Because it is over-the-counter, many people use paracetamol for any discomfort that affects the body; this medicine comes in different forms: suppositories, drops, syrup, and tablets. It is well known that paracetamol has analgesic properties; that is, it is used for pain and antipyretic, that is, used to fight fever.
On the other hand, stomach pain is considered a common symptom for which many tend to self-medicate; it is also related to causes that the patient already knows he suffers, such as gastritis. And it is triggered by factors such as stress, anxiety, and eating habits. The best way to calm it is always to take a pain reliever, but is paracetamol the right one for this? Continue reading this article, and we will answer the question: Can I take paracetamol for stomach pain?
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Stomach pain why it occurs
Stomach pain is a common symptom in several diseases that, many times, are already known to the patient. In other cases, it can occasionally appear due to bad habits such as consuming alcoholic beverages or excessive consumption of spicy foods and factors such as stress, anxiety, and nervousness.
This symptom is not well defined because it is generated between the chest and the groin. There are many causes related to the manifestation of stomach pain :
- Gastritis is the common cause related to stomach pain; it is the inflammation of the mucosa or layer that internally covers this organ. The pain can vary in intensity from mild to moderate; it may appear as burning and tightness, nausea, fullness, and belching.
- Esophagitis is the inflammation of the esophageal tissue and is often preceded by gastroesophageal reflux. This condition causes severe pain in the upper part of the stomach.
- Poor digestion: product of copious, contaminated meals or to which the body is intolerant, producing difficult digestion. This leads to poorly defined stomach pain.
What is paracetamol, and what is it used for
Paracetamol is an over-the-counter drug available at any pharmacy with analgesic properties; that is, it reduces pain and antipyretic; that is, it reduces fever.
It works on two medical levels; the first is by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins in the central nervous system (CNS), blocking the production of the pain impulse. The second of them acts on the center of the hypothalamus, which is the temperature regulator at the brain level. Keep in mind that paracetamol lacks significant anti-inflammatory action.
In the market, paracetamol is available in various pharmaceutical forms, suppositories, drops, syrup, and tablets. It is the most indicated drug for being safe and having a minimal rate of side effects. Paracetamol is available under different trade names; some of the best known are:
- Apiretal.
- Tylenol.
- Dafalgan.
- Apiretal.
- Termalgin.
- Perfalgan.
- Gelocatil.
It can also be found associated with painkillers such as codeine and acetylsalicylic acid or in conjunction with anti-flu, where it is conjugated with caffeine. You wonder what paracetamol is used for; the main indications of paracetamol are:
- Antipyretics and analgesics treat illnesses with fever and mild to moderate intensity pain.
- Control traumatic pain.
- Dental pain
- Headache.
- Migraine.
- Common cold to relieve general discomfort.
The effective dose of paracetamol is 500 to 1000 mg for adults and children over 12 years of age, divided into 3 or 4 times a day. In the case of children, the specialist must give the dose.
Can I take paracetamol for stomach pain?
Paracetamol, as it has little anti-inflammatory activity, is safe to use in patients who suffer from mild stomach pain, being safe even for the stomach lining; however, in case of more intense discomfort, the recommendation is to use other drugs such as:
- Antacids: capable of neutralizing stomach acid that can cause stomach pain and burning. Stomach acid allows you to digest food, but it can also irritate the stomach lining. These medications are made from sodium bicarbonate and magnesium hydroxide—for example, Alka-Seltzer and Reopen.
- Inhibitors of acid production: which considerably decrease the production of this stomach acid, improving pain. Such as omeprazole and esomeprazole.
- Motility stimulants: they allow to accelerate the gastrointestinal transit and empty the stomach. Such as domperidone and metoclopramide.
- Gastric protectors are responsible for covering the stomach to protect it from gastric acid. With its use, burning and pain are considerably improved. Such as sucralfate and bismuth. Both create a protective barrier on the inner layer of the stomach.
Paracetamol can treat mild stomach pain; however, you should see a doctor if the pain worsens or increases in intensity. The specialist will be the one to indicate a gastric protector, an antacid, a motility stimulant, and an inhibitor of acid production depending on the cause that generates the abdominal pain.
Remember that it is also essential to administer paracetamol at the indicated doses; However, it is indeed a drug with few adverse effects; if used indiscriminately, it may have contraindications.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.