Paracetamol allergy is a rare condition but can possibly occur. Although the drug is considered quite safe and causes few side effects, not everyone can use it. Therefore, if abnormal symptoms appear after taking the medication, patients should see a doctor for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Answered by Pharmacist Nguyễn Đỗ Quang Trung - Department of Pharmacy, Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
Hello pharmacist, I am allergic to paracetamol in antipyretics. Could you please advise on what to do if I am allergic to paracetamol? What medication can I use as an alternative fever reducer? Thank you, pharmacist.
Hello! Thank you for your inquiry to Pharmacist Nguyễn Đỗ Quang Trung - Department of Pharmacy, Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
To answer the question "What to do if you're allergic to paracetamol?" the pharmacist provides the following advice:
If you are allergic to paracetamol, you can use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen to reduce fever. However, since you haven't mentioned the severity of the allergic reaction you experienced, and given that there is a small percentage of people allergic to paracetamol who may also react to NSAIDs.
Therefore, it is advisable to visit a hospital to examine your fever condition and consult with an Immunology-Allergy specialist to choose safe and effective medication.
Below are details on paracetamol allergy and alternative measures for your reference:
1. What is Paracetamol?
Paracetamol is commonly used to relieve mild to moderate pain, including headaches, toothaches, body aches, muscle aches, and sprains. Additionally, it helps to lower body temperature in conditions such as flu, colds, or fever due to other causes.
Paracetamol is often recommended as a first solution for mild and moderate pain because it is easy to use, well-tolerated, safe, and has few side effects for most people.
As a result, paracetamol is usually present in most households' medicine cabinets to prepare for mild pain and fever. However, before using the medication, patients should consult doctors or pharmacists to ensure the drug is suitable for their health condition.
2. What are the symptoms of a paracetamol allergy?
Paracetamol allergy, like other allergies, can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe. If you experience an allergic reaction to the medication, the following symptoms may occur:
• Skin rash accompanied by itching.
• Swelling of various body parts such as the face, eyes, tongue, and lips.
• Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, fast heart rate, especially in individuals with a history of asthma, which can lead to an asthma attack.
In the most severe cases, a paracetamol allergy can cause anaphylactic shock, potentially leading to death. For this reason, if you experience any unusual signs suspected to be due to paracetamol use, whether it is an allergy or other side effects, you should stop taking the medication and inform your doctor for timely consultation and treatment.
Patients should bring all the medications they are currently using so that the doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the most suitable treatment.
3. What medication should you take as an alternative if you're allergic to paracetamol?
If you discover that you're allergic to paracetamol, you should immediately stop using the medication. So, what medication should you use as an alternative if you're allergic to paracetamol?
3.1 Fever reduction and pain relief with ibuprofen
One option for those allergic to paracetamol is Ibuprofen, which belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) group. The mechanism of this drug is to prevent the body from producing substances that cause inflammation, helping to reduce swelling, pain, inflammation, and fever.
Conditions such as headaches, toothaches, muscle aches, arthritis, menstrual cramps, and neck pain can be effectively treated with ibuprofen. Additionally, it is commonly used to reduce fever and pain caused by colds and flu.
However, patients should strictly follow the instructions from their doctors or pharmacists when using the medication to avoid side effects and ensure safety.
3.2 Fever reduction and pain relief with aspirin
Acetylsalicylic acid, also known as aspirin, belongs to the NSAID group. The drug works by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, thereby stopping the synthesis of inflammatory substances and helping to relieve pain, reduce fever, and combat inflammation.
This drug is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and fever. It is effective in treating conditions such as toothaches, headaches, muscle aches, and common colds. Additionally, the drug helps reduce swelling and pain associated with arthritis, prevents blood clots, and reduces the risk of stroke and angina attacks.
Although aspirin has therapeutic effects, it also has several side effects. Therefore, it is rarely used for common pain or fever relief, especially in children.
3.3 Other NSAIDs medications
In addition to the medications mentioned above, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs belonging to the NSAID group, such as piroxicam and meloxicam, also have the ability to reduce pain and fever in cases like toothaches, headaches, flu, arthritis, etc. However, their effectiveness is not high, and they are only suitable for short-term use and when no other options are available.
Above is the information about alternative medications for those allergic to paracetamol. However, patients should not self-medicate, as it could worsen their condition. It is crucial to consult a doctor or pharmacist for advice before using any medication to avoid unwanted side effects.
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