Paracetamol

What is Paracetamol? Paracetamol is a medical drug that is used primarily to treat pain and/or fever. It is an analgesic and antipyretic drug. It can be used for: Headaches Muscle Pain Backaches Toothaches Cold and flu

How does Paracetamol work? Paracetamol, like many other pain relief drugs, limits the intensity of pain receptors that travel to the brain via the CNS. At controlled levels, it can be an effective form of stopping pain and various illnesses.

Dangers of Paracetamol Paracetamol must be taken in reasonably small doses to avoid overdose. Overdose can cause Paracetamol poisoning and this is when too much Paracetamol is taken into the body and as a result, it can cause liver failure in the long run. As well as this, over a long time Paracetamol is thought of to lead to an increased danger of heart attacks. Prostaglandin also regulates body temperature, as Paracetamol stops the release of Prostaglandin, it can affect your body temperature.

Some Facts Paracetamol is lethal to both cats and snakes The chemical formula is C8H9NO2 It is the most popular drug for pain relief It was first used in 1887 We are not exactly sure how it works (we have included our best guess

Paracetamol Brands There are many different brands of Paracetamol and each one has their own preference as to the type of paracetamol they use. E.g. Calpol use liquids. The main brands in the UK are Calpol, Disprol, Hedex and Panadol. Calpol is the most common and is a multi-use paracetamol that can treat many different illnesses including headache, toothache and sore throats. Paracetamol works by reducing the creation of prostaglandins in the brain and spine thus reducing swelling in the brain and spine. Prostaglandins 'sensitise' (make more sensitive) the nerve endings meaning when there is a stimulus at that nerve, it causes the common feeling of pain. By reducing the amount of prostaglandins that are produced, our tolerance to pain goes up.

Paracetamol Types Paracetamol comes in varying shapes and sizes, and even states. Calpol mainly use the liquid form of paracetamol, but sometimes utilise pills.