Paracetamol 500mg Tablet
Reviewed educational reference: what this medicine is used for, how it works, its side effects and safety advice — plus the published Indian brands that contain it.
- Molecule
- Paracetamol
- Strength
- 500mg
- Dosage form
- tablet
- Drug class
- Analgesic / Antipyretic
Paracetamol 500mg Tablet contains Paracetamol (acetaminophen), one of the most widely used medicines for reducing fever and relieving mild to moderate pain. It is generally well tolerated when taken at the recommended dose and is gentler on the stomach than most other common pain relievers.
Uses of Paracetamol
- Fever
- Headache and migraine
- Body ache and muscle pain
- Toothache and dental pain
- Aches associated with cold and flu
- Period (menstrual) pain
Benefits of Paracetamol
Pain relief: Paracetamol 500mg Tablet blocks the chemical messengers in the brain that signal pain, easing headaches, body aches and other everyday pain without irritating the stomach lining the way NSAIDs can.
Fever reduction: It acts on the heat-regulating centre in the brain (hypothalamus) to bring a raised body temperature back toward normal, usually within 30 to 60 minutes of a dose.
Side effects of Paracetamol
Most people experience no side effects at the recommended dose. Uncommon effects include nausea and skin rash.
- Seek medical help immediately for signs of an allergic reaction (swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing) or a severe skin reaction (blistering, peeling).
- Taking more than the recommended amount can cause serious liver damage, even before any symptoms appear.
How to use Paracetamol
- Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not chew or crush it.
- It can be taken with or without food, but taking it after food reduces the chance of stomach upset.
- Leave a gap of at least 4 to 6 hours between doses.
- Do not take more than 4 doses (a maximum of 4 g of Paracetamol in total) in 24 hours.
How Paracetamol works
Paracetamol 500mg Tablet works mainly in the brain and spinal cord. It reduces the production of prostaglandins — chemical messengers that cause pain and raise body temperature — by inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes centrally. This relieves pain and resets the body temperature set-point during fever.
What if you miss or exceed a dose?
If you miss a dose
Paracetamol 500mg Tablet is usually taken only when needed. If you are on a schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next dose. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
In case of overdose
An overdose of Paracetamol 500mg Tablet can cause serious, sometimes fatal, liver damage. Symptoms may not appear for 24 hours or more, so seek emergency medical care immediately after a suspected overdose even if you feel well.
Safety advice
Avoid alcohol; the combination increases the risk of liver damage.
Generally considered the preferred pain reliever in pregnancy, but use only at the lowest effective dose after consulting a doctor.
Considered safe during breastfeeding; only small amounts pass into breast milk.
Does not usually affect the ability to drive or use machines.
Use with caution in significant kidney disease; a longer gap between doses may be needed.
Use with caution in liver disease and avoid in severe liver impairment; ask a doctor first.
Quick tips
- Many cold, flu and combination pain medicines already contain Paracetamol — check labels so you do not double up.
- Avoid alcohol while taking Paracetamol 500mg Tablet; the combination increases the risk of liver damage.
- See a doctor if fever lasts more than 3 days or pain lasts more than 5 days despite treatment.
- For children, use a paediatric preparation dosed by body weight, not adult tablets.
Interactions with other medicines
- Warfarin and other blood thinners: regular daily use of Paracetamol 500mg Tablet may increase bleeding risk; occasional doses are usually acceptable — ask your doctor.
- Carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin: these increase the risk of liver injury from Paracetamol 500mg Tablet.
- Cholestyramine: reduces Paracetamol 500mg Tablet absorption; separate the doses by at least 1 hour.
- Alcohol: increases the risk of liver damage.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Para-aminophenol derivative
- Habit forming
- No
- Therapeutic class
- Analgesic and antipyretic
- Action class
- Central COX inhibitor
- Storage
- Store below 25°C in a dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Frequently asked questions about Paracetamol
How quickly does Paracetamol 500mg Tablet work?
It usually starts relieving pain and fever within 30 to 60 minutes, and the effect lasts about 4 to 6 hours.
Can I take Paracetamol 500mg Tablet with ibuprofen?
They can be combined for short periods in adults if a doctor advises it, since they work in different ways — but do not combine them on your own for children.
What is the maximum safe dose in a day?
Adults should not exceed 4 g of Paracetamol in 24 hours from all sources, including combination cold and flu remedies.
Is Paracetamol 500mg Tablet safe for long-term daily use?
It is intended for short-term relief. If you need it daily for more than a few days, see a doctor to find and treat the underlying cause.
Is Paracetamol 500mg Tablet an antibiotic?
No. It only relieves pain and fever; it does not treat the infection causing them.
Published products containing Paracetamol
Combination medicines containing Paracetamol
These are fixed-dose combinations, each approved and described as a medicine in its own right. Their uses, cautions and interactions are not the same as those of Paracetamol on its own.
NSAID + analgesic/antipyretic combination
Aceclofenac 100mg + Paracetamol 325mg Tablet
1 published product
Explore generic →Review and source
- Last reviewed
- 2026-07-28
- Reference
- Open reference ↗
Content is educational and should be checked against the current medicine label and professional guidance.
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