The science of paracetamol

Paracetamol exerts its analgesic and antipyretic effect by inhibition of prostaglandins.

Paracetamol chemical structure

Paracetamol basics

Globally, paracetamol or acetaminophen is one of the most used analgesic and antipyretic over-the-counter drugs. Both its names are derived from its chemical name, which is N-acetyl-para-aminophenol.1 From the time of its first introduction in 1955 for use in children with fever and pain, paracetamol is currently formulated as a single compound or as an active ingredient of multi-component preparations in combination with other drugs1 such as codein and ibuprofen, which are prescription drugs only.26,27

Globally, paracetamol or acetaminophen is one of the most used analgesic and antipyretic over-the-counter drugs.18

  • Indications for paracetamol

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    Paracetamol is indicated to treat temporary fever and pain conditions of a mild nature, such as fever in colds, headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, muscle and joint pain.

    Multi-active paracetamol is also available depending on the added active ingredients for example codein and ibuprofen Rx combinations,.26,27

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  • Recommended for mild-to-moderate pain

    WHO guideline for pain management

    Recommended in all three steps of pain management intensity1

    Paracetamol is a recommended drug in all three steps of pain management by the World Health Organization. It is in fact, the first line treatment of choice in patients with mild-to-moderate pain1.28,29,30

  • Recommended as 1st line pain therapy by Global Expert associations

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    Paracetamol is the 1st line choice for treatment of mild-to-moderate pain as recommended by recognised, international expert associations6-13 for:

    • Acute and persistent pain
    • Headache
    • Dental pain
    • Fever
    • Periodic pain
    • Muscle and joint pain
    • Rheumatic pain
    • Hyperpyrexia

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  • Clears from the body within 24-hours*

    Graph showing the half life of paracetamol

    Clears from the body within 24-hours*

    Paracetamol has a short half-life of about 2 hours, which means that in most healthy adults, it is eliminated from the body within 24 hours after ingestion.15,16,32

Discover the Panadol range with paracetamol

Alvedon 500mg Paracetamol Packshot

Alvedon 500mg Paracetamol

Coated tablets and easy to swallow

Alvedon Novum pack shot

Alvedon Novum

Alvedon Novum quickly begins to relieve pain within 15-20 minutes.32

Alvedon for Children pack shot

Alvedon 24mg/ml 100ml oral solution for children

Containing paracetamol, which is recommended as 1st line treatment of fever and mild-to-moderate pain in children from 3 months.31 Always contact a doctor before starting to treat children under 6 months old. Paracetamol in Alvedon Children starts to relieve fever within 30-60 minutes of dosing.32

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Mother with baby

When to refer children with fever

Learn more about “red-flag” symptoms when children present with fever.

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