Analgesic / AntipyreticAvailable over the counter
Paracetamol
Paracetamol is an over-the-counter painkiller and fever reducer used for headache, body ache and fever. It is generally the first choice for mild pain because it is gentle on the stomach compared with anti-inflammatory painkillers.
What Paracetamol is used for
Headache, fever, toothache, period pain, muscular aches, and pain after minor injury or surgery.
How it works
Paracetamol raises the body’s pain threshold and acts on the brain’s temperature-regulating centre to bring a fever down. Unlike ibuprofen it has very little anti-inflammatory effect.
Side effects
Side effects are uncommon at normal doses. Rarely it can cause rash or liver problems. Exceeding the daily limit can cause serious liver damage.
