Side effect paracetamol

For the Consumer

Applies to acetaminophen: capsule, capsule liquid filled, elixir, liquid, powder, powder for solution, solution, suppository, suspension, syrup, tablet, tablet chewable, tablet disintegrating, tablet effervescent, tablet extended release

Other dosage forms:

• intravenous solution

As well as its needed effects, acetaminophen (the active ingredient contained in Paracetamol) may cause unwanted side effects that require medical attention.

Major Side Effects

If any of the following side effects occur while taking acetaminophen, check with your doctor immediately:
Rare

• Bloody or black, tarry stools
• bloody or cloudy urine
• fever with or without chills (not present before treatment and not caused by the condition being treated)
• pain in the lower back and/or side (severe and/or sharp)
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• skin rash, hives, or itching
• sore throat (not present before treatment and not caused by the condition being treated)
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• sudden decrease in the amount of urine
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• yellow eyes or skin

If any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking acetaminophen, get emergency help immediately:
Symptoms of overdose:

• Diarrhea
• increased sweating
• loss of appetite
• nausea or vomiting
• stomach cramps or pain
• swelling, pain, or tenderness in the upper abdomen or stomach area

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to acetaminophen: compounding powder, intravenous solution, oral capsule, oral granule effervescent, oral liquid, oral powder for reconstitution, oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet disintegrating, oral tablet extended release, rectal suppository

General

In general, acetaminophen (the active ingredient contained in Paracetamol) is well-tolerated when administered in therapeutic doses. The most commonly reported adverse reactions have included nausea, vomiting, constipation. Injection site pain and injection site reaction have been reported with the IV product.^[Ref]

Hepatic

Common (1% to 10%): Increased aspartate aminotransferase
Rare (less than 0.1%): Increased hepatic transaminases
Frequency not reported: Liver failure^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 34%), Vomiting (up to 15%)
Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, dyspepsia, enlarged abdomen
Frequency not reported: Dry mouth^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Postmarketing reports: Anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity reactions^[Ref]

Hematologic

Common (1% to 10%): Anemia, postoperative hemorrhage
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, neutropenia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Rash, pruritus
Rare (less than 0.1%): Serious skin reactions such as acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Pemphigoid reaction, pustular rash, Lyell syndrome
:^[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea, abnormal breath sounds, pulmonary edema, hypoxia, pleural effusion, stridor, wheezing, coughing^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Peripheral edema, hypertension, hypotension, tachycardia, chest pain^[Ref]

Metabolic

Common (1% to 10%): Hypokalemia, hyperglycemia^[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness
Frequency not reported: Dystonia

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Muscle spasms, trismus

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, anxiety

Genitourinary

Common (1% to 10%): Oliguria

Local

Common (1% to 10%): Infusion site pain, injection site reactions

Ocular

Common (1% to 10%): Periorbital edema

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Pyrexia, fatigue
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Malaise

References

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It is possible that some side effects of Paracetamol may not have been reported. These can be reported to the FDA . Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.