Menu Close

Articles on Paracetamol

Displaying 1 - 20 of 22 articles

Millions around the world use acetaminophen every day, but relatively few people are aware of the dangers of overdose. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

Acetaminophen overdose is a leading cause of liver injury, but it is largely preventable

Acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used drugs, yet acetaminophen overdose is a leading cause of liver damage. It can be easily prevented.
When a pain signal gets to the brain, it lets your brain know there’s a big problem so we can respond. AAP Image/DAN PELED

Curious Kids: How does pain medicine work in the body?

In short, pain medicine is able to block the processes that cause the feeling of pain. To understand why, you need to know a bit about how pain works.
Cold and flu tablets won’t cure a cold. Flood G./Flickr

The low-down on ‘cold and flu’ tablets

Pharmacies have aisles full of cold and flu tablets. But which product is the best one for you? And will it really help you feel better?
Codeine-containing painkillers may soon no longer be available over the counter in Australian pharmacies. Philippa Willitts/Flickr

Why making codeine products prescription-only is a good idea

Australia’s drug regulator is looking into reclassifying codeine-based drugs as prescription-only. This is a good idea because the easy availability of these pinkillers is causing substantial harm.
Low back pain is one of the leading causes of disability in the world. Kendra/Flickr

Using paracetamol for low back pain does more harm than good

People seeing a doctor for low back pain are often told to take paracetamol. But a study published today shows the drug is ineffective for the condition and its prolonged use has harmful side effects.
Up to 90% of the population will experience lower back pain over their life time; around 25% will have it on any given day. Flickr: Christian Bucad

Put down the paracetamol, it’s just a placebo for low back pain

People with lower back pain are usually told to take some paracetamol for relief. But research published today shows that this almost universal advice is misguided. Up to 90% of the population will experience…

Top contributors

More