Paracetamol is one of the most popular antipyretic and analgesic drugs. Its second name, common in a number of countries, is “Acetaminophen”. This drug effectively reduces the temperature, relieves toothache and headache. However, it does not cause side effects that are characteristic of most anti-inflammatory drugs. However, large doses of it have a negative effect on the functioning of the circulatory system, kidneys, and liver.
In the article we learn how to take "Paracetamol" for an adult, and whether it can be combined with alcohol.
General characteristics of the drug
Paracetamol contains the active substance para-acetaminophenol, as well as auxiliary components such as gelatin, potato starch, lactose. The drug has a rapid antipyretic and analgesic effect, which is noticeable after an hour and lasts up to six hours. "Paracetamol" is indicated for high temperature, headache, toothache and muscle pain, neuralgia, migraine, menstrual pain, burns, injuries and a hangover syndrome. When using the drug for the treatment of colds or inflammations of the oral cavity, it should be remembered that it fights only with symptoms, does not affect the inflammatory process.
Is Paracetamol and alcohol compatible? We find out.
Release form
Currently, "Paracetamol" is available in various dosage forms intended for adults and children. Children are usually prescribed paracetamol in the form of syrup or rectal suppositories, adults - in the form of tablets, capsules, injections.
Dosage and administration
So, how to take "Paracetamol" for an adult? For the best therapeutic effect, it is prescribed in doses of 10-15 mg per 1 kg of body weight. Adult patients are recommended a single dose of 1 g (2 tablets of 0.5 g) of the drug, and the maximum daily dose should not exceed 4 g.
When taken on a full stomach, it significantly increases the time of absorption of the drug into the blood, which means it slows down the onset of the therapeutic effect. Therefore, it is recommended to take it 1-2 hours after a meal, drinking plenty of clean water.
The dosage of "Paracetamol" in adults at a temperature should be strictly observed.
It is recommended to take the drug for no more than 5 days as an anesthetic and no more than 3 days as an antipyretic. With prolonged use or exceeding the recommended daily dose without medical supervision, the risk of side effects increases. Especially if you combine "Paracetamol" and alcohol.
Contraindications
Even such a harmless and seemingly universal remedy, like Paracetamol, has a number of contraindications for use, in which taking the drug is not only useless, but also dangerous. These include:
- child's age is less than 1 month;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- any diseases of the liver and (or) kidneys;
- allergy to the active substance or auxiliary components;
- chronic alcoholism.
The presence of at least one of these contraindications requires the replacement of “Paracetamol” for adults with another painkiller or anti-inflammatory agent.
Side effect
As a rule, Paracetamol is well tolerated. In rare cases, the drug can cause a variety of allergic reactions, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, and anemia. Long-term use of large doses can cause kidney and liver failure, impaired hematopoietic system, hepatonecrosis, hypoglycemia.
Paracetamol and alcohol
However, the drug has the most harmful effect on the body while taking it with alcohol. It, like most drugs, is incompatible with any alcoholic beverages. Taking the medicine many times enhances the negative effect of alcohol toxins on the liver. In this regard, the risk of developing drug hepatitis and even cirrhosis significantly increases.
Dangerous is the use of alcohol with regular use, as well as the simultaneous use of Paracetamol with alcohol. In the first case, the protective functions of the liver are weakened, and it is incapable of processing the drug. Paracetamol is oxidized to form aggressive metabolites that lead to the death of liver cells. In the second case, the liver receives a double load, which can lead to its failure. Moreover, a dose not exceeding the one-time recommended rate of 1 g is sufficient. Taking 5 or more grams of the drug is a lethal dose. The combined use of Paracetamol and alcohol can have terrible consequences.
Signs of Poisoning
The first symptoms of intoxication of the body while taking alcohol and the drug are:
- nausea;
- vomiting
- dizziness;
- lack of coordination;
- headache;
- yellowing of the skin and eye sclera.
Symptoms may vary in different cases, because they depend on the dose of the drug taken and the amount of alcohol consumed, as well as the weight of the person, his general health. At high doses of alcohol and medicine, respiratory failure and falling into a coma are possible.
First aid for poisoning
From the timely provision of first aid depends on the life and health of the poisoned person.
The first thing to do if you suspect paracetamol poisoning is to call an ambulance. It is often impossible to do without the intervention of doctors, especially if a large dose of the drug was taken with alcohol.
Before doctors arrive, the following first aid measures should be performed:
- Rinse the stomach with plenty of water (if the victim is conscious). A good effect is given by adding a small amount of table salt to the water. The procedure must be repeated until the wash water is clear.
- Then the victim must be put to bed, sheathed warmly and left in this position until the ambulance arrives.
- If a person loses consciousness, you should bring him a cotton swab dipped in ammonia, as well as lubricate whiskey with it.
Doctors of the ambulance must show the package of the medicine, report the dose taken, the amount of alcohol consumed and the time of its use.
All these actions significantly increase the victim's chances for a favorable treatment outcome.
What happens if you mix Paracetamol and alcohol, not everyone knows.
Inpatient treatment
In case of severe poisoning, hospitalization may be required. Intoxication is treated according to a standard algorithm for such cases: the victim is forced diuresis, an infusion of glucose, and sometimes Acetylcysteine, which is an antidote for para-acetaminophenol, is prescribed. After measures to detoxify the body, supportive therapy is carried out aimed at normalizing and restoring the functions of the liver, kidneys and cardiovascular system after taking "Paracetamol".
How to avoid poisoning?
Of course, it is better to prevent poisoning than to treat it. There are several conditions for the reception of the means described by us, compliance with which will help prevent poisoning.
Firstly, after taking the medication for at least 5 hours you can not drink alcohol. During this time, the drug is almost completely eliminated from the body.
Secondly, if necessary, take the drug after drinking alcohol, the minimum dose of the drug, i.e. 500 mg, is used. At least 2 hours should elapse between drinking alcohol and Paracetamol, and alcohol is forbidden on that day.
Thirdly, in case of alcohol dependence, it is necessary to adhere to the minimum recommended dose of the drug. For an adult, it is 500 mg at a time and not more than 2 g per day.
conclusions
"Paracetamol" is an effective and affordable painkiller and antipyretic. It is included in the list of drugs that doctors recommend to always have in your home medicine cabinet. However, before using the medicine, you must carefully study the instructions, observe the recommended doses and duration of the course, and, of course, do not mix the drug with alcohol. Then the treatment will be not only effective, but also safe.