Paracetamol

Paracetamol is a common painkilling and anti-fever drug. It is an extremely effective drug that is used to relieve fever, headache and other aches and pains. It can also be combined with other painkillers to enhance their effect. In the United States, it is called acetaminophen.

It is available in tablet form from chemists, supermarkets and other shops. The standard dose is 500 to 1000mg, up to a maximum of 4g a day. It is also available as a liquid, suppositories or a solution for injection into a vein.

Paracetamol is safe for use in pregnancy and in children.

Large doses of paracetamol can cause liver failure and death within a few days. The risk of this occurring is enhanced by excessive alcohol consumption. Paracetamol poisoning can be treated using N-acetyl cysteine.

Paracetamol does not interact with any currently available protease inhibitors or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs).

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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.