Paracetamol for adults
NHS information about paracetamol for adults, including what it's used for, who can use it, how to use it and side effects.
This information is for adults aged 18 or over. There’s separate information about paracetamol for children (Calpol).
What paracetamol is for
Paracetamol is a painkiller that can be used to treat:
- headaches
- joint swelling and stiffness
- symptoms of a cold or flu, such as a high temperature (fever)
- toothache
- sore throat
How to take paracetamol and how much to take (dose)
There are different types of paracetamol, including:
- tablets and capsules
- liquid (oral suspension)
- suppositories (medicine you gently push into your bottom)
How you take or use paracetamol depends on the type you're taking and other factors. For example, if you weight less than 50kg, you may need to take a lower dose.
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine.
If you're not sure how to take it, or have any problems, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
How to take and use common types of paracetamol
Side effects of paracetamol
Paracetamol very rarely causes side effects if you take it correctly.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects are rare but can include:
- an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised and itchy rash, and difficulty breathing
- liver problems – causing symptoms such as feeling sick (nausea), or your skin – or the white part of your eyes –turning yellow (jaundice), although this may be harder to notice on black or brown skin
- a problem with your blood cells, causing symptoms such as bruising easily and nosebleeds
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of paracetamol.
For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot take paracetamol
Most adults can take paracetamol.
But it is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:
- you've had had an allergic reaction to paracetamol before
- you have a kidney or liver condition
- you’re dependent on alcohol or binge drink (drink heavily over a short period of time)
Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it’s suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you’re not sure if you can take or use it.
Breastfeeding and paracetamol
Paracetamol is usually the best painkiller to take if you’re breastfeeding.
It’s rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicine you’re taking, but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.
Pregnancy and paracetamol
If you’re pregnant, paracetamol is usually the best painkiller to use. It’s commonly taken during pregnancy and does not harm your baby.
Taking paracetamol with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with paracetamol.
This includes:
- other medicine containing paracetamol, such as cold and flu medicine
- medicines that stop you being sick, including metoclopramide and domperidone
- medicines to help prevent blood clots, such as warfarin
- an antibiotic called flucloxacillin
Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure you can take it.
Taking paracetamol with ibuprofen
Adults can take paracetamol at the same time as ibuprofen if needed. But it's a good idea to try them on their own first to see if they help your pain.
Use the lowest dose that works for you and stop taking them when the pain has gone.
Food, drink and alcohol with paracetamol
You can eat and drink normally (including alcohol), when taking paracetamol.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for the medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium (EMC) website
- speak to a pharmacist for advice
