What is Paracetamol?

Paracetamol is a popular and effective pain relief medication offering fast-acting pain relief from:

• Mild to moderate aches and pains
• Headaches
• Cold and flu
• Sore throat
• Period pain
• Muscle pain
• Toothache

Paracetamol can also be used to help lower a high temperature.

Paracetamol is gentle on the stomach and is absorbed rapidly, providing effective pain relief exactly when you need it.

How to take Paracetamol?

You should take Paracetamol by:

• Taking 1-2 500mg tablets every 4 to 6 hours.
• Do not take more than 8 tablets within a 24 hour period.
• Paracetamol is for oral use only.
• Take the tablets with water.

Make sure paracetamol is stored in a dry place (below 25°C), out of the sight and reach of children.

It is important to take paracetamol exactly as advised, and if you are unsure if this medication is suitable for you, please consult with your GP or contact us.

How often can I take paracetamol?

It is important to take paracetamol 500mg tablets exactly as directed. Do not take more than 2 paracetamol 500mg tablets at a time, you can take them every 4-6 hours but do not take more than 8 tablets in a single 24 hour period.

Paracetamol is included in many other medications and is often combined with other ingredients. Therefore, it is important not to take anything else that contains paracetamol while taking this medicine.

Please contact us or your GP if you are unsure.

Paracetamol 500mg is not to be used by children.

How does paracetamol work in the body?

Paracetamol is thought to be related to the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. This means that it helps stop the reaction produced by the body in response to injury or infection that causes pain and fever.

How do I take paracetamol safely?

• Take the tablets with a glass of water.
• Swallow each tablet individually.
• Do not take more than 2 paracetamol tablets at a time. Take them every 4-6 hours.
• Do not take more than 8 tablets within a 24 hour period.
• Paracetamol is for oral use only.

If you are unsure how to take paracetamol, please contact us or your GP for guidance.

How long does it take paracetamol to work?

Paracetamol can take up to an hour to work. The time taken for paracetamol to work varies from person to person.

Can I take paracetamol when pregnant?

Paracetamol can be used during pregnancy, however, it should be used at the lowest effective dose, at the lowest frequency for the shortest amount of time.

Please consult your GP to seek guidance if you are unsure.

Can I take paracetamol when breastfeeding?

Yes. While paracetamol is excreted in breast milk, it is not in a significant amount.

However, if you are unsure, we recommend contacting your GP.

Can I take paracetamol and drink alcohol?

Avoid consuming alcohol while taking paracetamol to reduce the risk of side effects.

What are the side effects of paracetamol?

While the side effects of taking paracetamol are rare, excessive doses of paracetamol can lead to blood disorders, a rash and kidney/liver damage.

What should I do if I take too much paracetamol?

If you took too much paracetamol, we strongly advise you to talk to a doctor immediately even if you feel well.

Immediate treatment is important in the management of a paracetamol overdose. Despite the apparent early lack of significant symptoms experienced with a paracetamol overdose, urgent medical care is required.

Paracetamol is included in many medications and is often combined with other ingredients. Therefore, it is important not to take anything else that contains paracetamol while taking this medicine.

Will paracetamol help treat symptoms of COVID-19?

A high temperature is one of the main symptoms of COVID-19. Paracetamol is advised by the NHS to help lower a high temperature caused by COVID-19.

Please keep up to date with the latest information about COVID-19 on the NHS and GOV.UK websites.

If you find difficulty managing symptoms associated with COVID-19, please call 111. For emergency care only, please call 999 for an ambulance.

Please note that there is no evidence to suggest that paracetamol can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Please seek medical help and call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

• Skin rashes that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
• Wheeziness
• Tightness in the chest or throat
• Trouble breathing or talking
• Swollen mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat

Information Leaflet

Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.

• View patient information leaflet for Paracetamol 500mg.