Last Updated on June 11, 2022 by Nurse Vicky
What Pain Does Paracetamol Help With?
You may be wondering what pain paracetamol helps with. The fact is, paracetamol does not work very well for chronic pain, and the Cochrane Library reviews have found that it is not significantly better than a placebo for back pain and arthritis pain.
In these trials, patients took the maximum dose of paracetamol, but the results were not statistically significant.
In addition, these studies did not show any difference in the effectiveness of paracetamol as compared with placebo for pain from joint or muscle pain.
Reduces Pain Caused By Toothache, Headaches, Joint And Muscle Pain
Toothache is the most common type of headache and can occur as a result of various factors, including dental infection, gum disease, and plaque.
Sometimes, it can also be the result of injury, poorly placed crowns or fillings, or even a joint disorder, such as temporomandibular joint disorders.
Aside from teeth, joint and muscle pain can also be caused by other factors, such as the sinuses and temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Headaches can also occur due to a toothache, so it’s important to address them as soon as possible. If
left untreated, it can lead to more serious health problems, including a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
If left untreated, a toothache may result in other complications, such as a severe sinus infection.
Toothache is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as joint pain, muscle pain, and headache.
Works As Well Are Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen and paracetamol are both over-the-counter painkillers, but which one is best for you?
Both can help you manage pain, but which one is better for you depends on the source of your pain and whether you’re taking other medications.
Your GP or pharmacist can advise you on the best type of painkiller to take for your condition.
Ibuprofen and paracetamol are both NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) that work to reduce inflammation.
Most types are available in pharmacies, but some require a prescription.
Before taking either, medical experts recommend waiting at least 48 hours after the pain has subsided.
This will ensure that your body has a chance to heal and stop the effects of the medication.
In addition to paracetamol, ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug that can be used to treat fever and pain.
Both work in different ways and can be harmful if taken incorrectly.
Always check the dosage before taking any medication. It is best to speak to your GP or pharmacist if you’re unsure of what type of medication is right for you.Â
Is safe to take during pregnancy
The first question you might be asking is ‘is paracetamol safe to take during pregnancy?’
The short answer is yes.
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, has been taken by pregnant women for many years without any apparent adverse effects on the developing fetus.
However, as with all medicines, you should not take paracetamol for more than the bare minimum amount necessary for pain relief.
The most recent studies have shown that approximately 65% of pregnant women take paracetamol.
While it has been proven that paracetamol crosses the placenta, there is still some controversy over whether it can affect the development of the fetus.
The Danish Health and Medicines Authority said that paracetamol is safe to take during pregnancy but that pregnant women should avoid the medication during the first and second trimesters.
Other concerns related to paracetamol use during pregnancy include the risk of hemorrhage and circulatory disturbances in the developing fetus.
In light of these risks, the European drug regulatory authorities are currently assessing the safety of paracetamol for use during pregnancy.
The Danish study will be included in their analysis.
Is effective for osteoarthritis pain
The question is, “Is paracetamol effective for osteoartharthritis pain?”
The answer is a resounding “yes”. The drug, often used as an analgesic, is comparatively effective in relieving knee pain in patients with OA.
Its efficacy is dose-dependent and, therefore, the study authors used paracetamol and NSAIDs as their comparator treatments.
Other widely used NSAIDs, including aspirin, were not included in the study.
The reason for this is that there were not enough studies to assess their effectiveness in relieving osteoarthritis pain. Furthermore, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are known to have side effects.
In the United States, paracetamol is the first medical doctor’s recommendation when treating musculoskeletal pain.
It is not effective at reducing inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, but it can reduce the need for stronger pain medicines, such as NSAIDs. It is available in liquid or rectal suppositories.
However, it has several side effects. For these reasons, paracetamol is not an appropriate treatment for osteoarthritis pain.
