Paradote

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > P



How does it work?

Paracetamol is a medicine used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain. It is also useful for reducing fever. It is not fully understood how paracetamol produces these effects. Paracetamol is broken down to toxic compounds which are normally neutralised by a substance in the liver called glutathione. Glutathione is only produced in limited amounts, so the body cannot neutralise the excessive toxins resulting from a paracetamol overdose. This leads to liver damage. Methionine is a substance obtained from the diet and used by the body to produce glutathione. It is included in this medicine to ensure levels of glutathione in the liver are maintained in order to minimize the liver damage caused if a paracetamol overdose is taken.

What is it used for?

- Fever (pyrexia)
- Mild to moderate pain

Warning!

- In cases of overdose, seek immediate advice from a doctor.
- 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.

Use with caution in

- Alcoholism
- Decreased kidney function

Not to be used in

- Children under 12 years of age
- Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient
- Liver disease

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

- Do not take more than 2 at any one time. Do not take more than 8 in 24 hours.
- Do not take this medication with any other products containing paracetamol.

The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use

© Copyright 1998 - 2009 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved