What every dengue patient should know about Paracetamol?

Health experts have urged people to use paracetamol rather than painkillers to treat pain due to the spike in dengue cases in India. When a patient exhibits symptoms such a high fever, bodily aches, or vomiting, PCM can be used. Paracetamol is actually now being prescribed by doctors in Ghaziabad and Noida because it is thought to be safe for dengue patients and helps to lower fever and other associated symptoms.

According to reports, paracetamol has no effect on dengue patients’ platelet counts. However, taking PCM for an extended period of time can cause you problems. Consuming PCM has negative effects, just like any other medication. If you are aware, this medication only reduces pain; it does not address the underlying reason.

We also use it for period pain and headaches, and we take another tablet if the discomfort returns after 5 or 6 hours.

What negative consequences does paracetamol have?

Consuming paracetamol frequently causes drowsiness, fatigue, rashes, and itching. If PCM is taken over an extended period of time, it may cause

• Tiredness
• Breathlessness
• Your lips and fingers turn blue.
• Kidney damage
• If you have high blood pressure, it increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

One or two more tablets won’t likely do any harm. Take no more than 8 pills in a 24-hour period.

Paracetamol overdose can be deadly, and you might need medical attention. A PCM overdose might harm you in following ways:

• Damage to the liver

When taken in excess, paracetamol damages the liver. Yellowing of the eyes and skin, dark urine, and abdominal pain that only gets worse over time are all signs of liver issues.

• Bleeding

The danger of bleeding issues increases with frequent use of paracetamol, especially when combined with other medications like aspirin.

• Allergies

Hives, rashes, and even breathing are signs of an allergic reaction to paracetamol, which can happen to certain people.

• Anaemia

Anaemia, a disorder that arises when your blood produces less than usual amounts of healthy red blood cells, is brought on by long-term paracetamol use. Your body does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood if you have anaemia. You may feel exhausted or weak due to a lack of oxygen.

The dosage of paracetamol

Two 500 mg tablets can be taken by adults four times in one day. Between dosages, you must wait at least 4 hours. Take no more than 8 pills in a 24-hour period.

Experts advise adhering to the recommended dosage of paracetamol and not taking more than 4 grams in a day.

While an overdose of paracetamol can cause coma, nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort, it is best to see your doctor right away if you have any negative side effects.

Supportive care for the treatment of dengue

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), aspirin-containing medications, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen) should be avoided by patients due to their anticoagulant effects. Patients should also be urged to drink enough of water.

• Consumable foods

Fruit juices, strawberries, guava, kiwis, and papaya are examples of foods high in vitamin C.

• Fluid-rich foods

 Lime juice, coconut water, and sugar cane juice

• Food items to omit:

Solid Foods

Please, also have a look into : Countdown to protection: Indian Immunologicals aims to roll out dengue vaccine by January 2026