Acetaminophen or paracetamol is a medicine to reduce fever and relieve pain, such as menstrual pain and toothache. Paracetamol is available in the form of 500 mg and 600 mg tablets, syrup, drops, suppositories, and infusions.
Paracetamol works by reducing the production of substances that cause inflammation, namely prostaglandins. With decreased levels of prostaglandins in the body, signs of inflammation such as fever and pain will decrease.There have been no reports of fetal defects when paracetamol is used by pregnant women. For nursing mothers, paracetamol can be absorbed into breast milk, but in small amounts. Consult your doctor further to find out the benefits and risks of taking paracetamol while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Precautions Before Taking Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
+Do not take and use paracetamol if you have a history of allergies to this medicine.
+Do not give paracetamol to children under 2 years of age without doctor's instructions.
+Consult your doctor before using paracetamol if you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
+Do not consume alcohol with paracetamol as it can increase the risk of liver damage.
+Tell your doctor if you are taking medications, such as drugs for epilepsy, tuberculosis (TB), blood thinners, supplements, or herbal medicines.
+Go to the hospital immediately if the fever does not subside, and when redness appears on the skin.
+See a doctor immediately if there is an allergic reaction to a drug or an overdose.
Dosage and Usage Rules of Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
The paracetamol dose is adjusted to the patient's age and condition. The following is an explanation of paracetamol in the form of oral drugs and suppositories to relieve fever and pain:
+Adult
325–650 mg every 4–6 hours or 1,000 mg every 6–8 hours. Paracetamol is usually available in tablet form with a content of 500 mg. Paracetamol 500 mg can be taken every 4–6 hours to relieve fever.
+Children <2 months
10–15 mg / kg, every 6–8 hours or as recommended by your doctor.
+Children 2 months – 12 years
10–15 mg / kg, every 4–6 hours or as directed by your doctor. The maximum dose is 5 times in 24 hours.
+Children> 12 years
325–650 mg every 4–6 hours or 1,000 mg every 6–8 hours.
Especially for paracetamol infusion, the dose and administration will be carried out directly by the doctor or by medical personnel under the doctor's supervision according to the patient's condition.
How to Use Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) Correctly
Make sure you always use paracetamol according to the instructions for use listed on the drug packaging or doctor's recommendation. Stop using paracetamol if the complaints do not subside after 3 days of taking paracetamol.
Paracetamol tablets and syrup
Use a glass of water to swallow paracetamol tablets. For paracetamol syrup, use a measuring spoon that is available in the package so that the dosage is right. Before that, make sure you shake the syrup first.
Store paracetamol at room temperature, avoid heat and humidity, and keep it out of reach of children.
Paracetamol suppositories
The suppository form of paracetamol is used by inserting it into the anus. Make sure you remove the plastic wrap first and then insert the drug with the sharp end into the rectum. After the drug is entered, sit or lie down first until the drug feels melted. Don't forget to wash your hands before and after putting in the suppository medicine. Paracetamol suppositories need to be stored in the refrigerator.
Paracetamol infusion
Paracetamol in the form of an infusion is only given by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor.
Before using paracetamol in any dosage form, make sure you read the instructions on the packaging or follow your doctor's instructions.
Use of paracetamol for Corona virus infection
Paracetamol is a fever-reducing drug that is recommended to relieve fever due to Corona virus infection (COVID-19). The dosage used is the same as the dosage described above.
You can use paracetamol as initial treatment if you have a low-grade fever. However, if your fever does not go away or gets worse and is accompanied by shortness of breath, consult a doctor immediately.
Interaction of Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) with Other Drugs
-Paracetamol can interact with other drugs. Here are some of the interactions that can occur:
-Increases the risk of bleeding, if used concurrently with warfarin.
-Reducing the effect of paracetamol, when used with carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, cholestyramine, and imatinib.
-Increase the side effects of the drug busulfan.
-Increases the likelihood of side effects of paracetamol, when used with metoclopramide, domperidone, or probenecid.
Side Effects and Dangers of Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
Paracetamol rarely causes side effects. However, paracetamol can cause the following side effects if used excessively:
-Fever
-An itchy skin rash appears
-Sore throat
-Canker sores appear
-Back pain
-The body feels weak
-Yellowish skin or eyes
-Bruises occur on the skin
-Urine is cloudy or bloody
-Black stools or bloody stools
If consumed in excess, paracetamol can cause an overdose, with symptoms such as:
-The upper abdomen hurts
-Loss of appetite
-Nausea or vomiting
-Diarrhea
-A cold sweat
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