For information about giving paracetamol to babies and children, see paracetamol for children. Paracetamol is used to treat different types of pain including headache, migraine, period pain and aches and pains associated with colds and flu.
It is the most commonly used pain relief medicine in New Zealand. Paracetamol is also used to treat fever but mild fever does not need to be treated unless it is causing discomfort.
Read more about pain relief medication. Paracetamol can be safely used by adults, including if you are pregnant, but there is a limit to the amount of paracetamol that you can safely take in a hour period. You can take a dose of paracetamol every hours if needed, but do not take more than four doses in any hour period.
Do not take with anything else which contains paracetamol. Talk to a doctor straightaway if you take too much paracetamol, even if you feel well.
Paracetamol belongs to a group of medicines known as analgesics, or painkillers. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain. It is also useful for lowering a raised temperature fever , such as during a cold or after childhood immunisations.
Many brands of 'over-the-counter' combination painkillers contain paracetamol, as do many cold and flu remedies. It is important that you check the label on any preparation that you buy to make sure that you are not taking more than one preparation containing paracetamol. Ask a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure.
There are no known problems caused by taking paracetamol with any specific foods or by drinking moderate amounts of alcohol while taking paracetamol. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you develop any troublesome side effects that you think could be caused by paracetamol.
You can also report suspected side effects using the Yellow Card Scheme. Some people feel sick, vomit or have abdominal tummy pain after taking too much paracetamol, but often there are no obvious symptoms at first. Home Tests and treatments Medicines and medical aids Types of medicine Paracetamol. Introduction Paracetamol is a commonly used medicine that can help treat pain and reduce a high temperature fever.
Types of paracetamol You can buy most types of paracetamol from supermarkets or pharmacies. Paracetamol is available as: tablets or caplets capsules liquid — usually for children soluble tablets tablets that dissolve in water to make a drink suppositories capsules inserted into the back passage an injection given into a vein — normally only used in hospital In some products, such as cold and flu remedies or certain combination painkillers, paracetamol is combined with other ingredients.
Who can take paracetamol Most people can take paracetamol safely, including: pregnant women breastfeeding women children over 2 months of age — lower doses are recommended for young children see How to take paracetamol below If you're not sure whether you can take paracetamol, check the leaflet that comes with it or ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice. Always get advice before taking paracetamol if you: have liver or kidney problems have problems with alcohol, such as long-term alcohol misuse.
How to take paracetamol Make sure you take paracetamol as directed on the label or leaflet, or as instructed by a health professional. You can also find it in a range of cold and flu treatments, as well as combined with other painkillers and anti-sickness medication. With flu season around the corner, Britons may be stocking up on painkillers and cold and flu remedies.
Both coronavirus and flu can cause aches and pains, headaches, high temperatures and general feelings of being unwell. Taking painkillers like paracetamol can lessen these symptoms, making colds and flu manageable at home. You can purchase painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen at most supermarkets and pharmacies - however, there are restrictions on age and the number of tablets you can buy at once. Read More: High cholesterol: Five warning signs in your legs.
One of the things the NHS advises to take if you have coronavirus or flu symptoms is paracetamol. There are no current legal restrictions on buying medications, however, some retail outlets have their own guidelines.
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