Paracetamol: how safe is it?

• Main Author: Ismawi, Hidayatul Radziah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malaysian Integrated Medical Professionals Association 2015
• Subjects: RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/84753/1/Paracetamol_%20How%20Safe%20Is%20It_%20%E2%80%93%20Dr%20Hidayatul%20Radziah%20Ismawi%20_%20The%20Malaysian%20Medical%20Gazette.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/84753/; https://www.mmgazette.com/paracetamol-how-safe-is-it-dr-hidayatul-radziah-ismawi/

Paracetamol (or more fondly known as Panadol in Malaysia) was discovered accidentally in the 1880s. It was first marketed in 1955 as an anti-pyretic (for relief of fever) and analgesic (for relief of pain). Paracetamol is recommended for use, either alone or in combination with stronger painkillers to treat mild, moderate and severe pain (WHO analgesic ladder). It is also often used to treat long term painful conditions such as joint pain, muscle pain or tendon pain. It is chosen for use in patients where other painkillers such as NSAIDs are contraindicated such as in pregnant women, children, people with gastric ulcers and blood disorders.