Paracetamol is a drug with analgesic and antipyretic properties used to relieve headaches, muscle, back, toothache, arthritis, colds, and reduce fever caused by viral infections. Its use is frequent, and most of us have used it on occasions like those mentioned above. It is a drug that does not require a prescription, but its use should be moderate, and some people should pay special attention to its contraindications and restrictions, such as kidney or liver disease. At FastlyHealwe, answer the question, what is paracetamol for? And inform you of the doses to be administered.
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Paracetamol against pain
Paracetamol is a good option due to its sale without a prescription, its easy intake, its rapid effect on us, and its few side effects. The main property of paracetamol is analgesic. This means that it acts against pain so that it can be used in different situations:
- Headache. It is one of the most frequent uses of paracetamol since it relieves pain by acting on the nerves and receptors in the brain.
- Muscular pain . When we have muscle aches due to injury, overuse, or stress tension, this painkiller can be an excellent ally to relieve pain.
- Back pain. Back pain is a common problem that anyone can suffer, so having paracetamol on hand can help us if it is not severe damage.
- Arthritis. It is the inflammation of one or more joints responsible for joining two bones. The pain can be treated with paracetamol if the doctor considers it appropriate.
Paracetamol against fever
The second property for which paracetamol is popularly known is antipyretic, which translates into its effect to lower fever. Fever is a response of our body that acts as a defense mechanism. This drug does not work against the cause of the fever but instead treats the fever symptomatically. For example, women may have a fever during menstruation, so paracetamol can help regulate the temperature. In addition, it acts against many other infections:
- Group respiratory infections or colds, sore throats, ear infections, or pain caused by sinusitis.
- Bone and skin infections, appendicitis, and meningitis.
- Urinary infections occur in the bladder, kidneys, urethra, etc.
The recommended dose of paracetamol
The dose of paracetamol to be taken depends mainly on age, although weight and the consumption of other medications also influence.
The recommended adult dose for pain and fever is 325 to 1,000 milligrams every four hours, with a maximum of 4 grams per day.
In patients with renal insufficiency, the interval of taking paracetamol increases to 6 hours in patients with moderate renal damage and 8 hours in patients whose glomerular filtration rate is less than 10 millimeters per minute.
The recommended dose in children is:
- From 0 to 3 months. 40 mg dose in 4-6 hour intervals.
- From 4 to 11 months. 80 mg dose in 4-6 hour intervals.
- From 1 to 2 years. 120 mg dose in 4-6 hour intervals.
- From 2 to 3 years. 160 mg dose in 4-6 hour intervals.
- From 4 to 5 years. 240 mg dose in 4-6 hour intervals.
- From 6 to 8 years old. 320 mg dose in 4-6 hour intervals.
- From 9 to 10 years. 400 mg dose in 4-6 hour intervals.
- From 11 to 12 years old. 480 mg dose in 4-6 hour intervals.
For more excellent safety, do not hesitate to consult a doctor, whether an adult or a child.
Paracetamol contraindications
Although paracetamol has few side effects, there are some warnings and recommendations for its consumption:
- Alcoholics. They should not exceed the dose of 2 grams per day. The abuse of alcohol can cause damage by chemical compounds, causing damage to the liver when dealing with the metabolization of potentially toxic agents.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Although initially, it does not appear to be associated with congenital malformations, neonatal liver toxicity has been reported. Paracetamol does not increase the risk of miscarriage. It is recommended for use by pregnant people under the condition that it is for short periods that do not exceed 2 or 3 days.
- During long periods of consumption or high doses, paracetamol can cause liver damage, so its prolonged use is not recommended, and the space of hours between each dose must be respected.
- Those who suffer from kidney or liver disease or liver infection should consult their doctor before consuming the drug.
- If you are taking another medication, you should also consult your doctor since some medicines can interact.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any 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.