How does paracetamol work
How does paracetamol work
How does paracetamol work?
Paracetamol appears to work by blocking chemical messages in the brain that tell us we have pain.
How do you have paracetamol?
You can take paracetamol as follows:
pills
capsule
Caplets
soluble tablets
a drink you drink
an injection into a vein (this is only used in hospitals)
Suppository Open a Glossary Item
You can take paracetamol on doctor's advice. Or you can buy it from stores like a pharmacy or local supermarket. There is a limit to the amount you can purchase. For example a supermarket may only sell packets of 16 tablets. And a pharmacy will allow you to buy only 32 tablets at a time.
taking your pills or capsules
You should take the tablets, capsules or syrup as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
You must take the right dose, not more or less.
in your bloodstream
You may receive treatment through a long plastic tube that goes into a large vein in your chest. The tube remains in place during treatment. This could be one:
Central line
PICC line
portacath
You may receive treatment through a thin small tube (a cannula) that goes into a vein in your arm. You have a new cannula every time you have treatment.
Suppository
Suppositories are small, smooth and slightly pointed wax objects that contain medicines. The suppository goes into your back passage, where the wax melts and releases the medicine.
The lining of the posterior passage absorbs the drugs quickly. This is a very effective way of taking them. Unfortunately, taking medications in this way is frightening and embarrassing for many people. This may be inconvenient, but you can do it yourself if you don't like the idea of having someone else do it.
Your nurse may give you suppositories. Or they may give you a disposable glove and some lubricating gel and explain what you should do.
When do you have paracetamol?
You can take paracetamol to control cancer pain or for other reasons such as headache or high temperature. You can take it at the same time as or in between taking other painkillers.
Your doctor, pharmacist or nurse will give you instructions about when to take paracetamol and how much to take.
The usual amount (dosage) for an adult is 1 to 2 tablets of the usual strength (500 mg to 1,000 mg) every 4 to 6 hours. You should not take more than 8 normal strength tablets (4,000 mg) in 24 hours.
While you are taking paracetamol and chemotherapy
You need to know if your temperature is high during chemotherapy treatment. Taking paracetamol for pain control can mask high temperatures caused by chemotherapy treatment. Measure your temperature beforehand, if your temperature is high contact your doctor before taking paracetamol.
What are the side effects of paracetamol?
We have not listed all the side effects. It is very unlikely that you will have all of these side effects, but some of these side effects may occur at the same time.
How often and how severe the side effects are may vary from person to person.
When to contact your team
Your doctor or nurse will be aware of the possible side effects. Contact your advice line as soon as possible if:
you have serious side effects
Your side effects are not getting better
your side effects are getting worse
You have taken more than the recommended dose (even if you feel well)
Common or rare side effects
At the time of this review, there have been no reports of common side effects of this treatment.
rare side effects
These side effects occur in less than 1 in 100 people (less than 1%). You may have one or more of them. they include:
Blood disorders such as low levels of white blood cells called granulocytes (agranulocytosis)
A decline in blood cells, called platelets – which help blood clot
feeling very low (sad) or confused
Tremor (shivers)
Headache
changes in your vision
Buildup of fluid causes swelling (edema)
tummy pain
watery or loose stools (diarrhea)
feeling or being sick
sweating more than usual
itchy skin or rash
feeling dizzy or drowsy
Rare side effects of injecting paracetamol into the bloodstream (a vein)
These side effects occur in less than 1 in 100 people (less than 1%). You may have one or more of them. they include:
Allergic reaction – you become short of breath, wheezing or your lips, face or throat swell. Tell the nurse or doctor right away if you have any of these
feeling tired and weak, or generally unwell (not feeling well)
Low blood pressure – you may feel lightheaded and dizzy
Liver changes – these are usually mild and unlikely to cause you symptoms
decline in white blood cells