Tips for Using Medicines Containing Paracetamol

Paracetamol (or acetaminophen) is a common medicine ingredient used for symptomatic relief of fever and pain. There are also multiple ingredients preparations containing paracetamol and other medicine ingredients for symptomatic relief of cold and flu. Although oral preparations and suppositories containing paracetamol are generally over-the-counter medicines, which could be purchased without a doctor’s prescription, members of the public should seek advice from healthcare professionals before taking any medicines. To assist members of the public to differentiate these registered products containing paracetamol, a list of these products has been posted in the website of the Drug Office, DH:

Members of the public should take note of the following when taking any medicines containing paracetamol.

Medicines containing Paracetamol

• Medicines containing paracetamol are generally supplied for oral use in tablets, capsules, solutions and powder for oral solution.
• Oral solid preparations, e.g. tablets or capsules, have different quantities and are generally for adults and children over 12.
• Oral liquid preparations, e.g. solutions or powder for oral solution, are generally for children 12 or below. It is important to note that the dose of paracetamol for children is dependent on their body weight and the concentration of liquid preparation. Parents should measure the right amount using oral syringe or dosing spoon according to instructions as stated in the product package or insert.
• Medicines containing paracetamol are also available as suppositories, mainly for infants.
• Members of the public should read the instructions as stated in the product package or insert, and to seek advice from healthcare professionals, before using paracetamol-containing medicines.

Precautions

• People who are allergic to paracetamol should not take medicines containing paracetamol.
• People with kidney disease, liver disease or taking anticoagulants (e.g. Warfarin) are advised to consult healthcare professionals before using medicines containing paracetamol.
• Overdose of paracetamol may cause serious liver injury, therefore, a normal adult should not consume more than 4,000mg of paracetamol within 24 hours (for a tablet containing 500mg paracetamol, the maximum daily intake for a normal adult is 8 tablets). Children or persons with certain disease conditions should take a lower dose either in accordance with product package or insert and/or advice from healthcare professionals. People who are underweight or malnourished should consult a doctor before using medicines containing paracetamol.
• Members of the public should monitor their health condition and seek advice from healthcare professionals if fever persists for more than 3 days after taking paracetamol.
• Do not take with other products containing paracetamol unless advised by healthcare professionals.
  
  
  

Drug Office
Department of Health
Dec 2023