Paracetamol — Drug Interactions, Alcohol & Pregnancy Guide

Last reviewed: · Source: US FDA drug label database

About Paracetamol

Paracetamol (known as acetaminophen in the US) is the most widely used painkiller in the UK. It is safe for most people including pregnant women and children. It does not cause stomach irritation like NSAIDs.

Also sold as: Calpol, Panadol, Tylenol, Disprol

US name: Acetaminophen

Drug class Analgesic / Antipyretic
Used for Pain relief, Fever reduction
Max adult dose 1g (1000mg) up to four times daily, maximum 4g in 24 hours
OTC in UK Yes

Paracetamol and Alcohol

🟡 USE WITH CAUTION

Use caution — regular heavy drinking with paracetamol can cause liver damage, though occasional moderate use is generally safe.

Full guide →

Paracetamol in Pregnancy

🟢 GENERALLY SAFE

Paracetamol is the recommended painkiller throughout pregnancy — use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.

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Paracetamol — Drug Combinations

🟢
Paracetamol + Ibuprofen
Yes — ibuprofen and paracetamol can safely be taken together and are often recom…
🟢
Paracetamol + Codeine
Yes — paracetamol and codeine are commonly combined in co-codamol, a standard NH…
🟢
Paracetamol + Tramadol
Generally safe — tramadol and paracetamol are often combined in the prescription…
🟢
Paracetamol + Naproxen
Naproxen and paracetamol can safely be taken together at standard doses — they w…
🟢
Paracetamol + Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin and paracetamol are safe to take together — this is the standard com…
🟡
Paracetamol + Warfarin
Paracetamol is the safest painkiller on warfarin, but regular use (more than a f…

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