Top 5 Misconceptions about Paracetamol!

There has been a lot of myth surrounding paracetamol, which leaves the consumer such as yourself feeling confused and uncertain. Lets look at some of the common misconceptions about this drug so that you will be able to separate the myths from the facts.

PARACETAMOL HELPS WITH THE FLU¹

Paracetamol helps to relieve pain and to reduce fever. It does not help with other symptoms of the flu, such as nasal blockage, runny nose, and/or sore throat.

PARACETAMOL HELPS WITH INFLAMMATION¹

As mentioned above, paracetamol helps to relieve pain and to reduce fever. It does not have anti-inflammatory properties.

PARACETAMOL IS HARMFUL TO YOUR LIVER¹

There is a lot of experience and safety evidence behind paracetamol. Unless you have liver damage, paracetamol will not harm your liver if taken at the recommended doses.

PARACETAMOL IS NOT SAFE DURING PREGNANCY AND/OR BREASTFEEDING¹

Paracetamol is safe to use in all stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding.

PARACETAMOL WORKS BETTER IF ADMINISTERED RECTALLY¹

Rectal absorption of paracetamol is erratic and delayed. Oral administration is preferred and the time taken to experience pain relief is approximately 30 minutes.

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P.S. Note: The recommended adult dosage regimen for paracetamol is 500mg - 1000mg every FOUR to SIX hours. Maximum 4g daily i.e. EIGHT tablets

P.P.S Note : Soluble paracetamol or brands of paracetamol that claims to work faster, normally contains a higher amount of sodium content. The sodium will allow the paracetamol to dissolve faster in your digestive system to allow it to be absorbed more rapidly. On a side note, please be careful if you have sodium restrictions

If you know of any other myths surrounding paracetamol, let us know in the comments section below and we will help you straighten out the facts! Thanks for reading and feel free to share this article with your friends and families to help create awareness of these common misconceptions

Created by Kw

References

1. Australian Medicines Handbook [Internet]. Adelaide SA: Australian Medicines Handbook; [updated 2016; cited 2017 Jan 21]. Available from: https://amhonline.amh.net.au/chapters/chap-03/drugs-pain-relief/analgesics-non-opioid/paracetamol
2. GSK. Picture of Panadol Products [Image on Internet]. [cited 2017 Feb 4]. Available from: https://www.panadol.com.au