Paracetamol for colds: how to drink, dosage

A popular drug used for colds is Paracetamol. Consider the features of this drug and its properties.

The drug is a part of the pharmacological group of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Refers to non-narcotic analgesic, antipyretic, antirheumatic drugs. Today, Acetaminophen, also known as Paracetamol, is an active component of many drugs used to treat colds and viral diseases.[1]

Depending on the dosage, the drug exhibits the following pharmacological properties:

• Painkiller
• Antipyretic.
• Anti-inflammatory.

Drugs based on it have an anti-inflammatory effect with minimal adverse reactions characteristic of nonsteroidal substances of this group. According to the WHO, Paracetamol is part of the essential medicines.[2]

The main advantage of Paracetamol for colds is its antipyretic properties. The mechanism of its action is similar to the process of natural temperature reduction. It affects the central nervous system, directing its action on the hypothalamus and thermoregulation processes. Body temperature quickly returns to normal. Due to this, the body does not spend power to eliminate the feverish state, but instead directs the defense mechanisms to combat pathogens.[3]

Can you drink paracetamol for colds?

Paracetamol is an approved cold remedy. It does not possess antibacterial properties, therefore it can be prescribed even for children. Pharmacological agent has analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effect. Effectively copes with the first symptoms of cold and other respiratory diseases.

The main advantages of the drug:

• Fast antipyretic effect, similar to the natural process of thermoregulation of the body.
• Allowed for the treatment of pediatric patients and is not addictive with long-term use.
• It has a selective effect, minimizing adverse reactions and the risk of overdose.
• The therapeutic effect develops within 1-2 hours after application, quickly metabolizes and is eliminated from the body.

Paracetamol is approved for the treatment of colds. The form of release and dosage of the drug prescribed by the attending physician.

Does paracetamol help with colds?

Paracetamol refers to symptomatic drugs, that is, it does not cure a cold or the flu, but only eliminates their painful manifestations: fever, fever, headaches. Also, the drug does not affect the immune system, because it does not contain vitamin components.

Basic principles of treatment with Paracetamol:

• The drug should be used for acute symptoms of the disease: fever, high body temperature, a rapid deterioration in general well-being.
• The drug can be used in chronic forms of respiratory diseases, even in the absence of elevated body temperature.
• The drug should not be combined with any drugs or alternative methods that contain alcohol.

It should be borne in mind that neither Paracetamol nor its analogues are intended for the prevention of colds and infectious pathologies. Therefore, taking medicine outside the period of illness is prohibited.

Indications Paracetamol for colds

The main indications for using the medication are acute symptoms of the common cold and other respiratory diseases:

• Increased body temperature and fever.
• Pain of various etiologies.
• Neuralgia.
• Hyperthermia due to vaccination.

Before using the medication should consult with your doctor. The doctor will determine the appropriateness of taking the medication, prescribe the necessary dosage and duration of therapy.

• Paracetamol for colds without fever

If the catarrhal disease is accompanied by severe headache and muscle pain, then Paracetamol can be used to eliminate them. That is, the drug is effective not only at elevated temperatures. The dosage of the drug remains standard, and the duration of therapy should not exceed 5 days.

Release form

To date, the pharmaceutical presents several oral forms of release of Paracetamol:

• Tablets of 200 mg, 10 pieces per pack.
• Tablets of 325 mg, 6, 12, 30 pieces.
• Tablets 500 mg, 10 pieces per pack.
• Capsules of 235 mg, 6, 12, 30 pieces in a polymer container.
• Syrup 125 and 120 mg / 5 ml, 60, 100 ml in the bottle.
• Suspension 120 mg / 5 ml, in bottles of 100 and 200 ml.

Also, the drug is available in the form of rectal suppositories 80 mg in 10 pieces per pack. A suitable form of release is determined by the attending physician, individually for each patient.

Pharmacodynamics

Paracetamol is a 4-hydroxyacetanilide-non-narcotic, non-salicylate analgesic and anti-pyretic. Its analgesic properties are associated with central and peripheral effects. The active component inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins, inhibits COX and other mediators of pain, inflammation.

It acts in the central nervous system, reduces the excitability of the thermoregulation center of the hypothalamus. Increases pain sensitivity threshold by blocking impulses on bradykinin-sensitive receptors.[4]

Pharmacokinetics

After ingestion, Acetaminophen is rapidly and completely absorbed from the digestive tract in the upper intestines. The maximum concentration in the blood plasma occurs within 30-60 minutes after administration. Plasma protein binding is dependent on the dosage of the drug.

Metabolizes in the liver, forming two active metabolite: glucuronide and paracetamol sulfate. It penetrates the blood-brain barrier and into breast milk. Excreted by the kidneys as metabolites and about 5% unchanged. The half-life takes 1-4 hours. In the treatment of elderly patients, the clearance of the drug decreases, and increases with elimination.[5]

Dosing and administration

From the form of release of the drug, medical appointments and the age of the patient, depends on the characteristics of the use and dosage of the drug.

• Tablets - a single dose for adults 350-500 mg 3-4 times a day, the maximum single dose of 1.5 g, the maximum daily - 3-4 g. For children 9-12 years old, 2 g divided into 4-5 doses. For babies 3-6 years old, 60 mg / kg body weight in 3-4 doses.
• Rectal suppositories - for adults and adolescents weighing more than 60 mg, 350-500 mg 3-4 times a day. For children under 3 years old at 15 mg / kg body weight, the daily dosage should not exceed 60 mg / kg. For children 3-6 years old, 60 mg / kg body weight, divided into 3-4 doses. For children 6-12 years old, 2 g per day, divided into 4 doses.
• Syrup - for patients with a body weight of more than 60 kg - 20-40 ml 3-4 times a day. For children under 5 years of 5-10 ml. For babies 5-12 years old, 10-20 ml of syrup 3-4 times a day.[14]

The drug is recommended to be taken after a meal, drinking plenty of water. If during the treatment the painful condition does not pass, then you should inform your doctor.

Paracetamol at the first sign of a cold

Often, the first signs of a cold are manifested by a worsening of general well-being, headache and muscle pain, and an increased body temperature. With the elimination of such symptoms Paracetamol works well.

After 2-3 days of taking the drug pass the acute symptoms of the disease and discomfort. It should be borne in mind that the drug is symptomatic, so it does not affect the viral or bacterial pathogen. It is better to take the drug in combination with other medication or herbal remedies.

Paracetamol for a child with a cold

This drug is approved for the treatment of children older than 6 months of age. For colds in children, oral suspension and rectal suppositories are most often used. For older children, tablets or capsules can be prescribed.

Suspension take 5-20 ml 3-4 times a day, depending on the age of the child. Rectal suppositories are injected into the rectum 2-3 times a day. In the acute course of the disease, a candle can be put on the night so that the baby can sleep well. The duration of treatment with Paracetamol should not exceed 3-5 days, but before using it, you should consult with a pediatrician.

Paracetamol for the night with a cold

One of the features of Paracetamol is its rapid antipyretic and analgesic effect. If a respiratory infection occurs with fever and aches throughout the body, then you should take a pill / capsule medication or use a liquid dosage form before bedtime. In the latter case, the active components as quickly as possible penetrate the systemic circulation and show a therapeutic effect.

Also at night you can put a suppository with the drug. With rectal administration, the absorption of the active substance is not as active as when taken orally, but it can cope with the highest temperature in both an adult and a child.

How many days to drink paracetamol for colds?

The duration of use of Paracetamol depends on the severity of the disease state and the age of the patient.

Treatment regimen:

• The medicine is taken in the prescribed dosage until the heat disappears and the acute pain syndrome. The duration of therapy should not exceed 5-7 days.
• During the day, the medication is taken at intervals of 8-12 hours. The first intake should be 2 hours after meals. If the patient has a poor appetite, the dosage is recommended to be halved so as not to cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.
• It is recommended to drink all dosage forms of release with water. Rectal suppositories are not tied to food and other restrictions.

The improvement of the disease state is observed for 2-3 days, the acute pain sensations disappear on the 5th day of therapy. If, after the course of treatment, the symptoms of a cold still persist, then to prevent their complications, one should seek medical help.

Use Paracetamol for colds during pregnancy

The use of Paracetamol for treating colds in expectant mothers is possible when the expected benefit to the mother is higher than the potential risks to the fetus. [6]

The drug penetrates the blood-brain barrier and is excreted in breast milk. Proven connection of acetaminophen (paracetamol) during pregnancy with an increased risk of developing an autistic spectrum in young children. [7]The use of painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen during pregnancy can affect the future fertility of children. [8]The use of paracetamol during pregnancy can cause the closure of the prenatal arterial duct in the fetus. [9]And the frequent use of paracetamol in late pregnancy may increase the risk of shortness of breath in future children. [10]During therapy, it is recommended to stop breastfeeding. [11]However, short-term use of paracetamol appears to be compatible with breastfeeding.[12]

Contraindications

Paracetamol is forbidden to use if you are hypersensitive to its components. Oral forms are not prescribed for renal and hepatic failure. Rectal suppositories are prohibited in inflammatory diseases of the mucous membrane of the rectum.

The drug is strictly prohibited to use with any alcohol-containing drugs. During treatment, you should abandon the use of alcohol.

With extreme caution, the drug is prescribed for patients with impaired renal function and liver, mild arthritis, severe infections, migraine. In these cases, medical authorization is required.

Side effects Paracetamol for colds

According to medical statistics, Paracetamol rarely causes adverse reactions that may manifest such symptoms:

• Allergic skin rash.
• Pain in the epigastric region.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Increased liver enzymes.
• GIP.
• Anemia.
• Methemoglobinemia.
• Bronchospasm.

Symptomatic therapy with drug withdrawal is indicated for the treatment of side effects. [13]

Overdose

If you exceed the maximum daily dosage of Paracetamol, there is a high risk of developing adverse symptoms. In adults, overdose develops when using more than 10 g of the drug, and in children when using more than 150 mg / kg of body weight. The painful condition is manifested by nausea, vomiting, blanching of the skin, deterioration of general well-being. Symptomatic therapy with gastric lavage is indicated for treatment.[15]

Overdose can occur in patients who, while treating a cold, take medications that induce liver enzymes for a long period of time. Other risk factors include the following drugs: Carbamezepine, Phenytoin, Primidon, Rifampicin, Phenobarbital, ethanol containing agents. In this case, the use of 5 g of Paracetamol can lead to serious damage to the liver, metabolic disorders of glucose, acidosis. Such conditions require emergency medical care.[16]

Interactions with other drugs

For effective treatment of colds apply an integrated approach, which includes taking several medication drugs and other therapeutic techniques. With such therapy, it is very important to prevent negative interactions of selected drugs.

Interaction of Paracetamol with other medicines:

• With metoclopramide or Domperidone, cholestyramine is reduced.
• The drug increases the risk of bleeding and increases the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and other coumarins.
• Barbiturates reduce the antipyretic effect of Paracetamol.
• Phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine and other anticonvulsants increase the toxic effect on the liver.
• The use of high doses of Isoniazid increases the risk of a hepatotoxic effect.
• The effectiveness of diuretics is reduced.

In addition to the above combinations, Paracetamol of any form of release is prohibited to combine with alcohol and any means which include ethanol.

Storage conditions

According to the instructions, Paracetamol preparations should be stored in their original packaging protected from sunlight, moisture and inaccessible to children. The optimum temperature for storing medication is not higher than 25 ° C.

Shelf life

Tablets of release and rectal suppositories must be used within 24 months from the date of their manufacture, which is indicated on the packaging of drugs. As for syrup, the shelf life of a closed bottle is 2 years, an open medication can be taken no longer than 3 months.

Reviews

Numerous positive reviews confirm the effectiveness of Paracetamol in the treatment of symptoms of colds. The drug relieves pain, reduces fever, improving overall well-being. Various forms of release allow you to choose the best medicine for patients of different ages.

What's better? Aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen or analgin for a cold?

When choosing a cough remedy, many patients are interested in effectively removing painful symptoms. Consider popular drugs and compare them with Paracetamol:

1. Aspirin. Combined drug with analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. It prevents the formation of blood clots, enriches the body with ascorbic acid. It is used for pain syndromes of low and medium intensity of various origin, feverish conditions, acute respiratory infections, thrombophlebitis. Effective in violation of cerebral circulation, coronary heart disease.
2. Ibuprofen Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and moderately antipyretic agent. Inhibits the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase. It is used for rheumatic diseases, pain syndromes of various origins, traumatic inflammation of soft tissues and the musculoskeletal system. Effective in the treatment of upper respiratory tract, helps with dental and headache. Both drugs are effective against colds, but Paracetamol is better tolerated and less likely to cause side reactions.[17]
3. Analgin. Drug with pronounced analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used for pain of various etiologies, feverish conditions, rheumatism, flu.[18]

Paracetamol for colds is more effective in comparison with the above preparations. Also, the drug has many analogues, the best of which are considered such drugs: Panadol, Opradol, Nimesil, Patsimol, Cefekon, Rapidol. Each of the medicines has its own characteristics, so you should consult with your doctor before using them.