Paracetamol: be careful when mixing with other drugs

Paracetamol is one of the great kitchen cabinet multitools. It is used to help soothe the burning pain of a hangover the next morning. The drug is used to help relieve the pain of minor injuries. And it’s used to help reduce the symptoms of the common cold you get in the middle of winter.

According to the NHS, you should not take paractemaol if you are also taking warfarin, a blood thinner.

This is because paracetamol can increase your risk of bleeding if you take it often.

You should also not take it at the same time as you are taking medicines to treat your epilepsy.

And you also shouldn’t take it if you are also taking medicines to treat tuberculosis.

DO NOT MISS

These are the drugs that you, according to the NHS, should not take at the same time as paracetamol.

Some are less clear, herbal remedies for example.

It is recommended that you check with your GP or pharmacist if you are taking St. John’s Wort (herbal remedy for depression).

In this case, you may need to reduce your dose of paracetamol.

You should see a doctor if you experience any of these side effects of paracetamol:

• Rash which may include itching, redness, swelling, or peeling of the skin.
• Wheezing
• Tightness in the chest or throat
• Difficulty breathing or speaking
• The mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat begin to swell.

This is not the complete list of potential side effects; for more information, see the information sheet that comes with paracetamol.