Preventing harm in Australia
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Last updated : October 18, 2017
Paracetamol is a pharmaceutical drug, which is use to treat a number of conditions including:
Some people misuse paracetamol by intentionally taking more than the recommended dose in a mistaken attempt to get high, or as an act of self-harm.
Paracetamol is usually swallowed and comes in different forms including:
Paracetamol may also be known by its brand or trade names. Some common examples include:
| Generic name | Brand names |
|---|---|
| Paracetamol | Dymadon®, Lemsip®, Panadol®, Panamax®, Tylenol® |
| Paracetamol and codeine | Panadeine Forte®, Panamax Co® |
| Paracetamol, codeine and doxylamine | Mersyndol® and Mersyndol Forte®, Panalgesic® |
There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk – even medications can produce unwanted side effects. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.
Paracetamol affects everyone differently, based on:
The most common side effects of paracetamol are:
Children may occasionally experience low blood sugar and tremors, and feeling hungry, faint and confused after taking paracetamol.1
If the dose is too high or the recommended daily dose is exceeded, an ambulance should be called straight away by dialling triple zero (000). Overdose symptoms, listed below, usually only occur 24 hours after taking the drug. An antidote can be administered if the ambulance is called soon after taking paracetamol.
Death from paracetamol overdose often takes a couple of days and is usually very painful.1
Regular use of paracetamol may eventually cause the following effects. It’s best to discuss the side effects of long term use with a medical practitioner.
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