Does Paracetamol Really Cure Pain?

Thairath Online

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  • health and beauty

17 Apr 2022 08:00

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paracetamol

(Paracetamol) or Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer that is readily available.

It is a relatively safe drug when used properly.

Paracetamol can relieve pain from a variety of causes, such as headaches, osteoarthritis.

Muscle aches, sprains, sprains, so many people have a medicine cabinet at home and it's often the first medicine that comes to mind when they have pain.

when used as a single dose

Paracetamol has a limited analgesic effect.

It can treat only mild to moderate pain.

Pain where paracetamol is less effective or ineffective

Even though paracetamol has so many analgesic effects that it seems to be able to cure pain all over the world.

However, there are certain types of pain that paracetamol has no curative effect.

or may not be the right drug, for example

  • severe pain

such as pain from major surgical incisions

or from cancer

One simple method of assessing pain is to rate pain from 0 to 10, with 0 for feeling no pain at all and 10 for feeling of pain as much as imaginable.

If the number falls in the 7-10 range, it means severe pain.

Paracetamol alone does not cure it.

Even if used in excess of any size

Therefore, patients with such pain levels should not use more than the recommended dose of paracetamol for the purpose of reducing pain and should consult a doctor for appropriate medication.

  • Pain with strange symptoms

General aches and pains that paracetamol has a therapeutic effect on, such as dull pain or tenderness from inflamed tissues.

or general headache

But there are some types of swelling that are found in patients such as

have a burning pain

tingles intermittently

Pain like a tiny needle piercing, pain like electric shock.

Pain in other areas

These pains may indicate pain from a malfunctioning nerve.

pain with numbness

Paracetamol has little effect in treating it.

Patients with sciatic nerve pain are often chronic and may use paracetamol on their own for a long time.

which is at risk of developing liver dysfunction

If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

  • Frequent headaches

Paracetamol is used to treat frequent headaches.

Especially the drug use more than 15 days per month for 2-3 months in a row.

will increase the risk of

Therefore, those who experience frequent headaches, such as migraines more than three to four times a month, or tension headaches characterized by tense headaches for more than 15 days. per month, should consult a medical professional to determine the exact cause

You may also need to take medications other than paracetamol to prevent further headaches.

Recommendations for safe use of paracetamol for pain relief

  • Take your medication strictly as recommended by your healthcare professional.

    or do not use more than the recommended dosage


    The typical dose of paracetamol when used for the treatment of primary pain in adults is 500 mg 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours, but not to exceed 8 tablets (4,000 mg) in 1 day (4,000 mg). Note that taking 2 tablets every 4 hours equals 6,000 mg, which exceeds 4,000 mg. Be careful with higher doses.

    Recommended Adult Dose

    It is used to treat primary pain.

    It is recommended to take it for no more than 5-7 days in a row. If you need to use it longer, consult a doctor.

  • Paracetamol must be used under the supervision of a physician if certain medications are used concomitantly.


    Some medications may increase the hepatotoxic effect of paracetamol, for example tuberculosis drugs such as rifampin or epilepsy drugs such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital.

    or drinking alcohol for a long time

    Paracetamol might increase the effect of certain medications, such as warfarin, which is an anticoagulant.

    If given, paracetamol or any painkiller should be taken under the supervision of a physician.



  • Be sure to check the generic names of the medicines you are using to prevent an overdose of paracetamol.


    If the patient is taking multiple medications, check the generic name for the presence of paracetamol or acetaminophen.

    Is acetaminophen in each drug redundant?

    This is because there are many brand names that contain paracetamol, especially cold and flu formulations such as Tiffy® Decolgen®, Pharcold® and Apracur®, and pain relievers such as Norgesic®, Ultracet® and Tylenol with codeine®. Multiple combinations of these drugs can cause accidental doses of paracetamol.

    If you are unsure of the total paracetamol dosage, consult your pharmacist.

Article by : Lecturer Phongsathorn Meesawassom, Faculty of Pharmacy

Mahidol University

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