- What is it for
- How to use
- 1. Paracetamol drops 200 mg / mL
- 2. Paracetamol syrup 100 mg / mL
- 3. Paracetamol tablets
- Possible side effects
- When not to use
- Can paracetamol be used in pregnancy?
Paracetamol is a widely used medicine to lower fever and temporarily relieve mild to moderate pain such as pain associated with colds, headache, body pain, toothache, back pain, muscle pain or pain associated with menstrual cramps.
If recommended by the doctor, this medication can be used in children, adults and pregnant women, however doses should always be respected, because otherwise paracetamol can cause serious health problems, such as liver damage for example.
What is it for
Paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic that is available in various doses and presentations and can be obtained from pharmacies in generic or under the brand name Tylenol or Dafalgan. This medicine can be taken to lower fever and to relieve pain associated with colds, headache, body pain, toothache, back pain, muscle pain or pain associated with menstrual cramps.
Paracetamol is also available in association with other active substances, such as codeine or tramadol, for example, thus exerting a greater analgesic action, or associated with antihistamines, which are associations widely used in flu and colds. In addition, caffeine is often added to paracetamol, to enhance its analgesic action.
How to use
Paracetamol is available in various doses and presentations, such as tablets, syrup and drops, and should be taken as follows:
1. Paracetamol drops 200 mg / mL
The dosage of Paracetamol drops depends on age and weight, like this:
- Children under 12 years old: The usual dose is 1 drop / kg up to the maximum dosage of 35 drops, with intervals of 4 to 6 hours between each administration. Adults and children over 12 years old: The usual dose is 35 to 55 drops, 3 to 5 times a day, with intervals of 4 to 6 hours, in the period of 24 hours.
For babies and children under 11 kg or 2 years, consult a doctor before use.
2. Paracetamol syrup 100 mg / mL
The infant dose of paracetamol varies from 10 to 15 mg / kg / dose, with intervals of 4 to 6 hours between each administration, according to the following table:
| Weight (kg) | Dose (mL) |
|---|---|
| 3 |
0.4 |
| 4 | 0.5 |
| 5 | 0.6 |
| 6 | 0.8 |
| 7 | 0.9 |
| 8 | 1.0 |
| 9 | 1.1 |
| 10 | 1.3 |
| 11 | 1.4 |
| 12 | 1.5 |
| 13 | 1.6 |
| 14 | 1.8 |
| 15 | 1.9 |
| 16 | 2.0 |
| 17 | 2.1 |
| 18 | 2.3 |
| 19 | 2.4 |
| 20 | 2.5 |
3. Paracetamol tablets
Paracetamol tablets should only be used by adults or children older than 12 years.
- Paracetamol 500 mg: The usual dose is 1 to 3 tablets, 3 to 4 times a day.Paracetamol 750 mg: The usual dose is 1 tablet 3 to 5 times a day.
The duration of treatment depends on the disappearance of symptoms.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects that can occur with the use of paracetamol are hives, itching and redness in the body, allergic reactions and increased transaminases, which are enzymes present in the liver, whose increase can lead to problems in this organ.
When not to use
Paracetamol should not be used by people who are allergic to this active substance or any other component contained in the medicine. In addition, it should also not be used by people who drink large amounts of alcohol, who have liver problems or who are already taking another medication containing paracetamol.
Can paracetamol be used in pregnancy?
Paracetamol is an analgesic that can be taken during pregnancy, but it should be used in the lowest possible dose and always under medical guidance. The daily dose of up to 1 g of paracetamol per day is considered safe, however, the ideal is to favor natural painkillers, such as ginger or rosemary for example. Here's how to prepare a natural pain reliever for pregnancy.
