Paracetamol
- A very good first-line painkiller
- Good for fevers (bringing down a high temperature)
- This is widely available (in chemists, supermarkets, and garages)
- We recommend you buy your own, as we do not normally prescribe this medicine for people
- Very cheap (costs more in 'posh'-looking packet when sold as 'Extra'/'Flu'/'Fast'… but not much better!)
- Capsules are easy to swallow (cost most), Caplets are nearly as easy, Dissolvable or dispersible aren't too bad (dissolve quicker in slightly warm water), and tablets are cheapest (but taste revolting!)
- Available as tablets (500 milligrams = 500mg), and two liquid strengths (infant and child)
- Adult dose: 2 tablets four times a day (spaced 4 hours or more apart - no more effective if you take them more often) - and be careful that other medications you are taking don't contain Paracetamol (they all have a list of ingredients on them… look at it!)
- Adult begins at 12! (for medicines only sadly! and if the 12 year old is about average … a guideline only)
- Liquid strength: check on instructions on bottle for age
- Can be taken with or without food, makes no difference
- Doesn't interact with alcohol (unless overdose of either)
- Good shelf-life if kept in original packaging at normal rooms temperatures
- Easy way to remember: 2 for Breakfast / 2 for Lunch / 2 at Tea-time, and 2 at Bedtime
- Generally very safe
- Is harmful in overdose only
- Interacts with very few other medications
- Is often usefully taken with ibuprofen (this has a 1+1=3 effect), as another simple painkiller
- Good for common pains - headache, period pains, sports injury, hangovers, and that 'fluey-feeling'
You may also find useful
NHS Direct (will answer telephone queries, 24/7!)
This is one of a number of Patient Information Leaflets available from the The Orchard Partnership.