Paracetamol
PARACETAMOL
Overview
Paracetamol is a commonly used medication that helps relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. It’s often used for:
Headaches
Toothaches
Muscle and back pain
Menstrual cramps
Cold and flu symptoms
It’s available over-the-counter and is considered safe when used as directed.
Classification
Analgesic and antipyretic agent
Uses
Paracetamol is used for pain relief and fever. It is used to relieve pain in conditions like headache, muscle pain, or dental pain.
How it works
When you produce a fever, your body’s internal thermostat — found in the hypothalamus portion of the brain — is raised to a higher temperature. This new set point is usually induced by pyrogens (substances made during infections) that tell the body to produce more heat as a form of immune defense.
Due to its effects in the brain, paracetamol reduces the production of reactive prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are disease-fighting chemicals released during infection that in turn, raise the body’s temperature set point. By decreasing prostaglandin levels, paracetamol enables the hypothalamus’ temperature control centre to bring the body’s temperature back down to normal, allowing the body to cool down and the fever to subside
Dosage
As directed by the physician
Precautions
Most people can take paracetamol safely, including:
pregnant women
breastfeeding women
children over 2 months of age – lower doses are recommended for young children
always get advice before taking paracetamol if you:
have liver or kidney problems
have problems with alcohol, like long-term alcohol misuse
are very underweight
are taking other medications
Don’t take paracetamol if you’ve had an allergic reaction to it in the past
Side effects
common side effects of paracetamol.
Nausea
Swelling
Vomiting
Pain
Tenderness in the upper abdomen
Sweating
Loss of appetite
Stomach cramps
Diarrhea
Major side effects are as follows:
Dark-colored urine
High fever
Lower backache
Skin having red spots
Rashes
Inflammation
Itching
Sore throat
Ulcers
Breathlessness
Yellowish eyes
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage.
Prochlorperazine
PROCHLORPERAZINE
Overview:
Prochlorperazine is a medication used to ease nausea, vomiting, and certain mental health symptoms. It helps settle the brain and reduces queasiness and emotional imbalance.
Classification
Phenothiazine derivatives
Uses
To relieve or prevent vomiting and nausea caused by illness, migraines, or operations
To ease dizziness or vertigo
Sometimes used to help manage nervousness, agitation, or mental disorders like schizophrenia
How It Works:
This medicine works by blocking dopamine receptors—dopamine is a brain chemical that can cause nausea, vomiting, and emotional changes when it’s too active. By regulating this chemical, prochlorperazine helps reduce feelings of sickness and mental unrest.
Dosage:
As prescribed by your doctor.
Side effects
Some people might experience:
Tiredness or sleepiness
Dry mouth or throat
Feeling faint or dizzy
Unclear vision
Difficulty passing stools (constipation)
Fidgetiness or slight muscle twitching
With extended use, it may cause muscle tightness or unusual movements
Precautions
Avoid driving or using heavy tools until you see how this medicine affects you. It might cause sleepiness, dizziness, or make you feel less focused.
Tell your doctor about any health issues, especially if you’ve had:
Liver or kidney troubles
Heart-related conditions
History of seizures or epilepsy
Eye pressure problems like glaucoma
Parkinson’s disease
Any blood-related disorders
Limit or avoid drinking alcohol while on this medicine. It can increase drowsiness and may worsen side effects.
Be extra careful in hot weather—this medicine may reduce your body’s ability to cool down, raising the risk of heat stroke or dehydration.
Inform your doctor if you’re expecting a baby or breastfeeding. This drug is usually not given unless truly necessary.
Older adults may be more sensitive to its effects, like lightheadedness, confusion, or muscle stiffness.
Don’t stop taking it suddenly without checking with your doctor—especially if you’ve been using it regularly.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage
