Paracetamol Use in Adults

Paracetamol is widely available, either on its own or combined with other medicines such as Codeine
or Ibuprofen.

Despite the ability to purchase this over the counter, over 16 million prescriptions were dispensed last year. As well as use as a painkiller it is also used for headache, sore throat and “rheumatic pain”.

1 in 10 people obtain benefit for headaches and tooth extraction with the use of Paracetamol.

It is not as effective in chronic pain such as low back pain and only mild benefit in osteoarthritis.
It is important that all avenues for pain relief should be explored as outline in the NICE arthritis
advice.

Intravenous Paracetamol is increasingly used in hospitals following operations.

If too much Paracetamol is taken, damage to the liver (heptatoxity) can occur. This can occur in
patients who deliberately or accidentally take too much Paracetamol or take multiple Paracetamol
containing products. Paracetamol may cause problems with gastro intestinal bleeding.

As with any drug, the minimum amount required should be taken.

Some medical studies suggest an increased risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and stroke
with increasing Paracetamol usage.

Patients with low body weight, chronic alcohol use, liver disease and old age all risk excessive Paracetamol levels. It is not known to be harmful in pregnancy or when breast feeding.