PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER             (PDF DOWNLOAD)

DESCRIPTION
Paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic agent and has been clinically proven to be effective for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with the common cold, headache, toothache, muscular aches, backache, for the minor pain of arthritis, for the pain of menstrual cramps, and for the reduction of fever. Paracetamol is an effective antipyretic in infants, children, and adults.

Pharmacologic Class
Paracetamol is a centrally acting analgesic and antipyretic agent.
c. Mechanism of Action
Analgesia
Although the exact site and mechanism of analgesic action is not clearly defined, paracetamol appears to produce analgesia by elevation of the pain threshold. The potential mechanism may involve inhibition of thenitric oxide pathway mediated by a variety of neurotransmitter receptors including N-methyl-D-aspartate and substance P

Before you take
Do not take Paracetamol tablets and tell your doctor if you: are allergic (hypersensitive) to paracetamol
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Paracetamol tablets if you have:
-suffered from alcoholism
-severe kidney or liver disease.

Other important warnings: taking painkillers for headaches too often or for too long can make them worse.

Taking other medicines
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. Especially:
-medicines to prevent blood clotting such as warfarin
-metoclopramide or domperidone (to prevent sickness)
-colestyramine (to treat high cholesterol levels).

Should not be taken at least one hour before and after taking paracetamol
imatinib (used to treat leukaemia and some stomach tumours).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicines.

Dosage and Administration
Adults including elderly and children over 12 years: 1or 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as required, to a maximum of 8 tablets in a day.
Children 6-12 years: half to 1 tablet every 4-6 hours as required, to a maximum of 4 tablets in a day.
Children under 6 years: Not recommended.

If you take more than you should
Seek immediate medical advice in the event of an overdose, even if you feel well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage.
If you (or someone else) swallow a lot of tablets at the same time, or you think a child may have swallowed any contact your nearest hospital casualty department or tell your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an overdose include feeling or being sick, loss of appetite, stomach pain or liver damage.

If you forget to take the tablets
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you forget to take a dose take it as soon as you remember it and then take the next dose at the right time.

Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Paracetamol tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects or notice any other effects not listed:
Allergic reactions – skin rash
Blood – changes in numbers and types of blood cells. If you have an increase in number of nose bleeds or notice that you bruise more easily or have more infections talk to your doctor.
Very rare cases of serious skin reactions have been reported

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store below 30oC in a dry place, protect from sunlight.

Pack Size:
Pack sizes are 8 x 12 tablets, 1000 tablets.