Paracetamol

Sobre el paracetamol

What is paracetamol used for?

Paracetamol is a painkiller used to relieve mild to moderate pain. It is also useful for lowering a raised temperature, such as during a cold or after childhood immunisations.

Paracetamol is a common painkiller and is available to buy from many retail outlets as tablets/capsules and as liquid medicine. 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.

Side effects of paracetamol

Paracetamol rarely causes side effects when it is taken as recommended.

If you do experience any, they are usually mild and may include:

• Sensación de malestar (náuseas).

• Dolor de estómago.

• Somnolencia.

• Aumento de la sudoración.

If you experience any symptoms which you think may be due to it, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

A full list of side effects can be found in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with the paracetamol.

¿Puede el paracetamol causar autismo?

Studies have found that taking paracetamol during pregnancy does not cause autism. When used at recommended doses, paracetamol is considered safe, however if you’re unsure, you should talk to your doctor.

Who should not take paracetamol?

Some medicines aren’t suitable for everyone. Before taking paracetamol, your doctor or pharmacists needs to know if:

• Está embarazada o en período de lactancia. Esto se debe a que, durante el embarazo o la lactancia, sólo debe tomar medicamentos por recomendación de un médico.

• Si tiene un problema grave de funcionamiento del hígado o si bebe regularmente grandes cantidades de alcohol.

• Está tomando medicamentos recetados por un médico.

• Ha tenido alguna vez una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

Cómo tomar paracetamol

• Read the leaflet that comes with the medicine before you start. It explains how paracetamol works and lists possible side effects.

• Tome el paracetamol exactamente como le haya indicado su médico o farmacéutico, o como se indica en la etiqueta del envase.

• Las dosis recomendadas de paracetamol son:

  • Para adultos y niños a partir de 16 años: 500 mg-1 g cada 4-6 horas hasta un máximo de 4 g diarios.

  • Para niños de 12 a 15 años 480-750 mg cada 4-6 horas hasta un máximo de cuatro dosis diarias.

  • Para niños de 10-11 años 480-500 mg cada 4-6 horas hasta un máximo de cuatro dosis diarias.

  • Para niños de 8-9 años: 360-375 mg cada 4-6 horas hasta un máximo de cuatro dosis diarias.

  • Para niños de 6-7 años: 240-250 mg cada 4-6 horas hasta un máximo de cuatro dosis diarias.

  • Para niños de 4-5 años: 240 mg cada 4-6 horas hasta un máximo de cuatro dosis diarias.

  • Para niños de 2-3 años: 180 mg cada 4-6 horas hasta un máximo de cuatro dosis diarias.

  • Para niños de 6 meses a 1 año: 120 mg cada 4-6 horas hasta un máximo de cuatro dosis diarias.

  • Para niños de 3 a 5 meses: 60 mg cada 4-6 horas hasta un máximo de cuatro dosis diarias.

  • Para niños de 2 meses tras la vacunación: 60 mg, repetidos una vez al cabo de 4-6 horas si es necesario.

• You can take a dose of paracetamol every 4-6 hours if needed, up to four times a day. Remember to leave at least four hours between doses.

• Do not take more than four doses of paracetamol in any 24-hour period.

• Puedes tomar paracetamol antes o después de la comida.

• Si le das paracetamol a tu hijo, comprueba siempre la etiqueta para asegurarte de que le das la dosis correcta para su edad.

• Never take more than the recommended dose of paracetamol, as taking too much can damage your liver, and if an overdose is suspected you should go to A&E immediately, even if you feel well, taking the medicine packet with you.

• If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember but do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• Si el dolor no se alivia tomando paracetamol, hable con su farmacéutico o médico para que le aconseje.

• Do not take more than one medicine containing paracetamol at the same time, and always check labels on cold, flu, or painkillers to see if they already contain it.

Cómo conservar el paracetamol

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos

Preguntas más frecuentes

How long does it take for paracetamol to work?

Paracetamol usually starts working within 30-60 minutes after taking it. Maximum pain relief and fever reduction are typically reached within 1-2 hours, depending on the dose and your individual response.

Can you drink alcohol with paracetamol?

Drinking a small amount of alcohol while taking paracetamol is usually safe. However, alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage, especially if you take high doses or use paracetamol regularly. It is best to wait until the end of your treatment before drinking alcohol.

Can you take paracetamol when pregnant?

Yes, paracetamol is generally considered safe during pregnancy when taken at the recommended dose. Always consult your doctor or midwife before taking any medication while pregnant.

Can you take paracetamol and ibuprofen together?

Yes, paracetamol and ibuprofen can be taken together or alternated for better pain relief. This combination can be used safely if you follow the recommended doses for each medicine.

¿Se puede tomar paracetamol con antibióticos?

Yes, paracetamol is safe to take with antibiotics. It can help relieve pain or fever caused by infections, and there are no known interactions with most common antibiotics.