Translated Version:
This drug goes by many names, be it paracetamol or acetaminophen. For those whof ind these names unfamiliar, it would be helpful to know the commercial names of this drug. It is the main component of Panadol, Tylenol and Calpol. This medication is one that we take when we experience aches or pains or begin to have a fever. For how commonly we use this medication, we do not really know that much about it.
Paracetamol is known to be fairly harmless when the appropriate dose is taken, assuming no serious complications. Admittedly, it does have its own range of possible but rare side effects, such as increasing the risk of liver problems in those who over dose and the slight possibility of an allergic reaction.
Signs of liver problems include:
Nausea
Sudden Weight Loss
Loss of Appetite
Yellowing of eyes and skin
Unexplained bruising/ bleeding
Signs of Allergic Reactions include:
Swollen face/ eyes/ lips/ tongue
Difficulty breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole
body
However, it is nonetheless important to emphasize that these side effects are not a common occurrence. Additionally, as with all drugs, those taking it should clarify with a health care professional whether there are any medications to avoid. An example would be the anticoagulant drug, Warfarin. According to a study done by the University of Helsinki’s Department of Forensic Medicine, the prevalence of fatal bleeds was significantly higher when Warfarin and Paracetamol were taken together as compared to when each drug was taken separately, 2.7and 4.6 times respectively. The effect paracetamol has on bringing down a fever is relatively understood, as it affects an area of the brain that regulates our body temperature, the hypothalamic heat regulating centre. The mystery however, lies in paracetamol’s involvement in relieving our aches and pains. While paracetamol can reduce pain, it is not able to reduce inflammation. The exact mechanism by which paracetamol reduces pain is one that holds great uncertainty to this day, as none of the theories have accumulated sufficient evidence to convince everyone.
One theory is that paracetamol can relieve pain by decreasing the production of prostaglandins in the brain and spinal cord. Prostaglandins are chemicals produced by the body in response to injury and certain diseases. These chemicals sensitize nerve endings, allowing for stimulation of the area to cause pain, thus acting as a means to prevent us from causing harm to that area. By reducing the amount of chemical available to cause such a pain response, paracetamol increases our pain threshold. Although the cause of the pain remains, we would be less affected by it due to the increased threshold.
Citation:
(Cover Image Source: https://lucanpharmacy.com/)
Paracetamol (oral). HealthHub. (n.d.). Retrieved December 28, 2022, from www.healthhub.sg/a-z/medications/391/Paracetamol-oral
Helen Marshall, B.P (2022,April18). Paracetamol: A medicine to relieve pain and reduce fever. Netdoctor. Retrieved December 28, 2022, from www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/achespains/a26339/paracetamol-uses-and-action/#:~:text=Paracetamol%20reduces%20fever%20by%20affecting,hypothalamic%20heat%2Dregulating%20center).&text=Paracetamol%20is%20about%20as%20effective,it%20doesn't%20reduce%20inflammation
Drahl, C. (2014,July21). How Does Acetaminophen Work?Researchers Still Aren’t Sure. Cen.acs.org. Retrieved December 28, 2022, from cen.acs.org/articles/92/i29/Does-Acetaminophen-Work-Researchers-Still.html
Terhi Launiainen, Antti Sajantila, Ilpo Rasanen, Erkki Vuori, Ilkka Ojanperä. Adverse interaction of warfarin and paracetamol: evidence from a post- mortem study. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2009, 66 (1), pp.97-103. ff10.1007/s00228-009-0727-3ff. ffhal-00534994ff
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