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Paracetamol Wockhardt

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Paracetamol Wockhardt

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

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Overview of Paracetamol Wockhardt

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)
Pharmacological class Non-Opioid Analgesic and Antipyretic
Common forms Tablet, Oral solution, Suppository
General purpose Pain relief (Analgesia) and Fever reduction (Antipyresis)
Origin Synthetic (Chemically manufactured)

What Type of Medicine is Paracetamol Wockhardt?

Paracetamol Wockhardt is a medicinal preparation whose active ingredient is Acetaminophen, which is the generic name adopted in the United States, or Paracetamol, the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) used globally. It is classified pharmacologically as a Non-Opioid Analgesic and Antipyretic, belonging chemically to the para-aminophenol derivative class. This medicine is a chemically synthetic compound. Paracetamol is one of the most widely used analgesic and antipyretic agents globally, particularly for the management of mild to moderate pain. Wockhardt is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures and distributes this product, offering a variety of dosage forms often available for general over-the-counter (OTC) use.

Composition, Forms, and General Purpose

Paracetamol is generally presented as a single-ingredient product, where the active Acetaminophen is combined with pharmaceutical excipients necessary for stability and administration. The substance is available in various common dosage forms, including tablets, liquid oral solutions, and suppositories, allowing for multiple routes of administration. The primary therapeutic purpose of Paracetamol is to provide reliable pain relief and to effectively reduce an elevated body temperature. Its effect is primarily centralized, meaning it modifies the body's interpretation of pain signals and resets the thermal regulation center in the brain. This action makes it a suitable option for managing general discomfort associated with pyrexia (fever) and minor aches. It is used as an agent for these common indications.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH StatPearls Acetaminophen
  2. WHO Essential Medicines List for Paracetamol
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What side effects are possible with Paracetamol Wockhardt?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

This section outlines possible adverse reactions and safety restrictions associated with Paracetamol Wockhardt, based strictly on official regulatory documentation.

Documented Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions are classified by frequency, referencing the criteria used by regulatory authorities:

Frequency Examples of Adverse Reactions (by System-Organ Class)
Rare (1 in 1,000 to 1 in 10,000) Blood disorders (e.g., leukopenia, neutropenia), including thrombocytopenia (reduction in blood platelets).
Very Rare (Less than 1 in 10,000) Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis. Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), and Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP).
Frequency Not Known Liver dysfunction (hepatobiliary disorders), acute pancreatitis, metabolic acidosis (when co-administered with flucloxacillin), and acute renal failure.

Safety Considerations and Restrictions

Official regulatory information emphasizes several safety domains that shape the understanding of the medicine's risks:

  • Hepatotoxicity and Overdose Risk: The primary acute toxicity is severe, potentially fatal liver damage (hepatic necrosis) following an overdose. This risk is present even if initial symptoms are mild or absent.
  • Population-Specific Cautions: Caution is required in patients with pre-existing severe hepatic impairment, severe renal impairment, or conditions associated with glutathione depletion (such as chronic alcoholism, sepsis, or severe malnutrition).
  • Drug Interactions: Prolonged, regular daily use may enhance the effect of certain blood-thinning medicines (coumarins/warfarin), which could increase the risk of bleeding. This co-administration requires caution.

These points structure the official safety profile by defining the most critical, dose-dependent risks (hepatotoxicity) alongside very rare but serious systemic reactions (hypersensitivity and blood disorders).

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Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdose manifestations are initially non-specific, often including signs such as nausea, vomiting, pallor, and anorexia, as documented in official regulatory labeling. Symptoms of severe injury may be delayed by several days, making early recognition difficult.

The critical, dose-dependent, and potentially life-threatening outcome is acute hepatic necrosis, which may progress to severe hepatic failure, metabolic acidosis, coagulopathy, and death. Patients with certain conditions, such as underlying hepatic impairment or chronic alcoholism, are subject to officially documented increased risk of severe toxicity.

Regulatory documents uniformly mandate that all individuals seek immediate medical attention for any suspected overdose, regardless of the lack or perceived mildness of initial symptoms. Emergency protocols require immediate hospitalization and specialized medical management.

The specific antidote, Acetylcysteine, is critical; its administration is time-sensitive, and its efficacy is highest when provided within hours of ingestion, necessitating rapid assessment of plasma concentration and continuous monitoring of liver function. This required urgent intervention aims to mitigate the progression to irreversible liver injury.

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Therapeutic Uses of Paracetamol Wockhardt

What Paracetamol Wockhardt Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Symptomatic Relief of Acute Pain Episodes

This medication is commonly used for managing symptoms related to physical discomfort and common aches. The substance is classified as an analgesic generally used for easing mild to moderate pain. The medication may assist with addressing groups of symptoms such as tension headaches, muscle aches (myalgia), menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), and toothache, providing support that helps ease the overall symptom burden.


Supportive Management of Fever and Systemic Discomfort

A primary therapeutic domain is its role as an antipyretic, applied across contexts where additional symptomatic support is needed to address fever (elevated body temperature) and systemic imbalance. It is relevant in clinical settings marked by the heightened symptoms of acute illness, where it contributes to improved comfort during periods associated with colds or flu. The medication is commonly used across conditions characterized by acute or disruptive episodes, such as post-immunization discomfort or temporary physical strains.


Quick Fact: Relief for Pain and Fever
Key Symptom Categories Mild to moderate pain; Pyrexia (fever)
Typical Context Acute, self-limiting episodes (e.g., cold/flu)
Primary Support Focus Symptomatic relief and comfort

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus overview of Acetaminophen
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Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility Profile: Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)

This section outlines the eligibility and non-eligibility rules for paracetamol products, based on authoritative government regulatory documents.

Criteria Official Regulatory Status
Absolute Contraindications Prohibited for individuals with known hypersensitivity to paracetamol or any excipients. Also prohibited in cases of severe active liver disease or severe hepatocellular insufficiency.
Severe Organ Impairment Severe Renal Impairment (CrCl le 30 mL/min) requires restricted use and a prolonged dosing interval.
Age-Related Use Adults and adolescents (usually ge 12 to 16 years) are the standard population. Standard 500 mg tablets are often not recommended for young children due to dose control challenges.
Pregnancy/Lactation Pregnancy: Permitted if clinically needed at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. Lactation: Generally not contraindicated when used at therapeutic doses.

Eligibility-Related Restrictions

Use requires caution and may necessitate dose reduction or monitoring for patients with underlying conditions that deplete glutathione, such as chronic alcoholism, severe malnutrition, anorexia, or dehydration, due to an increased risk of liver toxicity.

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What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Interaction-Related Restrictions

Co-administration with any other product containing paracetamol (acetaminophen) is strictly prohibited as a formal regulatory restriction due to the risk of acute liver failure. The official interaction profile is further structured by pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions.

Documented Pharmacokinetic Interactions

Certain substances affect how the body processes Paracetamol. Co-administration with liver enzyme inducers (such as Carbamazepine, Rifampicin, and St. John's Wort) may increase the risk of hepatotoxicity. The medicine Probenecid is officially documented to reduce Paracetamol's clearance by approximately 50%, an outcome of inhibiting conjugation. Absorption is accelerated by Metoclopramide and Domperidone, while it is reduced when co-administered with Cholestyramine.

Pharmacodynamic and Timing Constraints

For substances that reduce absorption, a mandatory timing rule applies: Cholestyramine must be administered at least one hour before Paracetamol. Chronic, regular use of Paracetamol with Warfarin and other coumarins may officially enhance the anticoagulant effect. Additionally, co-administration with Flucloxacillin has been associated with high anion gap metabolic acidosis, a risk factor heightened in populations with severe renal impairment or glutathione deficiency.

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Mechanism of Action

The action of Paracetamol Wockhardt is centered on modulating key signaling pathways within the Central Nervous System (CNS). The parent compound is metabolized into the active metabolite, AM404, which acts as an indirect agonist on Cannabinoid Receptor type 1 ( CB1) and activates Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 ( TRPV1) channels in the brain and spinal cord. This interaction initiates descending inhibitory signals, resulting in the modulation of ascending nociceptive signal transmission.

Simultaneously, the drug interacts with Cyclooxygenase ( COX) enzymes—predominantly COX-2—as a reducing cosubstrate. This selective inhibition is effective within the CNS, where hydroperoxide concentrations are low. This action limits the synthesis of Prostaglandin E2 ( PGE2) in the hypothalamus, directly leading to a lowering of the elevated thermoregulatory set point.

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Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Paracetamol Wockhardt: Administration Guidelines

Paracetamol is administered via specific routes, doses, and frequencies. The medicine is available in various forms for administration by the Oral route (tablets, solutions), Rectal route (suppositories), and Intravenous (IV) route (solution for infusion), each following specific dosing protocols.

Standardized Dosing and Frequency

Adult dosing follows established standards. The usual single dose for adults is 500 mg to 1000 mg (1 g). A critical administration rule is the minimum time interval: doses must be separated by at least 4 hours. The total intake must not exceed the maximum daily dose, which is generally restricted to 4000 mg (4 g) in any 24-hour period for adults without risk factors. Pediatric dosing is determined by weight, typically at 10 mg/kg to 15 mg/kg per dose.

Administration Conditions and Adjustments

Tablets may be taken with or without food. When the intravenous form is used in a clinical setting, the dose is administered as a controlled 15-minute infusion. Furthermore, specific physiological constraints necessitate procedural adjustments: for patients with severe renal impairment, the minimum interval between doses is extended to 6 hours or more. The total daily dose may also be reduced (e.g., to 3000 mg) for patients with hepatic risk factors. The product is intended for short-term use for self-treatment.

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Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Paracetamol Wockhardt

Evidence for Acute Pain Relief and Fever Reduction

A substantial volume of research has been conducted on the substance for acute pain and fever, relying heavily on Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Systematic Reviews. For acute pain relief, studies monitored changes in physical discomfort using patient-reported scales over short, defined time intervals. Findings describe patterns observed in the trials, and data show patterns related to short-term changes in pain intensity compared to placebo. For fever (pyrexia), research explored outcomes related to systemic imbalance, such as the absolute reduction in elevated body temperature in adults and children. Findings describe patterns where a measurable influence on body temperature was associated with the substance.

Evidence for Chronic Pain Conditions

The research base for chronic pain is distinct. The substance was evaluated in chronic conditions like osteoarthritis over intermediate-term RCTs (up to three months). While some older studies reported small differences compared to placebo, recent reviews indicate that the observed differences were small or mixed. For acute low back pain, trial evidence reported that the substance's measured influence on pain and function was comparable to that of a placebo, indicating existing evidence is limited in reporting a measured difference for this condition.

Follow-up, Special Populations, and Evidence Gaps

The majority of research has follow-up durations that were limited to short, acute periods. Limited information for long-term outcomes means the durability of the response over many months is not fully established. Research has also explored special populations, including children, adolescents, and older adults, but data for certain groups remain insufficient, and the evidence quality varies. Scientific reviews highlight a significant gap in robust, high-quality RCT evidence to support the substance's use in many forms of chronic non-cancer pain, where certainty remains low.

Key Studies & References

  1. Paracetamol is ineffective for acute low back pain even for patients who comply with treatment: complier average causal effect analysis of a randomized controlled trial
  2. The efficacy and safety of paracetamol for pain relief: an overview of systematic reviews
  3. Public Assessment Report Scientific discussion Paracetamol liquid caps HTP 500 mg, soft capsules (General Regulatory Review)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Paracetamol Wockhardt (FAQ)

Q: How quickly does Paracetamol Wockhardt usually start working?

A: According to official product information, paracetamol is generally rapidly absorbed after it is taken by mouth. Many sources suggest that the medicine usually begins to have an effect and start working within an hour of being ingested.


Q: How long do the effects of Paracetamol Wockhardt typically last?

A: The effects of paracetamol are generally described in regulatory documents as lasting for several hours. This duration is consistent with the standard recommended time interval between doses.


Q: Is Paracetamol Wockhardt safe for older adults?

A: Official documents for some paracetamol products indicate that generally no dosage reduction is necessary in the elderly population. Some official guidance mentions that monitoring of certain health parameters may be relevant for prolonged use.


Q: Is there a maximum number of days Paracetamol Wockhardt is intended to be used?

A: Paracetamol is intended for short-term use for self-treatment. Official guidance generally advises that the medicine is not intended to be used for longer than three days for fever or five days for pain without seeking professional advice.


Q: What should be done if I miss a scheduled time to take Paracetamol Wockhardt?

A: Regulatory guidelines emphasize the importance of maintaining the minimum interval between doses, which is typically 4 hours or more, to avoid acute toxicity. If a dose is missed, adherence to this minimum time interval remains the primary constraint to prevent exceeding the total daily maximum.


Q: Does taking Paracetamol Wockhardt with food change how well it works?

A: Official documents state that paracetamol tablets can be taken with or without food and drink. Ingestion with food and drink is generally not described as affecting the overall efficacy of the medicine.


Q: Does Paracetamol Wockhardt interact with any common herbal supplements?

A: Official warnings mention that co-administration with herbal products that are liver enzyme inducers, such as St. John's Wort, may increase the risk of hepatotoxicity (liver damage). Regulatory bodies recommend that all concurrent product use, including supplements, be discussed with a healthcare professional to assess interaction risks.


Q: What does the research say about Paracetamol Wockhardt for long-term use?

A: Regulatory documents state that prolonged or frequent use is discouraged and may be harmful, especially if taken for an extended period without professional medical supervision. The durability of the medicine's response over many months is also not fully established in research.


Q: What is the difference between Paracetamol Wockhardt and ibuprofen in terms of use?

A: Paracetamol is classified as a Non-Opioid Analgesic and Antipyretic whose action is primarily centralized in the central nervous system. A key difference from NSAIDs like ibuprofen is that paracetamol does not possess a conspicuous anti-inflammatory effect in the periphery of the body.


Q: Is it true that Paracetamol Wockhardt is a common component in many combination cold and flu products?

A: Yes, paracetamol is frequently approved as an active ingredient in many combination products intended for the relief of general cold and flu symptoms. Regulatory bodies issue warnings against taking paracetamol with any other product that also contains it, due to the risk of exceeding the safe limit.


Q: What is the guidance regarding alcohol consumption while taking Paracetamol Wockhardt?

A: Regulatory information advises that patients with chronic alcoholism are at a heightened risk of liver toxicity because of the way the drug is metabolized. General guidance suggests that moderate, occasional alcohol intake may not pose a significant acute risk, but specific contraindications related to liver conditions must be considered.


Q: What is the role of Paracetamol Wockhardt in managing arthritis pain?

A: The medicine is officially indicated for the relief of mild to moderate pain, which includes pain associated with conditions like osteoarthritis. However, clinical evidence reviews have indicated that the measured effect for chronic conditions has been mixed or small compared to placebo.


Q: Can Paracetamol Wockhardt affect sleep?

A: Regulatory information for the single-ingredient medicine suggests it has no influence on the ability to drive or use machines. However, some combination products that include paracetamol and other active substances (such as certain cold remedies) may contain ingredients that can cause drowsiness.


Q: Are there different strengths of Paracetamol Wockhardt available?

A: Yes, paracetamol products are typically available in various dosage strengths. Common adult tablets range from 500 mg to 1000 mg per dose, with other formulations also available in specific strengths.


Q: Can Paracetamol Wockhardt affect blood sugar levels?

A: Official documents note that paracetamol may interfere with the results of certain specific laboratory tests for blood sugar (glucose) using the glucose-oxidase-peroxidase method. Official guidance recommends disclosing its use to laboratory staff before undergoing certain blood sugar tests.


Q: Does Paracetamol Wockhardt have different uses in children compared to adults?

A: For both children and adults, the primary therapeutic purposes of paracetamol are consistent: providing pain relief and reducing fever. The difference lies mainly in the dosage forms and strengths, which are carefully calibrated for the pediatric population based on weight.


Q: Does Paracetamol Wockhardt affect the ability to drive or operate machinery?

A: Regulatory information indicates that paracetamol, when used as a single ingredient at recommended doses, has no influence on the ability to drive or use machinery safely.


Q: Why do official documents mention combining Paracetamol Wockhardt with certain drugs?

A: Official documents cite certain combinations, such as with Metoclopramide and Cholestyramine, to describe specific pharmacokinetic effects. This means the combination demonstrates how other substances can change the rate at which the body absorbs or clears paracetamol.


Q: Are there any dietary restrictions associated with taking Paracetamol Wockhardt?

A: Official regulatory documents generally state that patients can eat and drink normally while using paracetamol. No specific dietary restrictions are typically listed for single-ingredient paracetamol products.


Q: Does Paracetamol Wockhardt have any known drug-drug interactions with common cold medicines?

A: The most critical interaction warning is the strict regulatory prohibition against taking paracetamol with any other product containing paracetamol, which is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter cold and flu medicines.


Q: Are there any long-term effects associated with years of occasional Paracetamol Wockhardt use?

A: Occasional use is unlikely to carry the same risks as chronic daily use. However, prolonged and regular use of high doses has been associated with long-term effects such as potential liver or kidney damage and a reduction in blood cell counts.


Q: Does Paracetamol Wockhardt affect the results of any standard medical lab tests?

A: Yes, official documents state that paracetamol may interfere with the results of specific laboratory tests, including those for phosphotungstate uric acid and certain blood sugar assays. Regulatory bodies recommend disclosing the use of paracetamol before certain laboratory testing.


Q: Is Paracetamol Wockhardt often used by dentists for toothache relief?

A: Yes, the official indications for use, as defined by regulatory bodies, often specifically list the medicine for the temporary relief of dental pain or toothache.


Q: Can Paracetamol Wockhardt be crushed or split if the official documents allow it?

A: The ability to crush or split a tablet is dependent on the specific formulation of the product. Some regulatory labels confirm that certain paracetamol tablets are scored (breakable) and may be divided into equal doses, while others are not designed for this.

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How should Paracetamol Wockhardt be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Handling

Regulatory documents mandate specific conditions to maintain the stability of Paracetamol tablets. The medicine must be stored at or below 25°C (77°F), or for some formulations, not exceeding 30°C. It must be kept dry and protected from moisture, and should not be refrigerated or frozen.

To ensure product integrity, the tablets must remain in the original container and the container must be tightly closed. Crucially, the mandatory safety instruction is to keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Requirements

Unused or expired Paracetamol must not be thrown away via wastewater or flushed down the toilet. The official disposal instruction is to ask a pharmacist for guidance on authorized drug take-back programs.

If a take-back program is unavailable, the medicine should be removed from its packaging, mixed with an undesirable substance such as used coffee grounds or dirt, sealed in a bag or container, and then placed in the household trash. Do not use the medicine after its expiration date.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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