500 mg tablets are the most common adult strength (650 mg in some Indian brands). Oral suspensions, intravenous infusion and suppositories are also available. Strengths vary by brand and country, so check the pack.
Prescription classification
Non-prescription / OTC (verified)
Applies to
International overview (Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States, China); India-specific labelling to be confirmed.
Approved indications
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a pain reliever and fever reducer. It is used for fever and for mild-to-moderate pain such as headache (including acute migraine), muscle aches, toothache, minor arthritis pain, cold and flu aches, sprains and period pain (dysmenorrhea). Evidence for its use in several long-term (chronic) pain conditions is limited or uncertain. In hospitals, it is also used under specialist care to help close a patent ductus arteriosus in some newborn infants.
Contraindications (do not use if…)
Do not use paracetamol if you are allergic to it or to any ingredient in the product. Do not take it together with other medicines that contain paracetamol. People with severe liver disease or active liver injury should use it only on a doctor’s advice.
Important precautions
Paracetamol is processed mainly by the liver, and taking too much or using it for a long time can cause liver injury. Take extra care if you have liver disease or drink alcohol regularly. Many cold, flu and combination products also contain paracetamol, so check labels to avoid taking it twice. Follow the dose and the minimum gap between doses printed on the pack, and speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using it regularly.
Common side effects
At usual doses paracetamol is generally well tolerated. Side effects such as nausea or abdominal pain are uncommon, and many people have none.
Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care
Get urgent medical help for any of the following. Taking more than the recommended dose can cause severe, potentially fatal liver damage or liver failure. Rarely, paracetamol can cause serious skin reactions such as Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, and serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Studies suggest regular long-term high-dose use may be linked to kidney, stomach and heart problems, but the clinical importance is still debated, so ask your doctor if you need it regularly.
Important interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take. Regular use of paracetamol can increase the effect of warfarin and raise the risk of bleeding (INR may rise). Some medicines for epilepsy (such as carbamazepine and phenytoin) and tuberculosis (such as rifampicin) can increase the risk of liver toxicity. Metoclopramide, propantheline and morphine can change how quickly paracetamol is absorbed, and ranitidine, nizatidine and cisapride may increase exposure to it. Paracetamol may also raise ethinylestradiol levels. Evidence for some of these interactions is limited. Never combine it with other paracetamol-containing products, and limit alcohol.
Allergy considerations
Do not use paracetamol if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it. Stop and get urgent medical help if you develop a rash, blistering or peeling skin, mouth sores, or swelling of the face, lips or throat.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Health regulators in several countries consider paracetamol a first-choice option for pain or fever in pregnancy when treatment is needed. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. Observational studies linking it to developmental conditions do not prove cause and effect, and recent reviews found no clinically significant increase in autism, ADHD or intellectual disability when used as directed. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using it during pregnancy, and check current local guidance.
Information
Lactation safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Small amounts of paracetamol pass into breast milk, but the amount a baby receives is far below a baby’s own treatment dose, and side effects in breastfed infants are rare. It is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding at recommended doses. Take extra care if your baby was born prematurely or has liver problems, and check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Children and older adults
Children: paracetamol is not needed just to bring a child’s temperature down, and it may be considered if the child is distressed or uncomfortable. It is generally less effective than ibuprofen at reducing fever in children. Always use a children’s product and give the dose for the child’s age and weight as printed on the label, using the measuring device supplied, and ask a doctor or pharmacist if unsure. Older adults and people who are underweight or malnourished, or who have liver or kidney problems, should check with a doctor before regular use.
Storage
Store at room temperature as directed on the pack (usually below 25–30 °C), in a dry place away from direct light and moisture. Keep the medicine in its original packaging and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date.
Missed dose
Paracetamol is usually taken only when needed. If you are taking it on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is nearly time for the next one. Do not take a double dose, and keep the minimum gap between doses and the maximum daily limit stated on the pack.
Overdose
Taking more than the labelled dose, including from several products that contain paracetamol, can cause severe liver damage and can be fatal. Early signs may be absent or mild (such as nausea, vomiting, sweating or stomach pain), so do not wait for symptoms. If you think too much has been taken, seek emergency medical help or contact a poison control centre immediately (112 in India), and take the pack with you.
If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning:
contact your local emergency services or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
References
National Library of Medicine — National Library of Medicinesource(Regulatory / approved product label (e.g. CDSCO))
500 mg tablets are the most common adult strength (650 mg in some Indian brands). Oral suspensions, intravenous infusion and suppositories are also available. Strengths vary by brand and country, so check the pack.
Prescription classification
Non-prescription / OTC (verified)
Applies to
International overview (Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States, China); India-specific labelling to be confirmed.
Approved indications
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a pain reliever and fever reducer. It is used for fever and for mild-to-moderate pain such as headache (including acute migraine), muscle aches, toothache, minor arthritis pain, cold and flu aches, sprains and period pain (dysmenorrhea). Evidence for its use in several long-term (chronic) pain conditions is limited or uncertain. In hospitals, it is also used under specialist care to help close a patent ductus arteriosus in some newborn infants.
Contraindications (do not use if…)
Do not use paracetamol if you are allergic to it or to any ingredient in the product. Do not take it together with other medicines that contain paracetamol. People with severe liver disease or active liver injury should use it only on a doctor’s advice.
Important precautions
Paracetamol is processed mainly by the liver, and taking too much or using it for a long time can cause liver injury. Take extra care if you have liver disease or drink alcohol regularly. Many cold, flu and combination products also contain paracetamol, so check labels to avoid taking it twice. Follow the dose and the minimum gap between doses printed on the pack, and speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using it regularly.
Common side effects
At usual doses paracetamol is generally well tolerated. Side effects such as nausea or abdominal pain are uncommon, and many people have none.
Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care
Get urgent medical help for any of the following. Taking more than the recommended dose can cause severe, potentially fatal liver damage or liver failure. Rarely, paracetamol can cause serious skin reactions such as Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, and serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Studies suggest regular long-term high-dose use may be linked to kidney, stomach and heart problems, but the clinical importance is still debated, so ask your doctor if you need it regularly.
Important interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take. Regular use of paracetamol can increase the effect of warfarin and raise the risk of bleeding (INR may rise). Some medicines for epilepsy (such as carbamazepine and phenytoin) and tuberculosis (such as rifampicin) can increase the risk of liver toxicity. Metoclopramide, propantheline and morphine can change how quickly paracetamol is absorbed, and ranitidine, nizatidine and cisapride may increase exposure to it. Paracetamol may also raise ethinylestradiol levels. Evidence for some of these interactions is limited. Never combine it with other paracetamol-containing products, and limit alcohol.
Allergy considerations
Do not use paracetamol if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it. Stop and get urgent medical help if you develop a rash, blistering or peeling skin, mouth sores, or swelling of the face, lips or throat.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Health regulators in several countries consider paracetamol a first-choice option for pain or fever in pregnancy when treatment is needed. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. Observational studies linking it to developmental conditions do not prove cause and effect, and recent reviews found no clinically significant increase in autism, ADHD or intellectual disability when used as directed. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using it during pregnancy, and check current local guidance.
Information
Lactation safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Small amounts of paracetamol pass into breast milk, but the amount a baby receives is far below a baby’s own treatment dose, and side effects in breastfed infants are rare. It is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding at recommended doses. Take extra care if your baby was born prematurely or has liver problems, and check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Children and older adults
Children: paracetamol is not needed just to bring a child’s temperature down, and it may be considered if the child is distressed or uncomfortable. It is generally less effective than ibuprofen at reducing fever in children. Always use a children’s product and give the dose for the child’s age and weight as printed on the label, using the measuring device supplied, and ask a doctor or pharmacist if unsure. Older adults and people who are underweight or malnourished, or who have liver or kidney problems, should check with a doctor before regular use.
Storage
Store at room temperature as directed on the pack (usually below 25–30 °C), in a dry place away from direct light and moisture. Keep the medicine in its original packaging and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date.
Missed dose
Paracetamol is usually taken only when needed. If you are taking it on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is nearly time for the next one. Do not take a double dose, and keep the minimum gap between doses and the maximum daily limit stated on the pack.
Overdose
Taking more than the labelled dose, including from several products that contain paracetamol, can cause severe liver damage and can be fatal. Early signs may be absent or mild (such as nausea, vomiting, sweating or stomach pain), so do not wait for symptoms. If you think too much has been taken, seek emergency medical help or contact a poison control centre immediately (112 in India), and take the pack with you.
If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning:
contact your local emergency services or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
References
National Library of Medicine — National Library of Medicinesource(Regulatory / approved product label (e.g. CDSCO))
