Paracetamol (acetaminophen)
Relieves pain and fever. It is not an anti-inflammatory.
Why it gets prescribed
Often the first choice for mild to moderate pain and for fever, including in many people who cannot take anti-inflammatories.
What to watch for
The main risk with this medicine is doubling up unknowingly: many combination cold remedies already contain paracetamol. Read the ingredients of EVERYTHING you take on the same day.
Stopping — read this before you stop anything
Use as directed on the pack or by prescription. Pain needing it continuously for days is a reason to be seen, not a reason to buy more.
Tell the prescriber and the pharmacist
Mention liver disease, regular alcohol use, or very low body weight — the prescriber needs to know.
Worth asking
- Does my cold remedy already contain paracetamol
- What is appropriate for my situation
- How long without improvement before I should be seen