Does Paracetamol Work?

Did you know the popular medicine Paracetamol is actually a brand name? Acetaminophen is the generic form from which you get popular brand names like Tylenol, Panadol, Calpol, etc. They all contain the same thing, just different manufacturers and packaging.

If there is one contender for the most popular and easy-to-obtain over-the-counter drug in the world, it is paracetamol. It comes in various forms and colors for adults and children alike, There are syrup, tablets, and injection forms.

Uses for Paracetamol

It is traditionally used to treat conditions like headaches, toothaches, body pains, and feverishness. It is also indicated for a wide range of conditions such as painful menstruation, post-immunization fever, teething, soft tissue swellings, osteoarthritis and acute migraine attacks

Paracetamol should actually be the first choice in most of these conditions. Alternatives can be sought when the pain is persistent. However, what people do is go for stronger drugs like NSAIDS, and opioids for minor conditions. this leads to the development of tolerance, a condition where you need higher doses of a drug to achieve the required effect.

When is Paracetamol too much?

One should not use more than 8 tablets (4grams) per day ( each tablet is 500mg), doing so may cause severe liver damage. Also. do not take it with alcohol, it will put your liver at risk.

Adverse effects though rare include rashes and blood disorders

Does Paracetamol Still Work?

There was a time it was the go-to drug for mild to moderate pain, and everyone trusted paracetamol

These days you prescribe it and the patients themselves say they would like something stronger.

What is your experience with paracetamol?

Do you think it no longer works?