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Medicine

Paracetamol – pain and fever

Oral tablet

A simple and personal explanation of the medicine for patients and families.

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Overview

Paracetamol is used for mild to moderate pain and fever. It can help with headache, toothache, muscle pain, and fever symptoms. It is a common medicine, but correct dosing is very important.

Ibrahim's pharmacy advice

I often explain it like this: Paracetamol is a good and usually gentle pain medicine when it is used correctly. The problem often happens when people accidentally take several products with paracetamol at the same time, such as cold medicines together with regular tablets. That is why my most important advice is always to check the total daily dose.

Use

  • Paracetamol is used for mild to moderate pain and fever.
  • It can help with headache, toothache, muscle pain, and symptoms from colds or fever.
  • It relieves pain and lowers fever, but has only a weak anti-inflammatory effect.

Dosage and Ibrahim's advice

  • Adults and adolescents with sufficient body weight often take 500–1000 mg per dose with at least 4 hours between doses.
  • Do not take more than 4 doses in 24 hours or more than 4000 mg per day, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
  • Children are dosed by weight, so follow the advice from your doctor, pharmacy, or package instructions.
  • Always check whether other medicines you use also contain paracetamol.

Side effects

  • Paracetamol is usually well tolerated when used correctly.
  • Rarely, rash, itching, or allergic reactions can occur.
  • The most important risk is overdose, which can seriously damage the liver.

Drug interactions

  • Be careful with other products that also contain paracetamol, such as some cold and flu medicines.
  • Tell your doctor or pharmacist about other regular medicines if you use paracetamol often or for longer periods.
  • Heavy alcohol use or liver disease may require extra caution.

Important warnings

  • Do not exceed the recommended dose on the package or from your doctor.
  • Contact a doctor if fever or pain does not improve within 3–5 days.
  • If an overdose may have happened, seek urgent medical help even if you still feel well.
  • People with liver disease or special risk factors may need individual assessment.

Ramadan and fasting

  • Paracetamol tablets break the fast if taken during the daytime.
  • Doses can often be planned for the evening or at suhoor.
  • If the medicine is necessary for pain or fever, safe treatment comes first.

Food and drink

  • Paracetamol can be taken with or without food.
  • If it causes mild stomach upset, take it with a small amount of food.
  • Be careful with heavy alcohol use, especially if you use paracetamol often.

Storage

  • Keep out of reach of children.
  • Keep in the original packaging to protect from light and moisture.
  • Do not use after the expiry date.
  • Return leftovers to the pharmacy.

Sources

This text is written in a personal and simple style, but the medical information is based on official sources.