Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)
Compared with: Blackmores Conceive Well Gold 28 Tablets + 28 Capsules
Acetaminophen, also known as Paracetamol, is a widely used over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer. It is commonly used to treat mild to moderate pain such as headaches, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, and fever. Acetaminophen is considered safe when used as directed and is often recommended as the first-line analgesic in pregnancy.
Acetaminophen (also known as Paracetamol) – Available in 500 mg, 650 mg, and 1000 mg strengths.

Other Popular and Common Names
Paracetamol

APAP (N-acetyl-para-aminophenol)

Tylenol (brand name in the US)

Panadol (brand name globally)

Feverall (suppository form)

Calpol (liquid for children)
Acetaminophen works centrally in the brain by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), particularly COX-2, which is involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins responsible for pain and fever. Unlike NSAIDs, it does not exhibit significant anti-inflammatory activity and does not inhibit COX-1 in peripheral tissues, hence has minimal gastrointestinal side effects.
Fever reduction (antipyretic)

Pain relief (analgesic) including:

Headache

Toothache

Muscle aches

Menstrual cramps

Joint pain (arthritis)

Back pain

Post-operative pain

First-line analgesic in pregnancy and children

Dosage & Administration
Adults and children over 12 years:

Typical dose: 500 mg to 1000 mg every 4 to 6 hours

Maximum daily dose: 4000 mg (4 g) in 24 hours

Do not exceed 1000 mg per dose or 4 doses in 24 hours

Use for no more than 3 consecutive days for fever or 10 days for pain without medical advice
Children (under 12 years):
Dose based on weight: 10–15 mg/kg per dose, every 4 to 6 hours
Maximum 5 doses per 24 hours
Oral tablets
Caplets

Liquids (syrups)

Suppositories

Soluble powders

Extended-release tablets (for osteoarthritis)

Prescribing Information
Route of administration: Oral, rectal

Form: Tablets, caplets, liquid, suppository

Strengths: 500 mg, 650 mg, 1000 mg

OTC Availability: Yes (also available as prescription combinations)

Safety Information
Pregnancy: Category A – Safe in all trimesters

Breastfeeding: Considered safe in standard doses

Children: Safe when dosed appropriately by weight

Elderly: Generally well-tolerated; monitor liver function with chronic use

Liver disease: Dose adjustment or avoidance required due to hepatotoxic risk
Common (rare at therapeutic doses):

Nausea
Rash
Drowsiness
Liver damage (hepatotoxicity)
Acute liver failure
Kidney damage
Hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis, angioedema, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome)

Warnings & Cautions
Do not exceed recommended dose – Risk of severe liver damage

Avoid alcohol during use

Avoid simultaneous use of multiple medications containing acetaminophen

Seek immediate medical help if overdose is suspected

Chronic use may require monitoring of liver enzymes

Therapeutic Class: Analgesic, Antipyretic

Pharmacologic Class: Non-opioid Analgesic

Legal Status: Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Prescription (in combination products)

Alcohol: Increases the risk of liver damage

Warfarin: Prolonged use may increase INR; monitor closely

Isoniazid or Rifampin: Increased hepatotoxicity risk

Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Barbiturates: May reduce acetaminophen efficacy or increase hepatotoxic risk

Cholestyramine: May decrease absorptio
A 2011 meta-analysis in The Lancet confirmed the efficacy of acetaminophen in treating non-inflammatory pain with fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to NSAIDs.

Widely recommended by NICE and WHO as the first-line analgesic for mild to moderate pain and fever, including during pregnancy.

Comparison with Blackmores Conceive Well Gold
Acetaminophen addresses symptom relief such as fever and pain, while Blackmores Conceive Well Gold provides nutritional and hormonal support for conception. Both may be used concurrently under medical supervision, especially if a woman preparing for pregnancy requires short-term fever or pain relief, making acetaminophen the preferred analgesic during preconception and pregnancy.

FAQs – Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)
Q1. What is acetaminophen used for?
A: It is used to relieve pain and reduce fever. It does not reduce inflammation but is effective for headaches, fevers, and muscle pain.

Q2. Is acetaminophen safe during pregnancy?
A: Yes. It is considered the safest pain reliever during all stages of pregnancy when used as directed.

Q3. Can I take acetaminophen daily?
A: It’s safe for short-term use. Prolonged daily use should be under medical supervision, especially to avoid liver toxicity.

Q4. What happens if I overdose?
A: Overdose can cause life-threatening liver damage. Seek emergency medical attention even if symptoms are not immediate.

Q5. Can I use acetaminophen with other medicines?
A: Yes, but ensure they do not contain acetaminophen to avoid accidental overdose. Check labels of cold or flu medications.

Q6. How quickly does it work?
A: It typically starts working within 30–60 minutes, with effects lasting about 4–6 hours.

Q7. Can I use it for arthritis?
A: Yes, especially osteoarthritis, but it does not reduce joint inflammation like NSAIDs.
WHO Model List of Essential Medicines: Acetaminophen is included for its safety, availability, and efficacy.

Cochrane Review 2016: Found acetaminophen moderately effective in acute pain, well-tolerated, and with fewer GI side effects.

ACOG Guidelines: Recommend acetaminophen as the analgesic of choice in pregnancy.
Acetaminophen, Paracetamol, Non-Opioid Analgesic, Pain Reliever, Fever Reducer, OTC Medication, Pregnancy Safe, Headache Treatment, Antipyretic, Liver Safety, EZ Chemist, Mild Pain Relief, Cold Flu Pain Relief