Paracetamol, a very common analgesic in the Philippines
Paracetamol is used for different diseases such as for treatment of pain, (analgesic), and for treatment of fever (antipyretic). Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and paracetamol (Panadol) are the same pain-relieving medication. In the U.S. and Japan, it is called acetaminophen and paracetamol in Europe and most of the rest of the world.
Brand names of Paracetamol
Biogesic is one of the most popular paracetamol brands in the Philippines. Panadol is another brand known in other countries. There are other brand names like Panadol, Calpol, Tylenol, Alvedon. Datril, Tylenol, Panadol, Phenaphen, Tempra and Anacin III are different trademarks of brands of acetaminophen tablets. It is also found in many different OTC medications.
Paracetamol and acetaminophen
There is no difference at all between the two. Paracetamol is the same drug as acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is the generic name used the United States; USAN generic names system. It is used in countries such as the US, Canada and Japan. Paracetamol is the name used for the drug in places such as Europe, Australia, New Zealand, India and other countries, INN generic names system. Usually, the INN and USAN generic names for a drug are the same and don’t differ between countries.
What is paracetamol used for?
It is a medication that is usually used to relieve mild to moderate pain, (analgesic) such as headache, backache, menstrual cramps, muscular strain, minor arthritis pain, toothache, and to reduce fevers, (antipyretic) caused by illnesses such as the common cold, flu and other fevers. So, It can be use for the following conditions:
- Headache, Tension headache, Migraine
- Backache, Rheumatic and muscle pain, and Mild arthritis/osteoarthritis
- Toothache
- Period pain (dysmenorrhea)
- Colds and flu symptoms like fever
- Sore throat
- Sinus pain
- Post-operative pain
- Any fever (pyrexia)
Packages of Paracetamol
Paracetamol, (acetaminophen), drugs come in different forms and packages. It can be in the form of tablets, syrup, suppositories or injection. Tablets are usually 500 mg. Syrup can be found as 125mg/ml or 250mg/ml.
How to use
For rapidly dissolving tablets, chew or dissolve the tablets on your tongue, then swallow with or without water. For chewable tablets, chew thoroughly before swallowing. Do not crush the tablets. For effervescent tablets, dissolve in a glass of water and drink. These work best if used at the first sign of pain.
Do not take for fever for more than 3 days unless directed by your doctor. For pain in adults, do not take it for more than 10 days unless directed by your doctor. Consult with your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse or if you develop new symptoms.
If you are taking this medication on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not double dose.
Generic and branded paracetamol
Generic Paracetamol tablets are used the same way as branded ones, pain reliever and antipyretic. Why do people use the generic one? Generic paracetamol is cheaper than Biogesic, Calpol, Panadol or other brands, that is the main reason why it is used. Both generic and brands products effects are supposed to be similar. Generic Paracetamol is widely used in Philippines because of its lower price, which is around 3 pesos while Biogesic is almost 2 times the price.
Side effects and Toxicity
- This drug usually has no side effects. If you have allergies, or a medical history of liver disease, regular alcohol use or alcohol abuse, and diabetes, try to avoid using it. Also, it must be taken carefully during pregnancy, even it is safe.
- Other drugs, such as ketoconazole or levoketoconazole , (anti-fungal), may interfere with the effectiveness of Paracetamol.
What happens if you take too much paracetamol or acetaminophen?
Paracetamol or acetaminophen poisoning can happen from taking too much. Your liver processes the drug and converts it into a different substance. If you take large amounts of paracetamol or acetaminophen, your liver produces more of that substance. And when there is too much of it, that substance can damage your liver.
SUMMARY
Paracetamol or Acetaminophen are widely used analgesic and antipyretics. Even though it is safe to use but must be used carefully during pregnancy and with some other drugs. In Philippines, because of its low price, the generic product is widely used. Branded ones can be found over the counter (OTC).