Copyright dailyrecord
Paracetamol - the primary active component in Disprol, Hedex, Medinol and Panadol - can be found in virtually every pharmacy and supermarket . It's often praised for its capacity to relieve different aches, pains, and flu symptoms , with 200 million packets sold without prescription each year in the UK alone. Nevertheless, it's important to bear in mind that drugs containing paracetamol aren't appropriate for everyone. The NHS recommends that certain groups of people should speak with a doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines. This encompasses anyone who has experienced an allergic reaction to paracetamol or any other medicine, as well as those who have encountered liver or kidney troubles, according to Wales Online . Alongside these groups, there are additional people who should exercise caution when taking paracetamol: Official advice from the NHS explains: "Most people aged 16 and over can take paracetamol. You can also take it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding." It also adds: "Paracetamol can take up to an hour to work. It keeps on working for about five hours." Whilst standard paracetamol is typically safe to take with most prescription medicines and antibiotics, there are certain exceptions. If you've been given warfarin to prevent blood clots or any medication for epilepsy or tuberculosis, it's advisable to speak with a GP before using paracetamol. Regarding other painkillers, the NHS adds: "It's safe to take paracetamol with other types of painkiller that do not contain paracetamol, such as ibuprofen, aspirin or codeine. "Do not take paracetamol alongside other medicines that contain paracetamol. If you take two different medicines that contain paracetamol, there's a risk of overdose." Adults can typically take up to two standard 500mg paracetamol tablets four times in 24 hours, leaving at least four hours between doses. It's advised not to exceed eight tablets during this period. While paracetamol generally remains safe for most situations, this guidance comes after research from the University of Nottingham that highlighted potential dangers of prolonged usage. The study, published last November, warned that regular doses in elderly patients could increase the likelihood of heart, stomach, and kidney problems. Researchers examined medical records from 180,483 people aged 65 and over who had been prescribed paracetamol. These were matched against 402,478 people of comparable age who hadn't taken the medication. The findings proved alarming, indicating that 'prolonged paracetamol usage' could significantly increase the risk of 'serious complications' including heart failure, high blood pressure, gastric ulcers, and chronic kidney disease. As a result, the research team called for a 'careful reconsideration' of recommending paracetamol as the first choice for treating long-term pain. Lead author Professor Weiya Zhang explained at the time : "Whilst further research is now needed to confirm our findings, given its minimal pain-relief effect, the use of paracetamol as a first-line pain killer for long-term conditions such as osteoarthritis in older people needs to be carefully considered." Visit the NHS website for more information on paracetamol. Always read the label for specific guidance on taking medications such as Disprol, Hedex, Medinol, Panadol, and others containing paracetamol as an active ingredient, as instructions may vary.
