Paracetamol Tablets (GSL) Paracetamol is an analgesic (pain killer) and an antipyretic (helps to reduce body temperature when you have a fever). This medicine is used for the relief of headache, migraine, neuralgia and rheumatic aches and pains. Also for the relief of symptoms of colds and influenza.
PLEASE READ THE ENCLOSED LEAFLET CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU START TAKING THIS MEDICATION.
KEEP MEDICATION OUT OFF REACH AND SIGHT OF CHILDREN.
Do not take paracetamol and tell your doctor if:
You are allergic to the active substance or any of the other ingredients in your medicine (listed in Section 6) Signs of an allergic reaction include a rash and breathing problems. There can also be swelling of the legs, arms, face, throat or tongue
Tablets must not be given to children under 10 years of age.
Do not take paracetamol if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking paracetamol.
Warnings and precautions Take special care and check with your doctor before taking paracetamol If:
You have severe kidney or liver problems
You have a liver problem caused by alcohol
Other medicines and paracetamol
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines.
This includes medicines obtained without a prescription, including herbal medicines.
This is because paracetamol can affect the way some other medicines work. Also, some other medicines can affect the way paracetamol works.
While taking paracetamol you should not take any other medicines which contain paracetamol.
This includes some painkillers, cough and cold remedies. It also includes a wide range of other medicines available from your doctor and more widely in shops.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: Medicines used to thin the blood such as
warfarin Metoclopramide or domperidone - used to stop you feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting) Colestyramine - for lowering blood cholesterol levels If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking paracetamol. Taking paracetamol with alcohol You should not drink whilst taking these tablets.
Taking alcohol with paracetamol can increase your chances of getting side effects. Pregnancy and breast-feeding Talk to your doctor before taking these tablets if:
You are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan to get pregnant.
You are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed Paracetamol can be used during pregnancy.
You should use the lowest possible dose that reduces your pain and/or your fever and use it for the shortest time possible.
Contact your doctor or midwife if the pain and/or fever are not reduced or if you need to take the medicine more often.
HOW TO TAKE PARACETAMOL
Always take paracetamol exactly as instructed on this leaflet. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Do not take more than the recommended dose If you need to use this medicine for more than three days at a time, see your doctor Adults and children over 16
The usual dose of paracetamol is 2 tablets, Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water Wait at least 4 hours before taking another dose
DO NOT take more than 4 doses in any 24-hour period
Use in children aged 10 to 15 Take one tablet every four to six hours when necessary to a maximum of four doses in 24 hours.
Use in children under 10 Paracetamol 500mg Tablets should not be given to children under 10 years of age.
If you take more paracetamol than you should: Talk to a doctor at once if you take too much of this medicine even if you feel well. This is because too much paracetamol can cause delayed, serious liver damage.
Remember to take any remaining tablets and the pack with you. This is so the doctor knows what you have taken. If you forget to take paracetamol
If you forget to take a dose at the right time, take it as soon as you remember. However, do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. Remember to leave at least 4 hours between doses.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects may happen with this medicine: Stop taking paracetamol and see a doctor or go to a hospital straight away if: You get swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing. You could also notice an itchy, lumpy rash (hives) or nettle rash (urticaria). This may mean you are having an allergic reaction to paracetamol You get serious skin reactions. Very rare cases have been reported. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects gets serious or lasts longer than a few days: You get infections or bruise more easily than usual. This could be because of a blood problem (such as agranulocytosis, neutropenia or thrombocytopenia). This side effect has only happened in a few people taking paracetamol. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.Manufacturer may change
HOW TO STORE PARACETAMOL
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date shown on the pack. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Store your medicine in the original packaging in order to protect from moisture. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
Brand may be changed from that illustrated without further notice