PARACETAMOL 500mg Tablets

What is PARACETAMOL 500mg

PARACETAMOL 500mg Tablets are a widely used analgesic and antipyretic medication formulated to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. Each tablet contains 500mg of paracetamol, a non-opioid pain reliever. It is a trusted over-the-counter remedy often recommended for conditions such as:

• Headache, including tension headache and migraine
• Toothache
• Muscle aches and back pain
• Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)
• Arthralgia and osteoarthritis pain
• Fever associated with colds, flu, or infections

It is suitable for adults and children above a certain age (typically over 6 years), making it a household staple for symptom relief. PARACETAMOL 500mg is considered safer than NSAIDs in individuals with gastric sensitivities or bleeding risks.

How to use PARACETAMOL 500mg

Proper usage of PARACETAMOL 500mg ensures effective symptom relief and minimizes the risk of adverse effects:

• Oral Administration: Swallow tablets whole with water, with or without food.
• Dosing Interval: Maintain at least 4 hours between doses to avoid overdose.
• Maximum Daily Dose: Do not exceed 4000mg (8 tablets) within 24 hours for adults.
• For Children: Only if advised by a healthcare provider; dose is based on weight and age.
• Alcohol Use: Avoid alcohol while taking paracetamol to reduce liver toxicity risk.
• Missed Dose: Take the missed dose if needed, but never double dose to compensate.

Always read the label and follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Prolonged use without medical supervision is not recommended.

Mode of Action PARACETAMOL 500mg

Paracetamol exerts its effects through a combination of central and peripheral actions, although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood:

• Central Inhibition: Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the brain, which is associated with fever and pain perception.
• Antipyretic Effect: Acts on the hypothalamic heat-regulating center to lower elevated body temperature.
• Minimal Anti-Inflammatory Action: Unlike NSAIDs, paracetamol has weak peripheral anti-inflammatory properties.
• Endocannabinoid Pathway Modulation: Possible influence on serotonin and endocannabinoid systems, contributing to analgesic effects.

Due to its limited peripheral inhibition of prostaglandins, paracetamol does not cause gastrointestinal or platelet-related side effects typical of NSAIDs.

PARACETAMOL 500mg Interactions PARACETAMOL 500mg

Paracetamol is generally well tolerated, but it may interact with certain drugs and substances:

• Alcohol: Concurrent use can significantly increase the risk of liver damage.
• Warfarin and other anticoagulants: Regular, high doses may enhance anticoagulant effects, increasing bleeding risk.
• Enzyme-inducing drugs: Rifampicin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin may increase paracetamol metabolism, raising hepatotoxic risk.
• Isoniazid: May enhance liver toxicity when used with paracetamol.
• Cholestyramine: May reduce absorption of paracetamol if given closely together.
• Metoclopramide and domperidone: May increase the rate of absorption of paracetamol.

Always consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist before combining paracetamol with other medications.

Dosage of PARACETAMOL 500mg

The recommended dosage depends on age, weight, and health status:

• Adults and adolescents (over 12 years): 500–1000 mg every 4–6 hours as needed. Maximum: 4000 mg/day.
• Children (6–12 years): Typically 250–500 mg every 4–6 hours. Do not exceed 2000 mg/day unless instructed.
• Elderly: Dose adjustment usually not necessary unless liver function is impaired.
• Renal or hepatic impairment: Use with caution; reduce dosage and consult a physician.

Do not exceed the stated dose. Overdose can cause serious liver damage requiring urgent medical attention.

Possible side effects of PARACETAMOL 500mg

Paracetamol is typically well tolerated. However, some individuals may experience side effects:

• Common: Generally rare at recommended doses.
• Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, swelling, or breathing difficulty may occur in hypersensitive individuals.
• Liver toxicity: High doses or prolonged use can lead to hepatotoxicity and, in extreme cases, liver failure.
• Blood disorders (rare): Thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and leukopenia.
• Renal effects: Rarely, prolonged use may affect kidney function, especially at high doses.
• Anaphylaxis: Though extremely rare, life-threatening allergic reactions have been reported.

If any unusual symptoms or signs of allergic reactions occur, seek medical attention immediately.

PARACETAMOL 500mg Contraindications PARACETAMOL 500mg

Paracetamol should not be used in the following cases:

• Known hypersensitivity: Allergic reactions to paracetamol or any excipient in the tablet formulation.
• Severe hepatic impairment: Due to risk of worsening liver function or liver failure.
• Active or chronic alcohol abuse: Increases susceptibility to liver damage.
• Severe renal impairment: Caution advised due to altered drug clearance.
• Recurrent overdose risk: In individuals with psychiatric illness or suicidal intent.

Always disclose full medical history to your healthcare provider before initiating paracetamol therapy.

Storage of PARACETAMOL 500mg

Proper storage helps preserve efficacy and prevents degradation:

• Temperature: Store at 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), away from heat sources.
• Humidity: Keep in a dry place, tightly sealed to avoid moisture exposure.
• Light protection: Store in original packaging to protect from direct sunlight.
• Child safety: Keep out of reach and sight of children.
• Expiration: Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Do not dispose of unused tablets via wastewater. Consult a pharmacist for proper disposal to help protect the environment.