 60 mg per kg per day<\/strong>, not exceeding the adult maximum.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Example doses (illustrative only \u2014 always check your product label):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- 5 kg infant \u2192 50\u201375 mg per dose<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 10 kg child \u2192 100\u2013150 mg per dose<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 15 kg child \u2192 150\u2013225 mg per dose<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 20 kg child \u2192 200\u2013300 mg per dose<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 30 kg child \u2192 300\u2013450 mg per dose<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If your bottle is 120 mg\/5 mL<\/strong>, then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- 150 mg \u2248 6.25 mL<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 240 mg \u2248 10 mL<\/strong>, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Check the exact concentration on your bottle and ask a pharmacist to mark the right volume on the syringe if you\u2019re unsure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nDo not<\/strong> use adult tablets for small children unless a healthcare professional shows you how to dose and split them safely.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/span>Safe use checklist<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- \u2705 Count the total daily amount<\/strong> from all medicines you\u2019re taking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u2705 Set reminders<\/strong> to avoid taking doses too close together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u2705 Avoid alcohol<\/strong>, which increases liver stress.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u2705 Use weight-based dosing<\/strong> for children and keep all medicines out of children\u2019s reach.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u2705 Stick to the shortest time<\/strong> needed for symptom control. For persistent pain or fever >3 days (adults) or >2 days (children), seek medical advice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Avoid if<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- You\u2019ve had allergic reactions<\/strong> to paracetamol in the past.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- You are already over the recommended daily limit from other combination products.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/span>Common mistakes that lead to overdose<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Double-dosing<\/strong>: taking paracetamol tablets plus<\/strong> a cold\/flu remedy that also contains paracetamol.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dosing too often<\/strong>: not waiting 4\u20136 hours<\/strong> between doses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cJust a bit extra\u201d<\/strong>: taking more than 1,000 mg<\/strong> per dose or exceeding 4,000 mg<\/strong> per day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Using the wrong measuring device<\/strong>: kitchen spoons are inaccurate\u2014use the supplied syringe\/spoon.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Multiple caregivers<\/strong> dosing the same child without a written log.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\nOverdose is a medical emergency.<\/strong> Even if you feel well, paracetamol overdose can cause serious liver damage<\/strong> without early symptoms. Get urgent help immediately if too much has been taken, or if you\u2019re unsure how much was taken.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/span>Side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nParacetamol is well tolerated by most people at normal doses. Side effects are uncommon, but can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More common (usually mild)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Nausea, upset stomach, or loss of appetite<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Headache or dizziness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Skin flushing or sweating<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Less common<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Rash or itching<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Low blood pressure (rare, usually with IV forms)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Changes in blood tests (liver enzymes) with frequent or high-end dosing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Serious but rare \u2014 seek medical help urgently<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Allergic reaction<\/strong>: swelling of the lips\/face, hives, wheezing, difficulty breathing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Severe skin reactions<\/strong>: widespread rash, blistering, skin peeling (e.g., Stevens\u2013Johnson syndrome).<\/li>\n\n\n\n