Paracets

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How does it work?

Paracets capsules contain the active ingredient paracetamol, which is a simple painkilling medicine used to relieve mild to moderate pain and fever. (NB. Paracetamol is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)

Despite its widespread use for over 100 years, we still don't fully understand how paracetamol works to relieve pain and reduce fever. However, it is now thought that it works by reducing the production of prostaglandins in the brain and spinal cord.

Prostaglandins are produced by the body in response to injury and certain diseases. One of their actions is to sensitise nerve endings, so that when the injury is stimulated it causes pain (presumably to prevent us from causing further harm to the area). As paracetamol reduces the production of these nerve sensitising prostaglandins it is thought it may increase our pain threshold, so that although the injury remains, we can feel it less.

It is thought paracetamol reduces fever by affecting an area of the brain that regulates our body temperature (the hypothalamic heat-regulating center).

Paracetamol is about as effective as aspirin at relieving mild to moderate pain and reducing fever, but unlike aspirin it has no anti-inflammatory effect.

Paracetamol can be used to relieve mild to moderate pain associated with conditions such as headaches, migraine, toothache, teething, colds and flu. It is also useful for reducing fever and discomfort associated with colds and flu.

What is it used for?

- Mild to moderate pain such as headache, migraine, neuralgia, toothache, sore throat, period pain and rheumatic aches and pains
- Fever (pyrexia)
- Relieving aches, pains and fever associated with colds and flu

Warning!

- Do not exceed the dose stated in the information leaflet supplied with this medicine.
- Do not take this medicine with any other paracetamol containing products.
- An overdose of paracetamol is dangerous and capable of causing serious damage to the liver and kidneys. You should never exceed the dose stated in the information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose with this medicine, even if you feel well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage.
- Alcohol increases the risk of liver damage that can occur if an overdose of paracetamol is taken. The hazards of paracetamol overdose are greater in persistant heavy drinkers and in people with alcoholic liver disease.
- If symptoms persist consult your doctor.

Use with caution in