Your Health Q& A:Can i take this white pill?

 

Whatever shape it may either oval or round, paracetamol remains white and commonly found everywhere from top-notch hospital services to local supermarkets. Also, almost every household tend to stock this up in their shelf like how they do on their groceries. It is commonly referred to as Panadol, glory to Panadol Manufactures since they managed to seed a strong foundation upon their products despite many other Paracetamol with different brands appear. Currently, Paracetamol is combined with other medications too as one to give a stronger effect.

How does this medication work?

Paracetamol belongs to painkiller group, it works by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for pain or inflammatory in the nervous system called COX hence help to reduce inflammation and pain caused by it.

What is the usage of this medicine?

As mentioned earlier it helps to reduce mild to moderate pain. Generally, it helps to control pain score 1-3(mild) and score 4-6(moderate) if combined with another group of painkillers. In addition, it is widely used for fever and to treat Patent Ductus Arteriosus, a condition where blood vessels of the newborn's lungs failed to close.

Can I take it for a long period?

Despite being safe at the recommended dosage, duration needs to be considered depending on the reason of taking them.

What if doesn't work on me?

Just opt for another medication either you are taking for fever or pain such as brufen, Voltaren, Celebrex and many other with physician's advice.

Are there any other medications better than Paracetamol?

Paracetamol is equally good depending on the cause or phase of illness when it needed but definitely, you may opt for other medications with your physician's guidance like also mentioned above.

How long after I take this will feel better?

Commonly available in oral and suppository preparations where suppository reserved for the pediatric population. When taking them via the oral route, it takes some time to pass through your digestive region thus get metabolized and probably reaches a better effect about 20-30minutes after consuming them. Whereas, suppository which is given for fever acts quickly, around 5-10minutes upon inserting via rectal.

How should I take them?

Paracetamol tablets taken before or after the meal, each tablet are 500gm. So adult advised to take 2 tablets about 4 times per day if the symptom persists. Whereas Paracetamol syrup is generally calculated by the kid's body weight(15mg/kg/day); give only as per advised by the physician or pharmacist.

Will it affect my other illnesses?

A person with any kind of liver impairment should avoid taking and renal impairment patient may take a lower dose. Otherwise, instead of a specific illness, the medications taken to treat that illness may interact with paracetamol so it wise to discuss with the physician.

I am pregnant, so can I take Paracetamol?

Yes, but in a lower dose such as 1 tablet or 500mg only and when really needed.

Can I consume alcohol?

Definitely, BIG NO! Please take Paracetamol or any medications with plain water.

Any food or drink to avoid?

Nothing specifically except for alcohol beverages when consuming them.

What is an overdose and what would happen to overdose?
Even taking more than 2 tablets at once are not recommended. But overdose happens when on takes 15-20tablets  of 500g or literally 4g at once which result in liver toxicity and death.

Can I give to my children? 

Yes, there is syrup preparation for children but you may start to introduce half to 1 tablet depending on their body weight above 10 years old.

What are the common side effects?

It is generally safe but an allergic reaction is possible like all the other medications. Apart from that, liver and renal impairment possible upon misuse them.

Disclaimer: The information given above is from a qualified medical doctor aim to educate public in general regarding the illness but it is advisable to seek medical attention in the event of a serious condition or for proper advice.