1.

About paracetamol for adults

Paracetamol is a common painkiller used to treat aches and pain. It can also be used to
reduce a high temperature.

It's available combined with other painkillers and anti-sickness medicines. It's also an
ingredient in a wide range of cold and flu remedies.

For under-16s, read our information on paracetamol for children.

2. Key facts
 Paracetamol takes up to an hour to work.
 The usual dose of paracetamol is one or two 500mg tablets at a time.
 Do not take paracetamol with other medicines containing paracetamol.
 Paracetamol is safe to take in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, at
recommended doses.
 Brand names include Disprol, Hedex, Medinol and Panadol.
3. Who can and cannot take paracetamol
Most people can take paracetamol safely, including pregnant and breastfeeding women.

However, some people need to take extra care with paracetamol.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you:

 have had an allergic reaction to paracetamol or any other medicines in the past
 have liver or kidney problems
 regularly drink more than the maximum recommended amount of alcohol (14
units a week)
 take medicine for epilepsy
 take medicine for tuberculosis (TB)
 take the blood-thinner warfarin and you may need to take paracetamol on a
regular basis
4. How and when to take it