Paracetamol: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം
Paracetamol (also called acetaminophen) is a medicine used to bring down fever and to relieve mild to moderate pain. It is used for headache, body ache, toothache, period pain and fever with colds, flu and viral infections. It eases symptoms but does not treat the infection or condition causing them.
Also known as: Acetaminophen, APAP, Paracetamol IP, Paracetamol tablet, Fever tablet (bukhar ki goli)
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Paracetamol work?
Paracetamol works mainly in the brain and spinal cord. It reduces the production of prostaglandins, chemical messengers that raise body temperature and make nerves more sensitive to pain. Unlike NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, it does little to reduce swelling.
How to take Paracetamol
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. For adults, labels commonly allow up to 4 g (4,000 mg) in 24 hours from all medicines combined, with at least 4 hours between doses. Children need a dose based on their weight from a doctor, and fever lasting more than 3 days needs a doctor's review.
Side effects of Paracetamol
Side effects are uncommon when paracetamol is taken at the right dose. The main danger is liver damage from taking too much.
Uncommon or mild
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- A mild skin rash
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, or a sudden widespread rash
- Red skin with blisters or peeling, which can happen even with first-time use. Stop the medicine and get medical help immediately
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain in the upper right side of the tummy, which can be signs of liver damage
- Unusual bruising, bleeding or frequent infections, which are very rare signs of a blood disorder
Who should be careful
Most people can take paracetamol safely, but some need to check with a doctor first because they are more at risk of liver damage or need a different dose.
- Liver disease, or a history of liver problems
- Drinking alcohol regularly or heavily
- Body weight under 50 kg, malnutrition, or not eating for a long time
- Serious kidney disease
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: paracetamol is commonly used when needed, but ask your doctor and use the lowest dose for the shortest time
- Past allergic reaction to paracetamol
- Children: use only a children's form at the dose a doctor gives
Medicines and things that interact with Paracetamol
Paracetamol has few interactions, but a few medicines and habits change how safe or effective it is. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take.
- Other medicines containing paracetamol, including many cold and flu products and some combination painkillers: risk of overdose
- Warfarin and similar blood thinners: regular paracetamol use can increase their effect and the risk of bleeding
- Medicines for epilepsy such as carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital, and the TB medicines rifampicin and isoniazid: may increase the risk of liver damage
- Metoclopramide and domperidone (for nausea): can make paracetamol work faster
- Cholestyramine (for cholesterol): reduces how much paracetamol is absorbed if taken at the same time
- Flucloxacillin (an antibiotic): taking both can rarely cause a serious build-up of acid in the blood, mainly in people who are very ill
- Alcohol: regular or heavy drinking increases the risk of liver damage
If someone takes too much
Taking too much paracetamol is a medical emergency, even if the person feels well. Serious liver damage can develop over the next 1 to 3 days with few or no early symptoms. Treatment works best when started within 8 hours, so call 112 or go to the nearest hospital immediately and take the medicine pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India. Single-ingredient paracetamol is not on the CDSCO list of banned medicines. Some fixed-dose combinations that pair paracetamol with other medicines were banned in August 2024, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Paracetamol belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Paracetamol
These medicines sold in India contain Paracetamol. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Calpol 650 · 650 mg tablet
- Crocin Advance · 500 mg fast-release tablet
- Dolo 650 · 650 mg tablet
What is Paracetamol used for?
Medicines that contain Paracetamol are used for these conditions.
Common questions
Is paracetamol the same as acetaminophen?
Yes. Paracetamol is the name used in India and the UK, and acetaminophen is the name used in the US. Many brands contain it, alone or mixed with other medicines, so check labels before taking two products together, as this can double the dose.
How much paracetamol can be taken in a day?
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. For adults, labels commonly give a maximum of 4 g in 24 hours from all medicines combined, with at least 4 hours between doses. Lower limits may apply to people with liver problems, low body weight or regular alcohol use.
Is paracetamol used for fever in dengue?
Paracetamol is the medicine usually used to control fever and pain in dengue. Painkillers such as ibuprofen and aspirin are avoided because they can increase the risk of bleeding. Dengue needs a doctor's care; paracetamol only eases the symptoms.
Is Dolo 650 the same as paracetamol?
Dolo 650 is a brand name. Its tablet contains paracetamol alone, 650 mg per tablet, so the medicine is paracetamol. Other brands such as Calpol and Crocin also sell paracetamol, but some versions add other ingredients, so read the ingredient list and strength on the pack.
What is the difference between paracetamol and ibuprofen?
Both ease pain and fever. Paracetamol works mainly in the brain and does little for swelling. Ibuprofen is an NSAID that also reduces inflammation but can irritate the stomach and affect the kidneys. Which one suits a person depends on their health, so ask a doctor or pharmacist.
Can paracetamol be taken on an empty stomach?
Yes. Paracetamol tablets can be taken with or without food. Food may slow how quickly it starts to work, but it does not change how well it works. Swallow tablets with water and follow the gap between doses given on the label.
Is paracetamol safe in pregnancy?
Paracetamol is commonly used in pregnancy when medicine is needed, at the lowest dose for the shortest time. Ask your doctor about any medicine used in pregnancy, especially if fever or pain lasts more than a day or two.
What is paracetamol called in Hindi, and is 'bukhar ki goli' paracetamol?
The name stays the same in Hindi, written पैरासिटामोल. People often say 'bukhar ki goli' (fever tablet) for brands such as Dolo or Crocin, but that describes a use, not one medicine. Check the label to see what a tablet actually contains.
Sources
- Acetaminophen. StatPearls, National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), US National Library of Medicine
- Paracetamol for adults. NHS (UK)
- Dengue and severe dengue (fact sheet). World Health Organization
- Banned drugs, fixed-dose combinations. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), India
- National Formulary of India. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission