paracetamol
a drug that has ANALGESIC effects and also reduces FEVER . It is taken for mild pain ( HEADACHE , etc). It may cause digestive problems, and large doses are very dangerous. Excessive doses can produce LIVER failure, causing progressive NECROSIS in a matter of days, and can be fatal. In the early stages of poisoning the stomach can be washed out and drugs administered to protect the liver.
Acetaminophen is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to reduce fever. Acetaminophen is in a class of medications called analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers). It works by changing the way the body senses pain and by cooling the body.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking acetaminophen affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
It is not known whether acetaminophen can make it harder to get pregnant. If you have concerns about fertility while using this medication, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Does taking acetaminophen increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons, and taking acetaminophen at the recommended dose is not expected to increase the chance for miscarriage. Any specific concerns about your situation should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Does taking acetaminophen increase the risk of birth defects?
Every pregnancy begins with a background 3–5% chance of a birth defect. When used at recommended dosages, acetaminophen has not been shown to increase the chance for birth defects. Decisions about use during pregnancy should be made together with your healthcare provider.
Can taking acetaminophen during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
The fact sheet describes mixed findings: one large study reported a possible increase in preterm delivery and low birth weight, but it had design flaws, and another review of over 39,000 pregnancies did not find these problems. Some studies have also suggested a slight increase in wheezing or asthma in children when acetaminophen is used daily or most days in the second half of pregnancy, though other factors may explain this. Taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage, kidney damage, and anemia in both the pregnant person and the baby, so use should be guided by your healthcare provider.
Can taking acetaminophen during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
The fact sheet notes that some studies have suggested a possible link between prenatal acetaminophen use and mild developmental delays, language delay, hyperactivity, or attention problems, with stronger associations when used for 28 days or more. However, another study evaluating children at 4 years of age did not find increased risks for IQ, learning, or development, and it is not clear whether these findings reflect acetaminophen itself or other factors. These considerations are best reviewed with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking acetaminophen?
Acetaminophen is found at low levels in breast milk, and infants are given higher doses directly when needed than what they would receive through breast milk. Negative effects in exposed newborns are rare. Any specific breastfeeding questions should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
paracetamol