Paracetamol

Other names

Paracetamol is also called acetaminophen. It may also be known by its brand or trade names, some common examples include:

How is paracetamol used?

Paracetamol is usually swallowed. In a healthcare setting it can be injected or inserted in the rectum.³

Effects of paracetamol

Use of any drug can have risks. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.

Paracetamol affects everyone differently, based on:

• size, weight and health
• whether the person is used to taking it
• whether other drugs are taken around the same time
• the amount taken
• the strength of the drug (varies by brand).

Side effects

The most common side effects of paracetamol are:

• Drowsiness and fatigue
• Rashes and itching²

Children may occasionally experience low blood sugar and tremors, and feeling hungry, faint and confused after taking paracetamol.²

Overdose

If you take a large amount of paracetamol, you could overdose.

Overdose symptoms usually occur 24 hours after taking the drug, and can lead to death.

Death occurs due to liver failure, and can take between two and four days.⁴ An antidote can be administered if the ambulance is called soon after taking paracetamol.⁵

Call an ambulance straight away by dialling triple zero (000) if you, or someone else, has taken too much paracetamol or is experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• abdominal pain
• nausea and vomiting
• drowsiness
• seizures
• coma²

Long-term effects

Regular use of paracetamol may eventually cause:

• tiredness
• breathlessness
• bluish or greyish tinge to fingers and lips (This can look different depending on skin tone)
• anaemia (low red blood cell count)
• liver and kidney damage.²

Tolerance and Dependence

Paracetamol does not produce tolerance or dependence, though some people may develop a psychological dependence on the drug.²

Mixing paracetamol with other drugs

• Paracetamol and alcohol: people who drink high levels of alcohol regularly are advised to limit their use of paracetamol as it can cause severe liver damage.²
• Paracetamol and other drugs containing paracetamol (e.g. cold & flu medicines): If you take different medicines that also contain paracetamol, there is an increased risk of overdose.⁶

Use of more than one drug or type of drug consumed at the same time is called polydrug use.⁷

Reducing Harm

There are ways you can reduce the risk of harm when taking paracetamol:

• Check with your doctor/pharmacist before taking paracetamol if you are using other medications
• Check with your doctor/pharmacist before taking paracetamol if you have liver or kidney problems
• Follow directions on packet and don’t exceed recommended dose within 24-hour period
• Avoid long-term use of paracetamol where possible

Withdrawal

There are no withdrawal effects associated with paracetamol when taken at the recommended dose.²

Getting Help

If your use of paracetamol is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, or you’re concerned about someone else, you can find help and support.

Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice, information and counselling about alcohol and other drugs

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If you're looking for other information or support options, send us an email at druginfo@adf.org.au