Paracetamol Medications

Paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic that modulates pain perception and fever in the brain. It is indicated for mild pain relief and temperature reduction.

Panadol

Paracetamol

$0.17 per pill

500mg

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About Paracetamol

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is one of the world’s most widely used analgesic-antipyretic agents. It relieves mild to moderate pain such as headache, dental discomfort, and musculoskeletal aches, while also lowering fever. Classified as a centrally acting non-opioid analgesic, Paracetamol’s primary mechanism involves inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase enzymes within the brain, which reduces prostaglandin synthesis and consequently diminishes pain signaling and thermoregulatory set points. Branded products such as Panadol, Tylenol, and Calpol are familiar to many, yet the active ingredient is also available as inexpensive generic tablets and suspensions. In Singapore, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has approved Paracetamol for over-the-counter sale, and its safety profile makes it a first-line option for self-managed fever and pain. While off-label uses exist-most notably in certain headache protocols-these practices are guided by clinical judgment rather than formal regulatory endorsement.

What is Paracetamol?

Paracetamol belongs to the class of non-opioid analgesics and antipyretics. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) approved the drug for consumer use in Singapore in 1985, following its earlier registration by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1955. Since then, the ingredient has retained its status as an essential medicine in the World Health Organization (WHO) Model List. At the molecular level, Paracetamol selectively targets the central isoform of cyclo-oxygenase (COX-3) and peripheral COX-1/COX-2 at low concentrations, curbing the production of prostaglandin E2 in the hypothalamus. This action lowers the hypothalamic set-point for body temperature and attenuates nociceptive transmission without producing the pronounced anti-inflammatory effects seen with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In the marketplace, Paracetamol appears under numerous brand names-Panadol, Tylenol, Calpol, Anacin-Free-as well as generic tablets and suspensions that are readily stocked in our online pharmacy.

How Paracetamol Works

Mechanism of Action

Paracetamol blocks the enzymatic activity of COX-3 in the central nervous system, thereby reducing synthesis of prostaglandins that sensitize pain receptors and elevate body temperature. Unlike traditional NSAIDs, its peripheral anti-inflammatory impact is minimal, which explains the lower risk of gastrointestinal irritation. The drug also modulates the endocannabinoid system indirectly, contributing to its analgesic properties.

Therapeutic Effects

By dampening central prostaglandin formation, Paracetamol produces two key clinical outcomes: relief of mild to moderate pain and reduction of fever. The analgesic effect stems from decreased activation of nociceptors in the spinal cord, while the antipyretic effect results from a shift in the hypothalamic thermostat toward a normal temperature.

Onset and Duration

Clinical studies show that oral Paracetamol begins to lower temperature within 30 minutes, reaching peak antipyretic effect at about 60 minutes. Analgesic relief follows a similar timeline, with most patients reporting measurable pain reduction within 45 minutes. The therapeutic effect typically endures for 4-6 hours, which guides usual dosing intervals.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Fever: Management of elevated body temperature in adults and children.
Mild to moderate pain: Headache, dental pain, musculoskeletal discomfort, and dysmenorrhea.
Post-operative analgesia: As part of multimodal pain control when stronger opioids are unnecessary.

Regulatory agencies, including the HSA and FDA, list these indications on the official prescribing information for Paracetamol-containing products.

Off-Label Uses

Paracetamol is occasionally employed in migraine abortive protocols when combined with an anti-emetic, and it can serve as a baseline analgesic in chronic pain regimens to spare opioid use. These applications are not formally approved by the HSA but have supporting evidence in peer-reviewed journals such as The Lancet Neurology.

Clinical Efficacy

A double-blind trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that a single 1 g dose of Paracetamol reduced fever by an average of 1.2 °C within an hour in adult patients with viral infections. In a meta-analysis of 20 randomized studies, Paracetamol achieved comparable pain relief to low-dose ibuprofen for headache, with a pooled responder rate of 68 % versus 70 % for ibuprofen (95 % CI .62-.73). These data underpin its status as a first-line OTC analgesic.

Buying Paracetamol from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Accessing Paracetamol through our online pharmacy eliminates the need to search multiple brick-and-mortar stores, especially when you require specific strengths or pediatric formulations. Our platform streamlines the ordering process while preserving privacy and regulatory compliance.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Common brands available include Panadol (500 mg tablets), Tylenol (500 mg tablets), and Calpol (120 mg/5 mL suspension). Generic Paracetamol tablets are offered at a fraction of the brand price, providing the same active ingredient without additional marketing costs.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and are audited under WHO quality-assurance programs. Every batch is verified for potency and purity before shipment.

Pricing & Access

Generic Paracetamol tablets start at SGD .08 per 500 mg unit, delivering up to 30 % savings compared with branded equivalents. Returning customers benefit from a lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, making long-term management affordable.

Discreet Delivery

Orders dispatched via our service arrive in unmarked packages. Express shipping delivers within 7 days, while standard delivery reaches you in approximately three weeks, both with tamper-evident sealing.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Paracetamol is marketed as oral tablets (500 mg, 650 mg), chewable tablets (500 mg), pediatric syrup (120 mg/5 mL), and rectal suppositories (125 mg). Our pharmacy stocks all standard strengths.

Typical Dosing Ranges

For adults with fever or pain, clinicians often start with 500 mg to 1 g every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 4 g per 24 hours. Pediatric dosing is weight-based, commonly 15 mg/kg per dose every 4-6 hours, with a maximum daily dose of 60 mg/kg. These examples reflect common practice; a healthcare provider must tailor the regimen to individual needs.

Administration Guidelines

Paracetamol can be taken with or without food; however, a full glass of water aids absorption. Chewable tablets should be fully chewed before swallowing. Avoid crushing suppositories for oral use, as this alters drug release. Always follow the specific instructions on the product label.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Nausea: Reported in about 5 % of adults in clinical trials.
Rash: Mild skin eruptions occur in roughly 2 % of users.
Elevated liver enzymes: Detected in <1 % of short-term users.
Headache: Occasionally noted, affecting <3 % of participants.

These events are generally transient and resolve without intervention.

Serious Adverse Events

Acute liver injury is the most serious risk, particularly when total daily intake exceeds 4 g or when combined with alcohol. Signs of hepatic toxicity include jaundice, dark urine, and right-upper-quadrant pain; immediate medical evaluation is essential.

Contraindications

Paracetamol should not be used by individuals with known hypersensitivity to the drug or its excipients. Patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C) are advised against its use unless specifically directed by a specialist.

Drug Interactions

CYP450 inhibitors: Strong inhibitors such as fluconazole can increase Paracetamol plasma levels.
Warfarin: Chronic use may potentiate anticoagulant effect, necessitating closer INR monitoring.
Alcohol: Concurrent heavy alcohol consumption heightens hepatotoxic risk.

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Paracetamol is categorized as Category B (Australia) and is widely regarded as safe for short-term use throughout pregnancy, though clinicians recommend the lowest effective dose.
Breastfeeding: Minimal drug transfer occurs in breast milk; occasional dosing is considered compatible with nursing.
Elderly: Reduced hepatic reserve may warrant lower dosing or increased monitoring.
Renal or hepatic impairment: Dose adjustment or alternative analgesics may be required, based on physician assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Paracetamol and ibuprofen? Paracetamol primarily reduces pain and fever via central COX inhibition, while ibuprofen adds anti-inflammatory effects by blocking peripheral COX enzymes. Ibuprofen may irritate the stomach, whereas Paracetamol is gentler on the gastrointestinal tract but carries a higher liver-related risk at excessive doses.
How long does Paracetamol take to work for a fever? Fever typically begins to subside within 30 minutes, with the maximum effect reached at about one hour after an oral dose.
Can I take Paracetamol while drinking alcohol? Occasional light drinking is unlikely to cause problems, but chronic alcohol use combined with high-dose Paracetamol significantly raises the chance of liver injury.
What should I do if I develop a rash after taking Paracetamol? Discontinue the medication and seek medical advice promptly, as the rash may signal an allergic reaction.
Is it safe to use Paracetamol for chronic back pain? For long-term use, the risk of cumulative liver stress should be evaluated. Clinicians often recommend intermittent dosing or rotating analgesics to minimize toxicity.
Does taking Paracetamol with food affect its absorption? Food does not markedly alter oral absorption, so you may take it with or without meals according to personal comfort.
Can I give Paracetamol to my toddler without a prescription? Pediatric formulations are available OTC, but dosing must be strictly weight-based and never exceed the recommended daily maximum. Consult a pediatrician if you are uncertain.
What foods should I avoid while using Paracetamol? No specific foods interfere with Paracetamol metabolism, but maintaining adequate hydration supports renal clearance.
How does Paracetamol help with migraine attacks? When combined with a triptan or anti-emetic, Paracetamol can relieve the mild pain component of migraines, though it is less effective than stronger analgesics for severe attacks.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing Paracetamol?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of liver disease, alcohol consumption, or previous adverse reactions.
- Desired treatment goals (e.g., fever control, pain relief) and any previous analgesic experiences.
- Relevant comorbidities such as renal impairment or clotting disorders.

Disclaimer

The information provided about Paracetamol is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing Paracetamol for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing Paracetamol.