Paracetamol is a medicine used for mild to moderate pain. It can be bought over the counter in pharmacies, supermarkets and other shops. You can also take paracetamol for: fever (high temperature) stronger pain — used with other pain relievers such as codeine Paracetamol can be used for: backache headache migraine muscle strains period pain toothache aches and pains due to colds and flu Types of paracetamol Paracetamol comes in the following forms: tablets capsules suppositories soluble powders liquids Paracetamol is made by lots of different companies and sold using different names. It’s also often combined with other medicines and found in: tablets capsules suppositories soluble powders liquids cold and flu medicines headache tablets This makes it very easy to take too much paracetamol by mistake. Modified release paracetamol Modified release paracetamol has a higher dose of paracetamol than standard paracetamol tablets. This can also be called: controlled release paracetamol extended-release paracetamol slow-release paracetamol sustained release paracetamol This type of paracetamol is often used to help manage pain associated with osteoarthritis. Modified release paracetamol is released into your body more slowly than normal paracetamol products. Modified release paracetamol is designed to be taken less often than normal paracetamol. You take a dose every 8 hours (3 times a day). Children aged 1 month to 12 years Dosing for children is 15 mg per kg. Paracetamol can be given every 4 to 6 hours as required, with no more than 4 doses in 24 hours. The label on your liquid paracetamol product will have clear dosing instructions. side effects of paracetamol? Use of any medicine always carries some chance of unwanted side effects. The most common side effects of paracetamol are: drowsiness and tiredness rashes and itching side effects of paracetamol? Use of any medicine always carries some chance of unwanted side effects. The most common side effects of paracetamol are: drowsiness and tiredness rashes and itching paracetamol can cause: tiredness. breathlessness. your fingers and lips to go blue. anaemia (low red blood cell count) liver and kidney damage. heart disease and stroke if you have high blood pressure. Who can take paracetamol Most people aged 16 and over can take paracetamol. You can also take it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Who may not be able to take paracetamol Paracetamol is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you: have ever had an allergic reaction to paracetamol or any other medicine have liver or kidney problems regularly drink more than the maximum amount of alcohol recommended (14 units a week) If you weigh less than 50kg (8 stone), check with your doctor or pharmacist. You may need to take a lower dose.