What Types of Pain Won't Respond to Paracetamol and May Even Increase Risks!
Paracetamol is considered a common household medication used to relieve pain and basic ailments, but it doesn't help with every type of pain.
When we think of pain relievers, Paracetamol (Paracetamol) comes to mind because it is easily accessible and found in every household, school, and workplace. Some people even carry Paracetamol in their bags. However, it's important to understand that Paracetamol has limited pain-relieving properties and can only alleviate mild to moderate pain. This means that Paracetamol is not a universal pain reliever.
As mentioned, Paracetamol has the ability to relieve pain and reduce fever at a mild level. For instance, it can help with dull headaches (not migraines), toothaches, eye pain, muscle pain, joint pain, menstrual cramps, or mild fevers. These mild ailments can be alleviated by Paracetamol because it works by inhibiting certain chemicals in the brain associated with pain, such as Prostaglandin, and it can help lower body temperature or reduce fever. However, it is essential to use the medication correctly, which we will discuss later. For now, let's check what types of pain Paracetamol cannot relieve.
What types of pain won't improve with Paracetamol?
- Severe Pain
Severe pain refers to intense pain originating from internal organs. Medically, there is a pain scale from 0 to 10, where 0 means no pain and 10 means the worst pain imaginable, where one is almost unable to stand. If the pain is rated at 7 or above, such as post-surgical pain, kidney stone pain, pain from certain types of cancer, or myocardial pain due to ischemia, or even severe migraines, Paracetamol will not suffice. In these cases, stronger pain relief medications like morphine or tramadol are necessary, but these come with significant side effects and should only be used under medical supervision.
- Unusual Pain Symptoms
Pain that presents in unusual ways, such as:
- Burning or sharp pain
- Pain accompanied by intermittent sharp sensations
- Pain that feels like small needles stabbing
- Pain resembling electric shocks
- Pain radiating to other areas
- Pain accompanied by numbness
These unusual pain symptoms indicate a potential nerve system disorder, which Paracetamol cannot alleviate. It is advisable to consult a doctor to find the root cause of the pain.
- Frequent Headaches
This condition often arises from overuse of medication, specifically using Paracetamol more than 15 days a month for about 2-3 consecutive months, leading to medication-overuse headaches. This can be observed if migraines occur more than 3-4 times a month or if tension headaches occur more than 15 days a month, where the head feels tightly constricted. In such cases, taking Paracetamol will not help relieve the pain and may even exacerbate it. Therefore, it is better to consult a doctor to identify the true cause of the pain and receive appropriate pain relief medication instead of Paracetamol.
- Abdominal Pain from Gastritis or Diarrhea
Additionally, be cautious of abdominal pain that may confuse you into thinking Paracetamol can help, such as pain from intestinal spasms, pain due to diarrhea, gastritis, or chest pain that may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease. Paracetamol cannot alleviate these pains as they stem from disorders of the nervous system and gastrointestinal disturbances or excess gas in the stomach. Antacids are more suitable for relieving these types of pain.
Now that we know what types of pain Paracetamol cannot treat, let's look at how to safely take Paracetamol for effective pain relief.
How to Safely Take Paracetamol for Pain Relief
- Take Paracetamol to relieve mild to moderate pain, which means you can still perform daily activities. In this case, you can take 1-2 tablets of 500 mg Paracetamol (adults weighing less than 50 kg should only take 1 tablet at a time). If the pain persists, you can take another dose within 6 hours.
- If taking Paracetamol to reduce fever, take 1-2 tablets of 500 mg every 4-6 hours if symptoms do not improve. However, if the fever persists for 3 days, you should see a doctor for further treatment.
- If you are already taking other medications, consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking Paracetamol, as some medications may increase the liver toxicity of Paracetamol, such as tuberculosis medications or anticonvulsants.
- Do not take more than 8 tablets of 500 mg Paracetamol per day and avoid taking it continuously for more than 5 days.
- Do not use Paracetamol in patients with liver disease or chronic alcoholism.
- Carefully check the generic name of the medication you are taking to prevent accidental overdose of Paracetamol, as it is sold under various brands and forms, which may lead to confusion among consumers thinking they are different medications, even though they are all 500 mg Paracetamol.
Additionally, be cautious with other pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen, as well as combination medications such as muscle relaxants, cold medications, or pain relievers that may contain Paracetamol, which could lead to an overdose.
However, it is crucial to emphasize that you should not take Paracetamol indiscriminately. Even if you do not exceed the recommended dosage, frequent use over an extended period can have harmful effects on the liver, increasing the risk of hepatitis. Importantly, mild headaches and slight fevers can often be managed by the body's immune system without the need for medication. Simply resting, drinking plenty of clean water, and eating a balanced diet is usually sufficient.
SOURCE : Doctor's Home <\/a>
Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University
Mahidol Channel
FDA Thai
