Benefits of Paracetamol for the Body, Popular Pain Reliever

Kapanlagi.com - Acetaminophen or paracetamol is a medication for reducing fever and relieving pain, such as menstrual pain and toothache. Paracetamol is available in the form of 500 mg and 600 mg tablets, syrup, drops, suppositories, and infusions. So it's no wonder that paracetamol is a widely consumed medication. Of course, besides relieving pain, paracetamol also has many benefits for the body.

Paracetamol works by reducing the production of inflammatory substances, namely prostaglandins. By lowering the level of prostaglandins in the body, signs of inflammation such as fever and pain will decrease. However, it doesn't mean that everyone can consume this medication, KLovers. There are some restrictions for people who cannot consume this medication.

But what are the other benefits of paracetamol for the body besides relieving pain? As reported from various sources, here are the benefits of paracetamol that you must know along with their doses. Let's check it out, KLovers.

1. Warning on Paracetamol Consumption

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Before knowing the benefits of paracetamol, you should also be aware of the warnings before taking any medication, including paracetamol. And here are the warnings that you must know before consuming paracetamol:

• Do not consume or use paracetamol if you have a history of allergy to this medication.
• Do not give paracetamol to children under 2 years old without doctor's instructions.
• Consult a doctor before using paracetamol if you have liver or kidney disorders.
• Do not consume alcohol with paracetamol as it can increase the risk of liver damage.
• Inform your doctor if you are taking other medications, such as epilepsy drugs, tuberculosis (TB) drugs, blood thinners, supplements, or herbal medicine.
• Go to the hospital immediately if the fever does not subside, or if redness appears on the skin.
• And see a doctor immediately if there are allergic reactions to the medication or overdose.

2. Dosage and Usage Instructions for Paracetamol

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Next is the dosage and usage instructions before taking paracetamol. When consuming medications, you need to know the proper dosage, including for paracetamol, to ensure its benefits work effectively for your body. Here are some dosages and usage instructions for paracetamol from various sources:

• Adults

325-650 mg every 4-6 hours or 1,000 mg every 6-8 hours. Paracetamol is usually available in tablet form with a content of 500 mg. Paracetamol 500 mg can be taken every 4-6 hours to relieve fever.

• Infants < 2 months

10-15 mg/kgBW, every 6-8 hours or as directed by a doctor.
Children 2 months-12 years. 10-15 mg/kgBW, every 4-6 hours or as directed by a doctor. Maximum dosage is 5 administrations within 24 hours.

• Children > 12 years

325-650 mg every 4-6 hours or 1,000 mg every 6-8 hours.

However, the above dosage and usage instructions are for tablets and syrup, KLovers. For paracetamol infusion, the dosage and administration will be done directly by a doctor or under the supervision of a doctor by medical personnel, according to the patient's condition.

3. Reducing Fever

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In addition to being an analgesic or pain reliever, another benefit of paracetamol is its antipyretic properties. Antipyretic drugs are medications that can reduce fever.

In addition to paracetamol, other drugs that belong to the antipyretic group are salicylates (such as aspirin) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen).

4. Relieving Pain

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One of the benefits of paracetamol or acetaminophen is its analgesic properties or pain relief. Therefore, paracetamol can alleviate various types of pain in the body. As an analgesic, the benefits of paracetamol include relieving mild to moderate pain in various areas of the body.

And the relief of such pain includes headaches, back pain, toothaches, menstrual cramps for women, pain in various parts of the body due to flu and colds, and pain in the injection area during vaccination. When it comes to relieving headaches, paracetamol is reported to be more effective than ibuprofen.

This medication is also beneficial for relieving mild to moderate migraines. A combination prescription of paracetamol, aspirin, and caffeine is mentioned as the most effective for treating migraines. Therefore, you can replace pain relief medications such as headaches to migraines with the use of paracetamol.

5. Side Effects of Paracetamol

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Not only does it have benefits, but you also need to know the side effects of consuming paracetamol. Usually, these side effects occur due to excessive consumption or allergies to the medication. Stop using the medication and contact a doctor if you experience serious side effects of paracetamol, some of which include:

• Nausea
• Upper abdominal pain
• Itching
• Loss of appetite
• Dark-colored urine
• Pale-colored stools
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes

However, not everyone experiences the above-mentioned side effects. There may be some side effects that are not mentioned above. Excessive consumption of paracetamol can increase the risk of severe liver damage.

According to Healthline, here are the symptoms of liver damage that you need to be cautious of due to excessive consumption of paracetamol:

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain in the upper right abdomen
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Increased sweating
• Pale skin
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Dark-colored urine or stools

 

Those are some of the benefits of paracetamol and the recommended dosage that you need to know. Paracetamol is a medication, so you need to be cautious when consuming it and giving it a dosage for your body. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult with experts such as pharmacists or doctors.

(kpl/dhm)