Things to know when taking paracetamol on an empty stomach
paracetamol is one of the most popular drugs, easy to buy without a prescription, cheap and is used by many people to relieve pain and reduce fever. However, this convenience has also caused many people to abuse it, thinking that paracetamol is completely harmless.
In fact, if used incorrectly, the drug can cause many consequences for the liver, kidneys and cardiovascular system, according to IndianExpress.
According to Dr. Kapil Adwani, Clinical pharmacist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital (India), taking paracetamol on an empty stomach is generally considered safe.
In this case, the drug is absorbed into the blood faster, helping to reduce fever and relieve pain more effectively.
Unlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, paracetamol is less likely to irritate the stomach, so it does not increase the risk of ulcers or mucosal inflammation.
However, for people who are prone to nausea or digestive discomfort, taking medication with food can help make them feel more comfortable.
Potential risks of paracetamol abuse
Although considered safe, paracetamol is not without risks.
The maximum recommended dose for adults is 4g/day (equivalent to 8 tablets of 500mg).
According to a 2019 study, long-term use, even within the permitted limit, can increase liver enzymes, signaling stress in the liver.
Dr. Adwani also cited a 2022 study showing that taking paracetamol at a rate of 4g/day for two weeks can increase blood pressure in people with hypertension.
Previously, a 2015 study showed the risk of indigestion and gastric bleeding when regularly using doses of over 3g/day.
Subjects that need special caution
Some people need to be very careful when using paracetamol, including:
- People with liver disease or who drink alcohol regularly, because the risk of liver damage increases.
- People who are underweight (under 50kg) are susceptible to overdose if taking a standard dose.
- People with kidney disease, at risk of drug accumulation in the body.
- Pregnant women: prolonged use can affect the heart and nerve development of the fetus.
- People who are taking anticoagulants (such as warfarin) are at higher risk of bleeding when taking paracetamol for a long time.
Note
Dr. Adwani emphasizes that the most important thing is not to exceed the maximum dosage of 4g/day and avoid frequent drug abuse.
Users should consult a doctor or pharmacian for appropriate guidance, especially when they have an underlying disease or are taking other medication.
Some studies have also shown that paracetamol use during pregnancy may be associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in children, including autism and ADHD. Therefore, pregnant women need to consider especially before using.
paracetamol is still a safe and effective choice to reduce fever and pain if used in the right dosage and in a short time.
However, the habit of taking medicine continuously, even on an empty stomach, can cause long-term damage to the body.
