Paracetamol – Past, Present and Future

Paracetamol, the most renowned painkiller of every household.

Let’s find out how good or bad acetaminophen (the active ingredient contained in Paracetamol) can be.

Most of us have this common notion that paracetamol is a very safe pain killer. Families have been using it since ages and today it is the highest selling pain killer in the world.

Despite of the evidences showing the potential risk of paracetamol consumption, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are stringent about their belief that the evidences are not enough to establish a causal link between paracetamol and these adverse events. The agency claims that the benefits balances out the side effects of paracetamol.

Here are some of major side effects

If any of the following side effects occur while taking acetaminophen, check with your doctor immediately;

• muscle pain
• Bloody or black, tarry stools
• blood in the urine
• red spots on the skin
• skin rash, hives, or itching
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• sudden decrease in the amount of urine
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Some facts to note…

In a study, it was found that patients who took high doses of paracetamol for extended periods of time increased their risk of early death by as much as 65 per cent! The risk of having heart stroke was increased by 67 per cent and there was a higher risk of having kidney disease or bleeding of digestive tract and liver failure.

So, whenever you use paracetamol, use the lowest possible dosage for the shortest period of time. Ensure that you carefully read the labels for paracetamols in sleep aids, cold and flu relievers because at times it is listed as APAP.

Always consider treating the root cause of pain by using natural remedies like fish oil which can get you the upper hand on inflammation.

Remember that all the material in this article is given for information purposes only. We are not addressing anyone’s personal situation. Please consult a physician before acting on any recommendations contained herein.