Paracetamol

Xumadol, Gelocatil, Termalgin, Dolocatil, Apiretal… are some of the commercial names that paracetamol receives . Very popular for its good value for money, it is often used together with other drugs that already contain it or to mitigate inflammatory diseases, such as an analog of ibuprofen . But is it really that safe or does it require us to take certain precautions? Let’s find out.

How to take paracetamol: recommended doses

Also called acetaminophen, it is a powerful analgesic (relieves pain) and antipyretic ( fever reducer ) that carries few side effects. Its low anti-inflammatory activity significantly reduces gastric, kidney or cardiovascular discomfort, unlike other medicinal products such as ibuprofen , which requires accompanying it with food or stomach protectors.

Sometimes paracetamol is presented in combination with codeine, diclofenac or acetylsalicylic acid to make pain of varying intensity and origin disappear:

• Headache, even migraine .
• Dental.
• Articulate.
• Of bones.
• Neuralgic, typical of the nerves or nerve endings.
• After a strong blow or surgery.

The anti-flu usually contain it to take advantage of these antipyretic and analgesic qualities, adjuvants in deficiency states caused by viral infections, such as the flu  or the cold. Occasionally, it is usually associated with caffeine for its proven decongestant and antihistamine capacity.

Acetaminophen is dispensed in tablets, syrup, drops, and suppositories with their respective administration recommendations.

The tablets are prescribed to be taken orally by adults and children over 12 years of age, without exceeding 4,000 mg daily and following the following guideline:

1. Presentation of 500 mg: 1 to 2 tablets 3 or 4 times a day.
2. Presentation of 750 mg: 1 tablet 3 to 5 times a day.
3. 1000 mg presentation: 1 tablet 3 or 4 times a day.

The syrup is indicated for babies, in concentrations of 100 mg / ml, 32 mg / ml or 40 mg / ml, which should be taken between 3 and 5 times a day and without exceeding the daily dose of 75 mg / kg.

The 200 mg / ml drops are suitable for adults and children:

• In children from 2 to 11 years old: 1 drop for every kg of weight, with a maximum of 35 drops daily every 4-6 hours. In no case should the 5 shots be exceeded after 1 day.
• In adults and children over 12 years of age: 35 to 55 drops 3 or 5 times a day, without exceeding 275 drops (4000 mg) a day, and a maximum of 55 drops in each dose (every 4-6 hours) .

Suppositories, for their part, 125 mg, 250 mg or 500 mg, are suitable for all age ranges and should be taken every 6 or 8 hours.

If the recommended daily dose is exceeded, the symptoms of intoxication will become visible at 12-48 o’clock and will require the administration of acetylcysteine . We will talk about overdose if it exists:

• Bleeding from the digestive tract
• Renal insufficiency.
• Heart damage
• Threw up.
• Eat.
• Hematological alterations.

Contraindications of paracetamol

Although severe allergic reactions related to acetaminophen are minimal, below 0.01%, they can manifest as:

• Alteration of transaminases .
• Hypotension
• Discomfort.
• Rashes.
• Hypoglycemia .

Chronic, nephrotic liver patients, patients with malnutrition, dehydration  and those treated with hepatotoxic drugs or those that already contain paracetamol , should moderate their intake, always under the consideration of the medical professional .

Despite the absence of clinical studies in this regard, acetaminophen has category B risk in pregnancy. It is known that it crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk, so its consumption during pregnancy and lactation should be restricted to cases of strict necessity.

Side effects of paracetamol

The most serious of its consequences is liver toxicity. Doses greater than 4,000 mg daily for prolonged periods and those greater than 12,000 mg, even occasional, lead to obvious liver damage, which is pleasant if alcohol is consumed. The risk of developing acute kidney failure is real.

Other of its sequelae, less frequent, are:

• Disorders in the composition of the blood (pancytopenia or methemoglobinemia).
• Stomachache.
• Nausea or vomiting
• Drowsiness.
• Jaundice .
• Pneumonitis
• Anemia.

Interactions with other medications

Certain drugs such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin or isoniazid are capable of accentuating the liver damage associated with paracetamol .

It can increase the effect of chloramphenicol and, taken together with diflunisal, alters plasma concentrations.

If we are being treated with warfarin, we must not exceed 2 grams of paracetamol daily  or take it with zidovudine, in order to prevent agranulocytosis and liver damage.

How to store paracetamol

The usual recommendation for its conservation is the generic one for all drugs:

• Always out of the reach of children.
• In a cool and dry place.
• Preferably in its original container to verify the expiration date and do not take it if it has expired.

Following the doctor’s instructions and communicating any suspicious symptoms or setbacks that we notice in the treatment will be essential to make good use of this pain reliever, present in most of our homes.