Paracetamol For Adults

This information is for adults aged 18 or over. There's separate information about paracetamol for children (Calpol).

What paracetamol is for

Paracetamol is a painkiller that can be used to treat:

• headaches
• joint swelling and stiffness
• symptoms of a cold or flu, such as a high temperature (fever)
• toothache
• sore throat

How to take paracetamol and how much to take (dose)

There are different types of paracetamol, including:

• tablets and capsules
• liquid (oral suspension)
• suppositories (medicine you gently push into your bottom)

How you take or use paracetamol depends on the type you're taking and other factors. For example, if you weigh less than 50kg, you may need to take a lower dose.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine.

If you're not sure how to take it, or have any problems, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.

How to take and use common types of paracetamol

Important

Do not take or use paracetamol for more than 3 days unless a doctor tells you to.

You should also avoid taking paracetamol at the same time as other medicines containing paracetamol, for example, cold and flu remedies. This is because you may take too much, which can be dangerous.

If you take too much paracetamol

Taking an extra dose of paracetamol is unlikely to cause problems, but it's important to get medical advice if you take too much as it can sometimes damage your liver.

Get help from NHS 111 if:

If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the paracetamol packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

Side effects of paracetamol

Paracetamol very rarely causes side effects if you take it correctly.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects are rare but can include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) - causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised and itchy rash, and difficulty breathing
• liver problems - causing symptoms such as feeling sick (nausea), or your skin - or the white part of your eyes - turning yellow (jaundice), although this may be harder to notice on black or brown skin
• a problem with your blood cells, causing symptoms such as bruising easily and nosebleeds

Call NHS 111 if:

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of paracetamol.

For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website

Who can and cannot take paracetamol

Most adults can take paracetamol.

But it's not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had had an allergic reaction to paracetamol before
• you have a kidney or liver condition
• you're dependent on alcohol or binge drink (drink heavily over a short period of time)

Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if you can take or use it.

Breastfeeding and paracetamol

Paracetamol is usually the best painkiller to take if you're breastfeeding.

It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicine you're taking, but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and paracetamol

If you're pregnant, paracetamol is usually the best painkiller to use. It's commonly taken during pregnancy and does not harm your baby.

Find out more about taking paracetamol during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking paracetamol with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with paracetamol.

This includes:

• other medicine containing paracetamol, such as cold and flu medicine
• medicines that stop you being sick, including metoclopramide and domperidone
• medicines to help prevent blood clots, such as warfarin
• an antibiotic called flucloxacillin

Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure you can take it.

Taking paracetamol with ibuprofen

Adults can take paracetamol at the same time as ibuprofen if needed. But it's a good idea to try them on their own first to see if they help your pain.

Use the lowest dose that works for you and stop taking them when the pain has gone.

Food, drink and alcohol with paracetamol

You can eat and drink normally (including alcohol), when taking paracetamol.

Find out more about your medicine

To find out more about your medicine, you can:

• check the leaflet that comes with it
• search for the medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium (EMC) website
• speak to a pharmacist for advice

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