Paracetamol: what you need to know about the popular painkiller

What do you know about the famous painkiller – paracetamol? For example, do you know if you can drink alcohol if you are taking a medicine that contains it? Is it allowed to combine it with other painkillers? Is it safe to take it daily?

These and other frequently asked questions are answered by scientists from the British National Health System (NHS).

1. How long does it take for it to work?
Paracetamol usually begins to work within an hour and its effect lasts for about 5 hours.

2. I suffer from constant pain and take paracetamol daily. Is it safe?
Taking paracetamol daily for many years is safe as long as you never exceed the recommended dose. However, be careful not to accidentally take it with other medications. For example, you might take a flu or cold tablet and a painkiller with a different name, but they both contain paracetamol.

If you take paracetamol regularly and forget your dose, take it when you remember. It is enough not to take it four hours before your next appointment. If you are within this four-hour window, do not take the missed dose: wait until the next one. Remember that exceeding the maximum recommended daily dose of paracetamol may cause liver damage.

3. Can I take it when I'm about to drive?
Yes, because paracetamol does not affect the ability to drive a car, ride a bicycle, etc.

4. Can I drink alcohol when I take paracetamol?
Drinking small amounts of alcohol is usually safe. Try not to exceed 1-2 drinks per day or 14 per week, which is the standard recommendation for moderate drinking. A can of beer is considered a drink, as is 125 ml of wine.

However,Drinking alcohol while taking paracetamol may not be safe if you have certain medical conditions such as liver disease. It is best to check the package insert for the medicine you are taking to make sure it is safe to mix with alcohol.

5. Are there any foods or drinks to watch out for when taking paracetamol?
No, you can eat and drink normally, except for what was said above about alcohol. You can even take it on an empty stomach.

6. Is it allowed to combine it with other painkillers?
Yes, paracetamol is safe with other painkillers such as ibuprofen, aspirin and codeine. However, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other pain medications.

As mentioned above, many medicines contain paracetamol, but they come in different brands. Therefore, you need to make sure that you don't accidentally overdose. Also remember that differentpainkillers have different mechanisms of action and therefore affect each type of pain differently. For example, paracetamol may be more effective for headaches, and ibuprofen for toothache.

7. Can it interact with birth control pills?
No, it is not affected by any type of hormonal contraceptives – neither combined nor single. It also does not affect emergency contraception.

8. Is the medicine suitable for everyone?
It may not be suitable for some people. Paracetamol is not indicated, for example, for those who are allergic to it. It may also not be safe for people with liver or kidney problems, or for those who drink a lot of alcohol (more than 14 drinks per week). Those who weigh less than 50 kg may require a dose reduction.

9. Is it safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
It is the best choice for pregnant women as it does not harm the fetus. The same is true for breastfeeding women, since the amount of paracetamol that passes into breast milk is much less than what is usually given to babies when they are sick.

If you fall into any of the above categories, consult your doctor before taking paracetamol.

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