Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
Pronunciation: (pair-uh-SEE-tuh-mol) / (uh-SEE-tuh-MIN-oh-fen).
- Generic name
- Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
- Brand names
- Dymadon, FeverAll, Tylenol, Atasol, Mapap, Pamol
- Drug class
- Pain Relief & Analgesics
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: India
Australia: · Full directory
What Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) works
Paracetamol acts primarily in the central nervous system, increasing the pain threshold by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway, particularly COX-2, and reducing the synthesis of prostaglandins involved in pain and fever. It has minimal anti-inflammatory effects due to weak peripheral inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. (2)
What Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is used for
Pain relief (analgesia)
Pain relief (analgesia) (2)
Fever reduction (antipyresis)
Fever reduction (antipyresis) (2)
Headache
Headache (2)
Muscle aches
Muscle aches (2)
Menstrual pain
Menstrual pain (2)
Before taking Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Known hypersensitivity to paracetamol or any excipients, severe hepatic impairment or active liver disease. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
- General Instructions: Take paracetamol exactly as directed on the label or by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose.. Adult Dosing: Typical adult dose: 500 mg to 1000 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Maximum: 4000 mg in 24 hours.. Pediatric Dosing: Children's dose is based on weight and age. Follow your doctor’s advice or the dosing chart on the product label. Do not exceed 15 mg/kg per dose or 60 mg/kg per day.. Administration: Can be taken with or without food. Use the correct measuring device for liquid forms. Swallow tablets whole with water.. When To Seek Review: Consult your doctor if pain or fever lasts more than a few days, or if new symptoms appear; let the doctor advise whether to continue or stop the medication.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose.
Overdose
Overdose of paracetamol can cause severe liver damage and may be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical help immediately, even if you feel well. Early symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, and confusion. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Vomiting
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Stomach pain
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Liver damage (overdose)
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Kidney damage (chronic high doses)
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
Do not exceed the recommended dose — serious
Symptoms: Do not exceed the recommended dose. Consult your doctor before use if you have liver or kidney disease. Check all medicines for paracetamol content to prevent accidental overdose. Seek medical help immediately if you suspect an overdose. Use caution in children and always follow dosing instructions.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindications: Known hypersensitivity to paracetamol or any excipients, severe hepatic impairment or active liver disease. Precautions: Use with caution in patients with mild to moderate liver or kidney dysfunction, chronic alcohol use, malnutrition, or dehydration. Monitor for signs of liver toxicity, especially with prolonged or high-dose use.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Paracetamol may interact with certain medications, including warfarin (increased risk of bleeding), some anti-seizure drugs, and alcohol (increased risk of liver damage). Always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements you are taking. | (2) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Acetaminophen/paracetamol is widely used in pregnancy at recommended doses when needed; the FDA acetaminophen prescribing information reviewed for this page does not assign a specific pregnancy risk category. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed and discuss with your prescriber, especially for prolonged use. (2)
Breastfeeding
The FDA acetaminophen prescribing information reviewed for this page states there is no information on acetaminophen levels specifically in the branded product studied, but published data show acetaminophen passes rapidly into human milk, with an average infant dose of about 1% (up to about 2% maximum) of the weight-adjusted maternal dose after a single 1-gram oral dose — generally considered compatible with breastfeeding at recommended maternal doses; discuss with your healthcare provider. (2)
Children
Frequency: Every 4-6 hours as needed. Weight Based: 10-15 mg/kg/dose. Max Daily Dose: 3000 mg for children 12 years and older. Max Single Dose: 750 mg for children 12 years and older. Age Restrictions: Not recommended for pediatric use under 2 months of age; safety not established in children under 2 months (2)
Renal_impairment
Renal: the FDA acetaminophen prescribing information reviewed for this page states that in severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance ≤30 mL/min), longer dosing intervals and a reduced total daily dose may be warranted. Hepatic: acetaminophen is contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease and should be used with caution in hepatic impairment or active liver disease; a reduced total daily dose may be warranted, and exceeding recommended doses can cause serious, potentially fatal liver injury. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Renal: the FDA acetaminophen prescribing information reviewed for this page states that in severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance ≤30 mL/min), longer dosing intervals and a reduced total daily dose may be warranted. Hepatic: acetaminophen is contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease and should be used with caution in hepatic impairment or active liver disease; a reduced total daily dose may be warranted, and exceeding recommended doses can cause serious, potentially fatal liver injury. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store acetaminophen/paracetamol tablets or liquid at room temperature (20-25°C/68-77°F), away from moisture and excess heat, in the original container, and out of reach of children (standard storage for this OTC analgesic; no non-standard requirement is given in the sources reviewed for this page).
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Pain relief (analgesia)
Dose summary: 500-1000 mg per dose
Renal context: The FDA acetaminophen prescribing information reviewed for this page states that in severe renal impairment (CrCl ≤30 mL/min), longer dosing intervals and a reduced total daily dose may be warranted. (2)
Hepatic guidance
The FDA acetaminophen prescribing information reviewed for this page states acetaminophen is contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease and should be used with caution in hepatic impairment or active liver disease; a reduced total daily dose may be warranted. Doses above the recommended maximum (from all acetaminophen-containing products combined) can cause hepatic injury, including liver failure and death.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take paracetamol with ibuprofen?
Yes, paracetamol and ibuprofen can be taken together or alternated for pain or fever, but always follow dosing instructions and consult your healthcare provider if unsure.
Is paracetamol safe during pregnancy?
Paracetamol is generally considered safe during pregnancy when used at recommended doses. Always consult your doctor before use.
How quickly does paracetamol work?
Paracetamol usually starts to work within 30 to 60 minutes after taking a dose.
Can I drink alcohol while taking paracetamol?
It is best to avoid alcohol while taking paracetamol, as it increases the risk of liver damage.
What should I do if I accidentally take too much paracetamol?
Seek emergency medical attention immediately, even if you feel well. Early treatment is critical to prevent serious liver damage.
Is paracetamol an anti-inflammatory?
No, paracetamol is not an anti-inflammatory. It relieves pain and reduces fever but does not reduce inflammation.
Can children take paracetamol?
Yes, paracetamol is commonly used for children. Always use the correct dose based on the child's weight and age, and follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
What happens if I take too much Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)?
Taking too much Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) can lead to severe liver damage, which may be fatal. Symptoms of overdose can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention, even if you feel well, as liver damage may not be immediately apparent.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)?
It is generally advised to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Paracetamol (Acetaminophen). Combining alcohol with this medication significantly increases the risk of liver damage, especially with chronic alcohol use or higher doses of the drug. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding alcohol intake.
Is Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) safe during pregnancy?
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when taken at recommended doses. However, it is classified under a pregnancy category that advises consulting a doctor. Always discuss any medication use with your healthcare provider during pregnancy to ensure it is appropriate for your specific situation and to minimize any potential risks.
What is the mechanism of action of Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)?
Paracetamol acts primarily in the central nervous system, increasing the pain threshold by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway, particularly COX-2, and reducing the synthesis of prostaglandins involved in pain and fever. It has minimal anti-inflammatory effects due to weak peripheral inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. (2)
What is the generic name of Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)?
The generic name is Paracetamol (Acetaminophen). It is sold under brand names including Dymadon, FeverAll, Tylenol, Atasol, Mapap, Pamol.
What class of drug is Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)?
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is classed as: Pain Relief & Analgesics.
References
- Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) — Clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · null · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 1
- OFIRMEV (acetaminophen) injection — prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 2
- AC FAST (PARACETAMOL) CAPSULE, COATED [GRIMANN SA DE CV] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Acetaminophen — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Paracetamol — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 161)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
India
- CalpolGlaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Sumo LAlkem Laboratories Ltd
- KabimolFresenius Kabi India Pvt Ltd
- FepanilVeritaz Healthcare Ltd
- MalidensAbbott
- PacimolIpca Laboratories Ltd
- T-98Mankind Pharma Ltd
- FebrinilManeesh Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- ParaCIPCipla Ltd
- PactivPfizer Ltd