Paracetamol is one of the common medication that everybody uses for fever and pain.
It is one of the safest drug. It is very effective in treating high temperature and moderate pain like ASPIRIN. It does not show anti-inflammatory action like most of the other analgesics.
Paracetamol does not produce gastric irritation, it does not affect acid- base balance in the stomach.
It shows its antipyretic and analgesic effect within an hour when taken orally.
It is generally well tolerated and there are very less adverse effects.
Though it is safe drug, it should not be taken more than doctor prescribed for you. It is metabolized in the liver and excreted in urine and thus the action get terminated.
In exceptional cases it may cause death when taken >6 g.
First it causes hepatocellular damage followed by renal tubular necrosis and finally leading to death if not managed properly within time.
PARACETAMOL is available in market by various brand names. PARACETAMOL is the generic name of it. The other brand names by which it is available in market are : CROCIN, CALPOL, FEBREX, DOLO, FEBRINIL.
It is also available in combination form with other pain killer medication like : DOLOPAR, PARAGESIC, IBUGESIC PLUS etc.
Hope this article gives an insight into one of the common over the counter drug - PARACETAMOL.