A Must-Have in Every Home: Paracetamol – The Reliable Fever Relief Medicine You Need to Use Wisely!

Headache? Fever? Sore throat? For many, the go-to solution is a pill of Paracetamol (also known as Acetaminophen). It’s one of the most trusted and effective over-the-counter medicines for pain and fever relief.
But how well do you really know this medicine?
Let’s learn more from Dr. Ding Dalong, Associate Chief Pediatrician at Luohe Maternal and Child Health Hospital.

💊 What Is Paracetamol?

Paracetamol is a fever reducer and pain reliever, but it does not have anti-inflammatory effects. It is considered safe and is widely used as a first-choice antipyretic in clinical practice.

However, certain groups need extra caution when taking it:

🤰 Part 1: Safe for Pregnant Women — in Moderation

Medical consensus supports the use of paracetamol throughout pregnancy when necessary.
Rule of thumb: Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time, and consult a doctor first.

🫘 Part 2: Use with Caution in G6PD Deficiency (Favism)

Though generally safe at normal doses, overuse may cause oxidative stress. For fever relief, ibuprofen may be a safer choice.

🫀 Part 3: Avoid If You Have Liver Problems

People with hepatitis, fatty liver, or alcohol-related liver disease should avoid paracetamol, as overdose may cause severe liver injury or acute liver failure.

💊 Part 4: Consult Your Doctor If on Long-Term Medication

Those taking antiepileptic drugs, anti-tuberculosis drugs, opioids, sulfa drugs, or herbal medicines may have higher risk of liver toxicity when combining with paracetamol.

🩸 Part 5: For Warfarin Users — Monitor Clotting Function

High doses (up to 4g/day) can affect coagulation and increase INR. Always monitor under medical supervision.

💧 Part 6: Watch the Form and Route of Administration

Paracetamol comes in many forms — tablets, suspension, drops, suppositories.
Read labels carefully to avoid mistaking rectal suppositories for oral forms!

⚠️ Part 7: Avoid Combination Medications

Many cold or flu medicines already contain paracetamol (e.g., Panadol, Actifed, Coldrin). Taking multiple products can lead to overdose.
Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, children, and the elderly should use only under medical guidance.

✅ Safe Use Guidelines

Always follow doctor’s advice or package instructions. Overdose can be dangerous.

Dosage:

• Adults: 300–600mg (1 tablet 500mg) every 4–6 hours; max 4 doses/day.
• Children: 10–15mg/kg every 4–6 hours; max 4 doses/day.

⚠️ Do not combine multiple fever medicines containing paracetamol!