Paracetamol or PCM The Common Painkiller

Paracetamol comes under the class of NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) it is used as an analgesic (painkiller) and antipyretic (in the fever) with poor anti-inflammatory-actions, also known as acetaminophen or APAP. These are para-aminophenol derivatives. It was introduced in the last century but come into common use only since 1950, it was first marketed in the United State. In this article, we are going to highlight one of the most commonly used drug PARACETAMOL (PCM).

Safety and precautions before using Paracetamol

Paracetamol or PCM is safe and well-tolerated, it is an O-demethylated active metabolite of phenacetin which probably produces a sense of relaxation and wellbeing in some people, in the early part of 20thcentury phenacetin was widely abused by the factory workers in the industrializing Europe. It was claimed to reduce tension, fatigue and to increase work capacity, it was considered habit-forming but not producing physical dependence. Unlike phenacetin, paracetamol does not show such a pattern of abuse.(KDT)

Paracetamol is one of the most commonly used ‘over the counter’ analgesic for a headache, muscle pain, osteoarthritis etc. It is one of the best drugs to be used in fever in both adult and children. It is much better than aspirin in terms of gastric irritation, ulceration, and bleeding. It is one of the safest drug used during pregnancy but consultation is a must.

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The suggested dose of Paracetamol

” The maximum amount of paracetamol for an adult is 1gm (1000 mg per dose) and 4 gm (4000 mg per day)exceeding standards may result into liver toxicity, for alcoholics, it’s recommended to take PCM in consultation of health care practitioner”.

Exceeding dose Initially cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and liver tenderness with no impairment of consciousness. After 12-18 hours centrilobular hepatic damage occurs may be accompanied by renal tubular damage(in concern of kidney)and hypoglycemia( low sugar), further may progress to coma. Jaundice starts after 2 days. Dr suggests SGOT SGPT liver test. So it’s better to consult with your physician before any medication taken even if it is safer.

Note:- PCM is not recommended in premature infants (<2kg) due to higher chances of hepatotoxicity (liver damage).

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Dosage Forms of Paracetamol

Paracetamol is available in the forms of

• Paracetamol tablets
• Paracetamol capsules
• Paracetamol syrups
• Paracetamol suppositories, etc..

These preparations are easily available in the market as over the counter.

• Paracetamol Tablets:-How to use tablets those are not good in taste and smell: to prevent from smell and taste of medicine put the tablet on the backside of the tongue where taste buds are not present and put your nose closed for a while swallowing tablets.
• To use Suppositories:- These preparations have to be used very carefully because they are more likely to melt in temperature variations because of the low melting point, they are prepared to show the effect on body temperature so as soon as you touch suppositories it starts melting. Thus to use them first lay down straight bend your knees in upward motion then open the packing and within seconds insert the suppository into the vagina or rectum as directed by your healthcare practitioner and be in the position for as long as possible, better to use at night or before going to sleep.

“Suppositories are also safe and better to use during pregnancy because there are more chances of Urinary tract infection (UTI)”.There are so many brands available in the market, branded as well as generic whereas I would prefer to use branded because there is always a markable difference between branded medicines and generic medicines. There is always a slight difference in the chemical structures which may come under the approved standards of quality but differ in terms of efficacy and effectiveness of the drug.

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Branded medicines are always best in standards as they are followed by a lot of clinical studies and laboratory researchers with a lot of expenditure to provide us with the best of all. Like Tylenol which is derived from N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (APAP), a brand name of Paracetamol research molecule of Johnson &Johnson. Till the brand is patented by the owner it’s available only by the brand name but once the company loose patent the FDA give permission to other manufacturers for developing medicines of the same compound with the same chemical constituents. Thus the generic preparations get available in the market. Generics are cheaper from the research product because they again don’t have to do research or clinical trials on them.

In simple words, there is always a difference branded shirt and local clothing, branded machinery and the local one, even in the food category a lot of difference in the quality of branded outlets and the dhabas (Street food outlets).

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You may choose either But my personal advice does not risk you while choosing medicines because they are directly related to your life. Choosing a shirt may not affect your health but choosing a medicine is directly related to your recovery.

So you may compromise on your external priorities but advised to be careful in choosing the right medicine. Keep Visiting and sharing and Have a healthier tomorrow.

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