Drug Atlas

Medicines / Analgesics

Paracetamol

OTCWHO Essential

Everyday pain and fever medicine.

Analgesic and antipyretic. Also known as acetaminophen.

Generic name

Paracetamol

Drug class

Analgesics

ATC code

N02BE01

Pregnancy

Generally safe

Prescription

Not required

Last updated

2026-01-15

Available forms

TabletCapsuleSyrupSuppositoryInjection

Uses

  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Mild pain
  • Post-vaccine soreness

How it works

Turns down pain signals in the brain and lowers fever.

Medical: Mechanism is not fully understood; likely inhibits central COX and modulates endocannabinoid pathways.

Common brand names

US

Tylenol

UK

Panadol, Calpol

India

Crocin, Dolo, Calpol

Australia

Panadol

Typical dosage

adults500–1000 mg every 4–6 hours (max 4 g/day).
children10–15 mg/kg every 4–6 hours.
elderlyUse lower total daily dose if underweight or in liver impairment.

Educational only. Never adjust dosage without medical guidance.

Side effects

Very common

—

Common

  • · Rare when taken as directed

Rare

  • · Rash
  • · Nausea

Serious

  • · Severe liver damage in overdose

Warnings

  • Never exceed 4 g/day
  • Caution with alcohol
  • Caution in liver disease
  • Check combination cold medicines to avoid double dosing

Interactions

Medicine

Warfarin (high doses), Isoniazid

Alcohol

Increases liver damage risk

Where you usually see it

Medicine cabinetsPediatric clinicsHospitalsPost-op recoveryFirst aid boxes

Timeline

  1. 1878

    First synthesized.

  2. 1955

    Sold in the US as Tylenol.

  3. 1956

    Launched in the UK as Panadol.

Fun facts

  • · One of the most consumed medicines worldwide.
  • · Called acetaminophen in the US and paracetamol elsewhere.

Conditions it treats

HeadacheFever

Related medicines

Ibuprofen

Pain relief medicine.

Aspirin

Painkiller and blood thinner.

Compare

See how Paracetamol stacks up next to another medicine.

Paracetamol vs IbuprofenParacetamol vs AspirinParacetamol vs NaproxenParacetamol vs Diclofenac

Frequently asked

Is it safe in pregnancy?

Generally considered safe at recommended doses, but check with your doctor.

Can I drink alcohol?

Best to avoid — alcohol increases risk of liver damage.

How long does it take to work?

About 30–45 minutes.

Sources

  • · WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
Educational use only.This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.