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Paracetamol

  • Paracetamol is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and is also useful in controlling fever (high temperature).
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. Taking too much paracetamol can cause liver damage. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of paracetamol go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • Do not take more than 4 doses of paracetamol in any 24 hour period.
  • Do not take with any other paracetamol products. Paracetamol is contained in many over-the-counter preparations including cold and flu remedies. Before taking any 'over the counter' medicines check with a pharmacist whether they contain paracetamol and if it is safe for you to take with your prescribed medication.

About paracetamol

Type of medicine Analgesic
Used for Pain and high temperature
Also called Alvedon; Anadin Paracetamol; Calpol Fast Melts; Calpol Infant; Calpol; Calpol Six Plus; Disprol; Disprol Infant; Fennings; Galpamol; Hedex; Infadrops; Mandanol; Mandanol Infant; Medinol Over 6; Medinol Paediatric; Medinol Under 6; Miradol; Paldesic; Panadol
Available as Tablet, capsule, soluble tablet, oral liquid and suppository

Paracetamol is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and is also useful in controlling fever (high temperature).

Before taking paracetamol

Before taking paracetamol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
  • If you drink large amounts of alcohol.

How to take paracetamol

  • Take paracetamol exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. Taking too much paracetamol can cause liver damage. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of paracetamol go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If your symptoms do not begin to improve after taking paracetamol, speak with your pharmacist or doctor.
  • Do not take more than 4 doses of paracetamol in any 24 hour period.
  • Do not take with any other paracetamol products. Paracetamol is contained in many over-the-counter preparations including cold and flu remedies. Before taking any 'over the counter' medicines check whether they contain paracetamol and do not take with other products that contain paracetamol
  • Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines check with your pharmacist if it is safe for you to take with your prescribed medication.

Can paracetamol cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine.
Paracetamol rarely causes side effects, but if you experience any symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store paracetamol

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
1443		 DocRef:
dils2011		 Last Updated:
21 Jun 2007		 Date of Next Review:
20 Jun 2009		 Version:
22
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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