Parcetol Syrup

Description

What is Paracetamol?

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen in the United States, is a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic agent. It is used to temporarily relieve mild-to-moderate pain and reduce fever. Paracetamol is commonly included as an ingredient in cold and flu medications and is also used on its own.

How Does Paracetamol Work?

The exact mechanism of action of paracetamol is not entirely clear. However, it is thought to work by blocking chemical messengers in the brain that transmit pain signals and by affecting the chemical messengers that regulate body temperature. Evidence suggests that paracetamol inhibits the production of prostaglandins, which are made by the body to deal with illness and injury.

Uses of Paracetamol

Paracetamol is used for the relief of various conditions, including:

• Headache
• Tension headache
• Migraine
• Backache
• Rheumatic and muscle pain
• Mild arthritis/osteoarthritis
• Toothache
• Period pain (dysmenorrhea)
• Colds and flu symptoms
• Sore throat
• Sinus pain
• Post-operative pain
• Fever (pyrexia)

How to Take Paracetamol

Dosage and Strength

Paracetamol comes in different forms and strengths:

The usual dose for adults is either 500mg or 1g. If you weigh less than 50kg (8 stone), check the maximum dose you can take with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to Take It

Tablets or Capsules: Swallow paracetamol tablets or capsules with a drink of water. You can take it with or without food.
Syrup: Paracetamol syrup usually comes in a bottle with a cap that can be used to measure out the right dose. Do not use a kitchen spoon to take your medicine as this will not measure the right amount.
Powder: Empty 1 sachet of powder into a drink of water and stir well to dissolve before drinking.
Suppositories: Gently push the suppository into your anus with the pointed end first. It needs to go in about 3 centimetres (1 inch). Sit or lie still for about 15 minutes. The suppository will melt inside your anus.

Frequency

Adults can take two, 500mg tablets, 4 times in 24 hours. You must wait at least 4 hours between doses. Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.

If You Miss a Dose

If you take paracetamol regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s within 4 hours of your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed one.

If You Take Too Much

Taking 1 or 2 extra tablets is unlikely to harm you. Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. Taking too much paracetamol can be dangerous and you may need treatment.

Always use paracetamol exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you to, and always read the instructions on your medication before taking it. If you have any concerns or questions, consult with your healthcare provider.

Paracetamol Interactions

Drug Interactions

There are 124 drugs known to interact with Paracetamol. These interactions can be classified as major, moderate, or minor. Some of the drugs that can interact with Paracetamol include:

• Amitriptyline
• Amlodipine
• Aspirin
• Atorvastatin
• Bisoprolol
• Ceftriaxone
• Clopidogrel
• Codeine
• Diazepam
• Diclofenac
• Enoxaparin
• Esomeprazole
• Folic Acid
• Furosemide
• Gabapentin
• Ibuprofen
• Lansoprazole
• Levothyroxine
• Losartan
• Metformin
• Metoclopramide
• Naproxen
• Omeprazole
• Ondansetron
• Pantoprazole
• Pregabalin
• Ranitidine
• Sertraline
• Tramadol
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)

Alcohol/Food Interactions

There is 1 alcohol/food interaction with Paracetamol. It’s generally safe to take Paracetamol with food or on an empty stomach. However, drinking alcohol while taking Paracetamol can increase your risk of liver damage.

Disease Interactions

There are 3 disease interactions with Paracetamol:

• Alcoholism
• Liver Disease
• PKU

Precautions for Parcetol Syrup

Allergic Reactions

Do not take Parcetol Syrup if you are allergic to paracetamol or any of the other ingredients in the product. An allergic reaction may include skin rash, flaking skin, boils, sore lips and mouth, swelling of the face, fever, sudden wheezing, fluttering or tightness of the chest, or collapse.

Side Effects

If you experience any side effects, stop taking the medicine and see your doctor as soon as possible. Side effects may include:

• Bruising more easily
• Sore throat
• Other signs of infection (these may be signs of a blood disorder)
• Severe pain in the abdomen and back with fever (high temperature)
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting (these may be signs of pancreas inflammation)
• Very rare cases of serious skin reactions

Long-Term Use

If paracetamol is taken for a long time (several months or more), it may lead to liver and kidney problems. However, if the right amount is taken over a short period of time, there should be no problems, but liver function tests may be affected.

Interactions with Other Medicines

Do not take any other medicines that contain paracetamol while you are taking Parcetol Syrup. This includes both prescription and non-prescription medications.

Medical Conditions

Before you take Parcetol Syrup, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• Suffer from mild arthritis and need to take pain relief every day
• Have liver or kidney problems
• Are underweight or malnourished
• Regularly drink alcohol
• Have a severe infection as this may increase your risk of metabolic acidosis
• Have glucose-6-phosphatedehydrogenase deficiency (enzyme deficiency)
• Suffer from asthma and are sensitive to aspirin

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Paracetamol (Parcetol Syrup) for Children

General Guidelines

Paracetamol, the active ingredient in Parcetol Syrup, is generally safe for children and babies over 3 months old. However, the dosage should be adjusted according to the child’s age and weight.

Dosage for Children

Paracetamol syrup comes in different strengths:

– Infant syrup (sometimes called “junior syrup”) is for children under 6 years old. A 5ml dose contains 120mg of paracetamol.
– Six plus (6+) syrup is for children aged 6 years and older. A 5ml dose contains 250mg of paracetamol.

Frequency of Administration

Do not give your child more than 4 doses of paracetamol in 24 hours. Wait at least 4 hours between doses.

Storing Parcetol Syrup

Storage Conditions

– Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
– Do not store above 25°C. Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
– Protect from light.
– Store in the original package.

Expiry Date

Do not use after the expiry date (month, year) on the label and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Disposal

If it is out of date or you no longer want it, take it back to the pharmacy. Do not use Paracetamol Suspension if you notice anything wrong with the medicine. Talk to your pharmacist.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.