Paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic drug used to reduce fever and relieve mild to moderate pain such as headache, menstrual pain or toothache, for example, in adults and children.
Paracetamol can be bought in pharmacies in the form of tablets, drops or oral suspension and with the name of Tylenol, Parador, Febralgin, Dorico, Vick Pyrena or Sonridor, in addition to generic.
Price of Paracetamol
The price of Paracetamol ranges from 0.50 to 20 reais.
Indications for Paracetamol
Paracetamol is indicated for the reduction of fever, relief of mild to moderate pain associated with common colds and flu, headache, toothache, back pain, muscle aches, pain associated with arthritis, menstrual pain, post-surgical pain and sore throat.
In addition, Paracetamol may be used when acetylsalicylic acid is contraindicated or advised against.
How to use Paracetamol
The method of use of Paracetamol consists of:
Tablets
- Adults and children over 12 years: 1 tablet of 500 to 1000 mg, every 4 to 6 hours or 1 tablet of 750 mg 3 to 5 times a day, not to exceed the total of 4 g per day.
Drops
- Adults and children over 12 years: 35 to 55 drops, 3 to 5 times a day, not to exceed a total of 5 administrations in a day.
- Children under 12 years: 1 drop per kg of weight per dose, every 4 to 6 hours, not exceeding 35 drops per dose and 5 administrations in one day. For example, a child weighing 15 kg should take 15 drops every 4 to 6 hours and should not exceed 5 administrations in a day.
Oral Suspension
- Children: 10 to 15 mg per kg and per dose, every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 5 administrations in a day.
For children under 11 kg or 2 years, the dose should be prescribed and directed by the pediatrician. During the use of acetaminophen, alcoholic beverages should not be taken, and in the case of chronic alcoholic patients, doses of more than 2 grams of acetaminophen per day are not recommended because of the toxic effects of the drug on the liver.
Side Effects of Paracetamol
Side effects of Paracetamol include mood swings, hemolytic anemia, tiredness, itching of the skin, abdominal cramps, mental confusion, liver damage, diarrhea, urinary difficulty or pain, decreased urine output, fever, weakness, yellowing of the skin, nausea, sudden paralysis, loss of appetite, bleeding, dark or bloody urine, hives, redness of the skin and vomiting.
Contraindications of Paracetamol
Paracetamol is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the components of the formula.
This medicine should not be used by pregnant or nursing women without medical advice.
