Paracetamol, commonly known as Acetaminophen or APAP in short, is known to cure pain and fever. But do you know about the dangers of Paracetamol if taken frequently?
Over 50 million Americans use acetaminophen-containing medicine each week to treat pain, fever, and aches and pains associated with cold and flu symptoms. This brief research unravels some advantages and disadvantages of Paracetamol.
Paracetamol is known by its generic name Acetaminophen to treat fever, headaches, and all kinds of pain. Every painkiller has acetaminophen composition, which may vary on the intensity or level of pain.
Forms of Paracetamol: Tablet, Powder, Syrup, etc. which can either be taken orally or rectally.
You may need an acetaminophen dose in case of muscular inflammation, surgery, fever, cold, injury, or even mild headaches. There are millions of medicines that go with different names but have identical composition.
Amidst different types of arguments, the use of Paracetamol is both anticipated and questioned. From receding pain to curing fever, PCM is prescribed as syrup to kids and adults. Here are some reasons that vouch for Acetaminophen.
Acetaminophen is by far considered a safe analgesic that is used widely to treat people with fever, pains, headache, post-surgical recovery, or even toothache. Also, Acetaminophen is the most reliable medicine as analgesics for nociceptive pain and antipyretics in childhood and pregnancy, if taken under medical supervision.
A controlled or prescribed dose of Acetaminophen (<2,000 mg/day) is more reliable than Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Analgesic effects of Acetaminophen (<2,000 mg/day) and NSAIDs are the same. But according to several kinds of research, Paracetamol/ aid Acetaminophen is better than NSAIDs, and its dose is acceptable in most of the dental surgeries.
Given that Paracetamol is a readily available drug, it is also the cheapest medicine to treat moderate to severe pain and fever in adults and kids. You should retake its overdose within 24 hours. If you rely on Paracetamolfrequently, better is to consult your doctor and for possible alternate measures to reduce its side effects.
When compared with Aspirin, Paracetamol does not prevent blood from clotting and is safer for people having concerns. Paracetamol also outweighs aspirin as it also does not cause any gastric irritation.
Paracetamol is also generally considered a more reliable solution for children, as it is not associated with a risk of Reye's syndrome in children with viral illnesses.
Besides affecting and damaging your liver, the Overtime use of Paracetamol can also lead to several other risks. These side effects of paracetamol tablets or syrup are detailed below.
The US Food and Drug Administration, in 2013, documented a report that Acetaminophen could lead to rare fatal skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnsons Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Since then, Manufacturers have been instructed to label warnings about its use and administration.
Overdose of Paracetamol can lead to several health risks, which can also endanger your life. Some of the most common side effects of paracetamol-overdose are Nausea, Stomach pain, Loss of appetite, weakness, and kidney cancer. You can also experience other side effects when your urine turns dark, or your eyes turn yellow.
According to research conducted by UK-based scientists, it was found that long-term use of Paracetamol links to High blood pressure and Stroke. Out of eight studies based on the use of this prescribed medicine, four cases showed an increased risk of cardiovascular problems.
According to Professor Philip Conaghan, of the Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, there's no reason for mass panic. But people should be careful when taking it long-term, and doctors should consider alternatives to recommend to patients.
Possible side effects of Acetaminophen include Nausea, Fever, Liver Damage, abdominal pain, sweating, and loss of appetite.
A recommended amount for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Using more paracetamol is dangerous to your liver. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, consult your doctor before taking paracetamol and never use more than 2 grams (2000 mg) per day.
The maximum daily dose for a healthy adult weighing at least 150 pounds is 4,000 milligrams (mg). According to research, taking acetaminophen doses for long periods can seriously damage the liver. If you are necessarily in need of high doses of acetaminophen for, check with your medical specialist before continuing your dose.
For fever in usual adults: 325 to 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours or 1000 mg every 6 to 8 hours and for pain: 325 to 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours or 1000 mg every 6 to 8 hours. For Fever in Kids: < = 1 month: 10 to 15 mg/kg/dose every 6 to 8 hours as needed, and for >1 month to 12 years: 10 to 15 mg/kg/dose every 4 to 6 hours as needed (Maximum: 5 doses in 24 hours).
The recommended dosage of Paracetamol for an adult is 1 gm (1000 mg) per day, which may also be increased to 4 gm (4000 mg) depending on the type of condition. However, 0.5 gm (500 mg) Paracetamol is prescribed to a kid per day.
Alcoholic beverages affect liver function; this is why people who consume alcohol every day are most likely to have Liver Cirrhosis. If you take paracetamol composition with or after drinking alcohol, it multiplies the chances of Liver damage, which may also lead to advanced cirrhosis.
