Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a widely used analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer). It is commonly used to treat fever,headaches,and other minor aches and pains. Available both over the counter and as a part of prescription medications,paracetamol is sold the world over under various brands,and is celebrated as a particularly effective and versatile drug. Particular features include: Its analgesic (pain relief) and antipyretic (fever relief) effects are comparable to those of aspirin. There are virtually no groups of people who should not take it. Interaction with other drugs is not a problem. At the recommended dosage there are virtually no side-effects. It is suitable for small children and the elderly. It can be taken by those sensitive to aspirin. It can also be used to reduce fever in certain ailments like malaria,dengue and chikunguniya. It is the safest medicine prescribed in pregnant women. Advantages over NSAIDs: Unlike aspirin and other non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen,paracetamol acts in the brain,blocking an enzyme involved in the transmission of pain. It has a broad tolerability and is of particular value in the treatment of patients in whom non - steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are contraindicated such as aspirin-sensitive asthmatics and people at risk of gastrointestinal complications. Even though Paracetamol is one of the safest drugs around,people sometimes tend to take recourse to the less safe NSAIDs. This may especially be put down to the fact that comparatively speaking NSAIDs offer faster relief. Says Dr Tarun Sahni,Consultant Physician,Apollo Hospital,New Delhi,The Paracetamol formulations currently available do bring in effective relief but it would really be nice if the onset of action were somehow to be a little quicker. A faster acting paracetamol would hold a definite edge over NSAIDs especially in terms of safety.
