Paracetamol: how does it work, is it effective and safe?

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is one of the most popular painkillers and antipyretics in the world.

It is available without a prescription and is widely used to treat various ailments, but few people are aware of its mechanism of action, properties and potential dangers associated with its abuse. In this article, we will learn how paracetamol works, what it is used for, how to dose it safely and what the effects of excessive consumption may be.

Paracetamol – what is this drug?

Paracetamol is an active substance that is often used in painkillers and antipyretics. It is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, syrups and suppositories. It works quickly and is often the first choice for treating pain and fever.

How does paracetamol work?

The mechanism of action of paracetamol is not yet fully understood, but it is known to act on the central nervous system, especially the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature and pain perception. Paracetamol reduces the production of prostaglandins, chemicals responsible for pain and fever. It has analgesic and antipyretic properties, but does not have anti-inflammatory properties, so it is not effective in the treatment of inflammation.

Paracetamol and anti-inflammatory effects

It is worth emphasizing that paracetamol does not have anti-inflammatory properties, therefore it is not suitable for the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or muscle inflammation. In such cases, doctors usually recommend non-steroidal drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which have both pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

What is paracetamol used for?

Paracetamol is effective in relieving various types of pain, including headaches, muscle and joint pain, toothache and menstrual pain. It is also used to treat fever, especially in children and adults. Moreover, it can be used as a complementary drug in pain relief therapy for inflammatory conditions, although it does not have anti-inflammatory properties.

The effectiveness of paracetamol

Paracetamol is considered an effective painkiller and antipyretic, but its effectiveness may vary depending on the individual body’s response. For most people, this is an effective way to relieve pain and reduce fever.

Is paracetamol safe?

Acetaminophen is generally considered safe when used according to dosage recommendations. However, excessive doses of paracetamol can be harmful to the liver and lead to serious health problems, including liver damage and poisoning.

How to dose paracetamol safely?

To use paracetamol safely, you should follow the recommended dose, which is usually 500 mg to 1,000 mg every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 4,000 mg daily. It is also important not to combine it with other medicines containing paracetamol to avoid accidental overdose.

Why can paracetamol become toxic?

Paracetamol becomes toxic when we exceed the maximum recommended dose or use it for a long time. The main danger is liver damage, which can lead to acute liver poisoning. Paracetamol poisoning is a serious condition and requires immediate medical intervention.

Paracetamol poisoning – symptoms

Symptoms of paracetamol poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea and jaundice. In more severe cases, impaired consciousness, bleeding and damage to internal organs may occur. This is a condition that requires immediate hospitalization and treatment to prevent liver damage.

Your suggestions

If you have questions about the use of paracetamol or are concerned about its side effects, it is always worth consulting your doctor or pharmacist. It is not recommended to self-administer paracetamol to children without consulting a doctor, especially in the case of infants.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about paracetamol, its effects and safe use, we recommend reading other scientific and informational articles on the subject. It is also worth being aware of possible side effects and preventive measures related to paracetamol.

Paracetamol is an effective medicine for relieving pain and reducing fever, but it must be used carefully and according to dosage recommendations to avoid potential health risks. Remember that excess paracetamol may be harmful to the liver, so it should be used carefully and only when really necessary.