What is Paracetamol?

How Does Paracetamol Work?

Paracetamol's exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed to work primarily within the central nervous system. It is thought to inhibit prostaglandin production in the brain and spinal cord, and to act on the hypothalamus — the part of the brain that regulates body temperature — to reduce fever. Unlike NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen, paracetamol has minimal anti-inflammatory effect, which is why it is generally gentler on the stomach.

Paracetamol vs Ibuprofen

Both are common over-the-counter analgesics, but they work differently and suit different situations:

• Paracetamol is generally well tolerated by the stomach and is often the first choice for pain and fever, including for people who cannot take NSAIDs.
• Ibuprofen has anti-inflammatory properties in addition to pain relief, which can make it more suitable for pain involving inflammation (such as sprains), but it carries a higher risk of stomach irritation with regular use.

Many people can safely alternate or, when advised by a healthcare professional, combine the two — but always seek professional guidance if you are unsure, particularly if you have existing health conditions.

How Much Paracetamol Can I Take?

For healthy adults, the usual dose is 500–1000mg every 4 to 6 hours, with a maximum of 4000mg (4g) in any 24-hour period. It is important not to exceed this limit, and not to combine multiple paracetamol-containing products (such as a cold and flu remedy alongside a standalone paracetamol tablet) without checking the total combined dose.

A Brief History

Paracetamol was first marketed for medical use in 1955 and has since become one of the most widely used medicines in the world. It is included on the World Health Organization's Model List of Essential Medicines, reflecting its importance in health systems globally, including in Kenya.