what is paracetamol

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a commonly used medicine that is used to treat mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. It is available over-the-counter and can be bought in pharmacies, supermarkets, and other shops. Paracetamol is often recommended as one of the first treatments for pain, as it is safe for most people to take and side effects are rare. It can be used to relieve various types of pain such as headaches, toothaches, backaches, menstrual periods, and aches and pains associated with colds and flu. Paracetamol works by reducing the production of prostaglandins in the brain, which are chemicals that cause pain and fever. It is important to follow the recommended dosage, as an overdose of paracetamol can damage the liver and cause death. Paracetamol is also commonly included as an ingredient in cold and flu medications and is used on its own. It is available in various forms such as oral suspension, oral tablets, and suppositories. It is important to read the dosing instructions carefully for each product and not to take more than the recommended amount of acetaminophen.