Paracetamol

Pain reliever and fever reducer
ALSO SOLD WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION

Paracetamol is a pain reliever and fever reducer found in 89 medicines sold in India, such as Dolo 650, Calpol 500, Calpol 650. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

Also called: acetaminophen, apap

What it is used for

Brings down fever and eases mild to moderate pain such as headache, body ache and toothache.

How it works

It works in the brain to raise the pain threshold and acts on the body's temperature centre to bring a fever down. Unlike NSAIDs it has little effect on swelling and is gentle on the stomach.

How to take it

Usual adult dose is 500 mg to 1 g every 4 to 6 hours, no more than 4 g (for example eight 500 mg tablets) in 24 hours; lower if you weigh under 50 kg, drink alcohol regularly or have liver disease. Children's doses go by weight. It can be taken with or without food.

Common side effects

  • Side effects are rare at normal doses
  • Occasionally rash or nausea

Get medical help straight away if

  • You took more than the maximum dose, even if you feel well (liver damage shows up only after 1 to 3 days)
  • Yellow skin or eyes
  • A rash with blistering

Be careful

Too much damages the liver. Many cold and pain medicines also contain it, so avoid taking two at once; avoid with heavy alcohol use.

Other medicines and interactions

Many cold, flu and combination painkillers already contain paracetamol, so check every label to avoid a double dose. Regular high use can strengthen the effect of warfarin. Heavy alcohol use raises the risk of liver damage.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Paracetamol is the usual first choice for pain and fever in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, at the lowest dose that works for the shortest time.

Brands of Paracetamol (24)

Calpol 500Calpol 650Calpol 650 PlusCrocin 650Crocin AdvanceDolo 650Dolopar-650Flumol 500Macfast 500Malidens 500Malidens 650Medomol 650MetacinP-650Pacimol 500Pacimol 650Paracip 500Paracip-650Parasafe-650PyrigesicPyrigesic 650Sumol 650Welset 500Xykaa 650

Combination medicines that contain Paracetamol (65)

Ace-ProxyvonAceclo PlusAceclo SeraAcemiz PlusAcemiz-SAcenac-PAcenac-SpAcenext PAcuvinAfenak Plus NSAldigesic PAnaflam XP 100/325Arflur-PAugtramBrufamolBrufen PBrustanCalpol TCheston ColdCombiflamCrocin Pain ReliefCyclopamD Cold TotalDolokind PlusDolokind-AADolostat PC 100/325Dolostat-SPDolowin ForteDolowin-PlusEnzoflamEnzoflam-SPFebrex PlusFenceta 325Flexib 325FlexonFlozen-AAHifenac-DHifenac-MRHifenac-PHifenac-SPIbuclinIbuflamar PIbugesic APIbugesic PlusKetorol SPMovexx PlusMovexx SPMovon-PMyospaz FortePyrigesic TSaridonSignoflamSinarestSumoTrabestUltracetUltramUltramedUltraniseVetory PVicks Action 500 AdvancedWikorylZerodol-PZerodol-SPZulu-P

Common questions

What is Paracetamol used for?

Brings down fever and eases mild to moderate pain such as headache, body ache and toothache.

How does Paracetamol work?

It works in the brain to raise the pain threshold and acts on the body's temperature centre to bring a fever down. Unlike NSAIDs it has little effect on swelling and is gentle on the stomach.

How should I take Paracetamol?

Usual adult dose is 500 mg to 1 g every 4 to 6 hours, no more than 4 g (for example eight 500 mg tablets) in 24 hours; lower if you weigh under 50 kg, drink alcohol regularly or have liver disease. Children's doses go by weight. It can be taken with or without food.

What are the side effects of Paracetamol?

Common: Side effects are rare at normal doses, occasionally rash or nausea. Get help straight away for: You took more than the maximum dose, even if you feel well (liver damage shows up only after 1 to 3 days), yellow skin or eyes, a rash with blistering.

Does Paracetamol interact with other medicines?

Many cold, flu and combination painkillers already contain paracetamol, so check every label to avoid a double dose. Regular high use can strengthen the effect of warfarin. Heavy alcohol use raises the risk of liver damage.

Is Paracetamol safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Paracetamol is the usual first choice for pain and fever in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, at the lowest dose that works for the shortest time.

Does Paracetamol need a prescription in India?

It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.

Which brands contain Paracetamol?

Ace-Proxyvon, Aceclo Plus, Aceclo Sera, Acemiz Plus, Acemiz-S, Acenac-P, Acenac-Sp, Acenext P, Acuvin, Afenak Plus NS, Aldigesic P, Anaflam XP 100/325, Arflur-P, Augtram, Brufamol, Brufen P, Brustan, Calpol 500, Calpol 650, Calpol 650 Plus, Calpol T, Cheston Cold, Combiflam, Crocin 650, Crocin Advance and 64 more.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.