There's almost no pain that paracetamol can't tend to.
Toothache? Check. Sore throat? You betcha. Menstrual craps? It's got you covered. I'd even go as far as to suggest popping a pill or two if you ever finding yourself having been run over, given their ability to numb even the severest of aches - on doctors orders, of course.
And with the harsh winter winds now having arrived in full force, these trusted tablets are flying off the shelves in a bid to ward off colds and flus.
"Paracetamol is a common painkiller used to treat aches and pain," the NHS explains. "It can also be used to reduce a high temperature. It's available to buy from a pharmacy or shop, but you may be able to get 1g tablets on prescription if you have long-term pain.
Advert
"It comes as tablets, capsules, syrup, powder that you mix with water, or suppositories. The 1g tablets are only available if prescribed by a doctor."
The effectiveness of these powerful, agony-suppressing pills is why they're so popular in almost all countries around the world - this, and the fact they're cheap, widely available and generally safe for people to consume.
Notice how we say 'generally', here, however? Well, that's because, according to some leading medics, there are certain groups of people who mightn't respond too well to paracetamol, or similar pain-killing drugs - five groups, in fact.
1) People who take certain medications
Though paracetamol is usually safe for consumption alongside prescription meds and antibiotics, in some cases, this isn't advised.
Advert
This is especially the case for individuals taking warfarin to keep blood clots at bay, and those on medication for either epilepsy or tuberculosis.
In each of these cases, it's advisable to chat to a doctor before popping a trustee painkiller.
With regards to other painkillers, the NHS says: "It's safe to take paracetamol with other types of painkiller that do not contain paracetamol, such as ibuprofen, aspirin or codeine."
Advert
To take two different medications containing paracetamol heightens the risk of an overdose.
2) People with liver or kidney problems
According to the American College of Gastroenterology, sufferers of liver or kidney issues approach paracetamol with caution, given that processes prompted by these two organs are responsible for eliminating it from the body.
As such, if either struggle, it increases the risk of toxic build up, which could result in either severe liver damage or acute kidney failure, even if consumed at normal doses.
Advert
3) Big drinkers
People who regularly consume more than the maximum amount of alcohol recommended per week - which is 14 units in the UK - run the risk of severe liver damage, liver failure, and even death.
This is because, as mentioned above, both booze and painkillers are processed by the liver, and their combined effect puts this vital organ under tremendous amounts of stress.
4) People who weigh less than 50kg
Individuals weighing fewer than eight stone run an increased risk of enduring toxicity, being that standard adult dose (up to 4g per day) might be too high for them.
Advert
This isn't to say that they can't rely on these painkillers at all - just that their dosage may need to be adjusted by a healthcare professional.
5) People who've had allergic reactions to paracetamol, or similar medicines
It might sound obvious, but we're going to say it anyway.
If you're someone what has suffered an allergic reaction to paracetamol - or similar over-the-counter painkiller/cold and flu meds - you must avoid it altogether going forwards.
This is because re-exposure can trigger another, potentially more severe, allergic reaction, including life-threatening anaphylaxis or serious skin reactions.
The body's immune system 'remembers' the substance and reacts more strongly upon subsequent exposure.
Rhianna Benson