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Paracetamol: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic used for the following indications: Established / FDA-approved uses Relief of mild-to-moderate pain, such as headache, toothache, earache, muscle ache and more.

Forms:TabletSyrupPediatric DropsOral Suspension

About Paracetamol

Indications of Paracetamol

Paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic used for the following indications:

Established / FDA-approved uses

  • Relief of mild-to-moderate pain, such as headache, toothache, earache, muscle ache, backache, and minor arthritis pain.
  • Reduction of fever (antipyretic) associated with common cold, influenza, and other febrile illnesses.

Guideline-supported / adjunct uses

  • Used as part of multimodal postoperative pain management, often alongside NSAIDs or opioids, to reduce overall opioid requirement (adjunct use, combination therapy).
  • Preferred first-line analgesic/antipyretic in pregnancy and in patients where NSAIDs are contraindicated (e.g., peptic ulcer disease, certain bleeding risks).

Paracetamol is not an antibiotic and has no role in treating infections directly; it only relieves associated fever and discomfort.

Dosage & Administration of Paracetamol

Indication / PopulationDose
Adults and adolescents (>50 kg) - pain/fever500-1000 mg orally every 4-6 hours as needed; maximum 4000 mg (4 g) per day from all sources
Adults - extended-release tablets1300 mg every 6-8 hours; maximum 3900 mg (3 tablets) per day unless directed by a physician
Children 6-12 yearsWeight-based, approximately 10-15 mg/kg every 4-6 hours; maximum 5 doses (or per product labeling) in 24 hours
Infants and children under 6 years10-15 mg/kg per dose every 4-6 hours as needed, using pediatric drops/syrup; do not exceed 5 doses in 24 hours; use only under medical/caregiver guidance with an accurate dosing device
Intravenous (hospital use)Body weight ≥50 kg: 1000 mg every 6 hours (max 4000 mg/day); <50 kg: 15 mg/kg every 6 hours (max 75 mg/kg/day)

Take Paracetamol with or without food. Do not use more than one Paracetamol-containing product at the same time, and do not exceed the maximum recommended daily dose, as this significantly increases the risk of liver damage (see Precautions and Warnings).

Renal/hepatic adjustment

In patients with significant hepatic impairment or active liver disease, avoid use or reduce dose and dosing frequency under medical supervision (see Contraindications). In severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <10 mL/min), extend the dosing interval to at least 8 hours.

Side Effects of Paracetamol

At recommended doses, Paracetamol is generally well tolerated. Reported adverse effects include:

  • Common (uncommon overall): Nausea, mild gastrointestinal upset.
  • Rare but serious: Hypersensitivity reactions including skin rash, urticaria, and angioedema; rare severe cutaneous reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) have been reported.
  • Rare: Thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and neutropenia.
  • Overdose-related: Hepatotoxicity/liver failure (see Overdose Effects and Precautions and Warnings).

Contraindications of Paracetamol

Paracetamol is contraindicated in patients with:

  • Known hypersensitivity to Paracetamol or any component of the formulation.
  • Severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease.

Frequently Asked Questions about Paracetamol

What is Paracetamol used for?

Paracetamol is used to relieve mild-to-moderate pain (such as headache, toothache, or muscle ache) and to reduce fever associated with colds, flu, and other illnesses.

How much Paracetamol can I take in a day?

Most healthy adults should not exceed 4000 mg (4 g) of Paracetamol from all sources in 24 hours. Taking more than this, or combining multiple Paracetamol-containing products, significantly increases the risk of serious liver damage.

Can I take Paracetamol during pregnancy?

Paracetamol is generally considered the preferred analgesic/antipyretic during pregnancy when needed, but it should still be used only if clearly necessary, at the lowest effective dose, and after consulting a physician, since no medicine can be considered completely risk-free in pregnancy.

Is Paracetamol safe for children?

Yes, Paracetamol is commonly used in children including infants, but dosing must be weight-based and accurately measured; consult a physician before giving it to infants under 3 months old or for use beyond a few days.

What should I do if I think I have taken too much Paracetamol?

Seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center/emergency services right away, even if you feel well, because early symptoms of Paracetamol overdose can be mild or absent while serious liver damage may already be occurring.

Can I take Paracetamol with other pain relievers?

Paracetamol can generally be used alongside NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) under medical guidance, but you should never take more than one Paracetamol-containing product at the same time, as many combination cold/flu and pain products already contain Paracetamol.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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