Is it possible to take paracetamol early? Use of Paracetamol during pregnancy and breastfeeding

When a woman carries a child under her heart, she is forced to change a lot: some habits, preferences, priorities, the way of life itself and way of life.

However, almost all expectant mothers even begin to look at the world completely differently, choosing only what is healthy and safe for the child.

This is especially true for drugs and medications, because, unfortunately, during pregnancy, women are not only not immune from various infections, viruses or diseases, but are even more susceptible to them due to hormonal changes and a sharp decrease in immunity.

This is why there may be a need for treatment, but the choice of medications must be approached very carefully and responsibly, especially at the very beginning of pregnancy, so as not to harm the little life inside. Paracetamol is considered one of the most effective, safe and multifunctional drugs, but even to take it you need to get a doctor’s prescription.

It would also be a good idea to find out about possible side effects, contraindications, and what effect this drug can have on your child. So, is it possible to take paracetamol during pregnancy?

Paracetamol belongs to the group of anilides, being both an antipyretic and an analgesic (central and non-narcotic). Its second name is acetaminophen.

Actually, paracetamol is close in its chemical properties to phenacytin, since it is its main metabolite. Therefore, the drug has good analgesic and antipyretic activity, but is not very suitable for eliminating inflammatory processes due to its too weak effect.

The first samples of the drug appeared in medical practice at the end of the 19th century (1886). True, at first acetanilide was a derivative of aniline, and the drug was called antifebrin.

After some time of use, it became clear that it was necessary to search for other anilides, since this one was found to have very serious toxic effects. That is why paracetamol was synthesized (Harmon Northrop Morse), and then tested on patients (by Joseph von Mehring).

However, the “war” between scientists and apologists for phenacytin and paracetamol continued for several more decades, and only in the middle of the 20th century (in 1949) was paracetamol seemingly rediscovered by teams of US researchers who proved the relative harmlessness and safety of the drug, as well as its great benefit.

Since 1953, paracetamol began to be sold as part of various drugs and under the world's most famous brands in the USA, and later in the UK and other countries. Today, paracetamol can be found in almost five hundred drugs.

How is its action characterized?

Generally, paracetamol is considered a very versatile medicine that people prefer and take in different cases and situations:

• as an antipyretic;
• as an effective analgesic (pain reliever for toothache, muscle pain);
• with (flu) and;
• in some inflammatory processes.

True, the anti-inflammatory effect of paracetamol is rather weak. But there is also a positive aspect to this, since the drug does not affect the gastric mucosa and can be quickly absorbed into the blood, which means it can be distributed just as quickly throughout all fluids and tissues. The medicine is then broken down in the liver and excreted by the kidneys along with urine.

The main target of paracetamol is prostaglandins, substances that work to increase fever, pain and inflammation. When it enters the human body, it immediately begins to block them in order to prevent further formation and stop the process that has already begun.

Paracetamol itself is not a medicine in its pure form, that is, it will only eliminate the symptoms and not the cause of your disease. It can be sold in the form of white crystalline powder, suppositories, tablets, and can also be the main component of various medicines (suspension, syrup, solution, etc.).

Pregnancy and paracetamol: can it be taken at different stages of pregnancy?

During the period of a cold or acute respiratory viral infection, many pregnant women have a question: is it possible to take paracetamol, and how safe is it for the fetus?

Despite the fact that paracetamol is considered a relatively safe drug, even it should not be taken uncontrolled during pregnancy.

Every expectant mother should remember that any medicine is still a medicine, and you should not experiment without a doctor’s prescription or supervision.

Scientists have conducted numerous studies, during which it was found that taking paracetamol does not have a harmful or destructive effect on the child in the womb (there is no embryotoxic effect, no teratogenic mutagenic effect).

If you remember, paracetamol is absorbed into the blood, which means it can easily penetrate the placental barrier. The drug may also be excreted in breast milk in small quantities.

This is why it is so important not to self-medicate and not to take medicine just out of habit. It is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's recommendations, following the indicated dosage and time of administration. The length of your pregnancy will also be of particular importance.

First trimester

In the early stages of pregnancy, if possible, it is better to refrain from taking any medications, since the first trimester is the most vulnerable time for the baby, whose organs and systems are just beginning to form, form and develop. Your doctor can prescribe medication for you only if the benefit to you far outweighs the possible risk to your baby.

Perhaps paracetamol will be prescribed for a severe cold, a viral disease, also for a significantly elevated temperature, heat and fever, persistent migraines or headache attacks, etc.

Often, pregnant women may experience dental problems, and acute toothache can also be relieved with paracetamol. But only your doctor can calculate the dose of the drug and the duration of its use.

Second trimester

The second trimester is safer. Now the child is strong enough, so the medicine will no longer provoke any anomalies or mutations, but sometimes it happens that chemicals still negatively affect the development of the baby, and this leads to quite serious changes in his organs.

If the drug is taken for a long time and uncontrolled (more than two weeks), the risk of developing various respiratory diseases (asthma, shortness of breath, wheezing) increases significantly.

If there are disturbances in the formation of the genital organs in boys, cryptorchidism may be observed, the hormonal background of the child changes, which, in turn, has a bad effect on the development of the nervous system (then hyperactivity and other behavioral dysfunctions may occur).

Indications for the use of paracetamol are the same.

Third trimester

In the last trimester and shortly before birth, the risk of possible toxic effects of drugs on the baby’s body increases again.

However, any infections or viruses will be no less dangerous for him: if the mother’s temperature rises greatly, the baby suffers from hypoxia, and if the infection passes through the placental barrier, there is a high risk of intrauterine infection, which can lead to very serious complications and even the death of the child .

Therefore, doctors prefer to prescribe medicine, which often becomes simply a panacea for a pregnant woman.

Do not forget that you can take the drug only as a one-time emergency measure:

• to get rid of cold symptoms (for acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections);
• to relieve fever or heat, reduce high (more than 38 and a half degrees) temperature;
• for acute attacks of headaches/migraines, toothache, etc.

As a rule, doctors prescribe a child's dose of medication to pregnant women or reduce it to the minimum possible. Taking the drug will depend on the intensity of the symptoms, and after they disappear it is recommended to stop using the medicine.

The maximum duration of treatment can be a week, but if symptoms persist after three days of taking the drug, then the decision about further therapy should be made by the doctor.

Contraindications and possible complications

Even such a harmless medicine as paracetamol has contraindications. In addition, no one is immune from the side effects of the drug or complications after taking it. Pregnancy is a special reason to pay attention to this.

Various diseases may be contraindications for taking the drug:

• allergic reaction to the drug or hypersensitivity to it, intolerance;
• some heart diseases (ischemia, heart failure);
• (especially in the case of taking syrup);
• liver and kidney failure;
• ulcer or other gastrointestinal problems;
• bronchial asthma;
• It is also not recommended to take the medicine for people who abuse alcohol and smoking.

Side effects may occur in rare cases if the dose of the drug is significantly exceeded or the rules for taking it are not followed. Among the possible reactions or adverse events it is worth highlighting:

• hepatotoxic effect - poisoning with subsequent severe liver damage;
• development of kidney complications (analgesic nephropathy or renal failure);
• gastrointestinal bleeding;
• allergy;
• disorders of the blood system (as);
• excessive excitability or lethargy and drowsiness.

Known analogues

Often, paracetamol is not used by itself (and it is in this form that it is most harmless), but in combination with other components, as part of various combination medications.

It is these components that can pose a much greater danger than paracetamol, so carefully read the instructions for each drug.

One of the most beloved and frequently prescribed medications that contain paracetamol is Panadol. It can be in the form of regular or water-soluble tablets, and is also available as a syrup or suspension (usually for children). In essence, this drug is pure paracetamol without any impurities or additives. The only exception is the medicine “Panadol Extra”, which also contains caffeine.

Paracetamol is very often combined with ascorbic acid and phenylephrine. This is the composition of the drugs: “Coldrex” (the entire line), “Antigrippin”, “Maxicold”, and if pheniramine is also added, then the drugs obtained are “Fervex”, “Grippoflu”, “Teraflu” and others.

There may also be a component such as chlorphenamine (Koldakt, Rinza). You should not take them on your own; be sure to consult your doctor, especially at the beginning of pregnancy.

When combining paracetamol and ibuprofen, there will be drugs like Ibuklin or Brustan. As a last resort, the doctor may prescribe them in the second or third trimester.

The famous “Efferalgan S” is a combination of paracetamol and ascorbic acid. It can be taken either in the form of syrup or suspension, or in tablet form (regular or effervescent).

Other combination drugs that contain paracetamol are not recommended during pregnancy.

Instead of a conclusion

Paracetamol is considered one of the safest medicines, but during pregnancy it can also be harmful. Of course, its use is permissible in some cases, but only with a doctor’s prescription and in minimal doses.

May your pregnancy be easy and calm, be healthy!

Our people treat Paracetamol in a special way: it can be found in all first aid kits. Therefore, we can conclude that this drug can rightfully be called the most affordable and popular drug that has antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. There is an opinion that it can be given even to infants. What about taking this medication during pregnancy?

Is pregnancy not a disease?

During the period of bearing a child, most women radically change their worldview, including their views on taking medications. There are many reasons for this, one of which is that pregnancy is a very important period. Here, not only her own health, but also the life of her unborn child depends on this or that choice of the mother.

Moreover, a pregnant woman is at particular risk, as her body becomes very vulnerable. We are talking about an increased risk of contracting viral and infectious diseases, which is due to the precarious position of the expectant mother’s immunity. The situation is further aggravated by the fact that many medications are contraindicated for pregnant women, but some of them simply cannot be avoided.

Colds in pregnant women

The period of bearing a child one way or another extends until the cold season, when there is such a high probability of getting the flu or suffering from a sore throat. Of course, during such months, a pregnant woman is simply obliged to take appropriate protective measures: try to avoid crowds and the use of public transport as much as possible. However, even this does not guarantee complete safety during seasonal epidemics.

In the event that it was not possible to avoid the disease, you should adhere to the following rules in treatment:

1. Under no circumstances try to cope with the disease on your own. Medicines should be taken only as prescribed by the attending physician.
2. Doctors do not advise taking medications in the early stages of pregnancy. A similar recommendation also applies to a drug such as Paracetamol. Taking this remedy is also undesirable during the first trimester. Prescribed medications are taken only in strictly recommended dosages.
3. Avoid taking a hot bath, and also avoid steaming your feet, which is especially important when your body temperature rises.

You should not delay treatment; at the first signs of illness you should seek help from a doctor.

Indications for use

In medicine, Paracetamol is widely used as an antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug. The instructions for use of the drug include the following indications for use:

• headache, as well as muscle and toothache;
• pain after injuries and burns;
• colds, flu and ARVI;
• increased body temperature due to inflammatory processes in the body.

The drug is very popular among the population. This is largely due to its affordability and high effectiveness in combating headaches and fever. However, pregnant women should take Paracetamol with caution.

Paracetamol during pregnancy

Give a categorical answer to the question “Can I take Paracetamol during pregnancy?” It will be difficult even for a specialist. On the one hand, taking this drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not prohibited, on the other hand, the use of Paracetamol during pregnancy is not practiced.

There are many reasons for prescribing Paracetamol for pregnant women. The headache alone during pregnancy is worth a lot. Also, this medication can act as a mild and relatively safe antipyretic. However, taking it on your own is prohibited. It is necessary to consult with your doctor and strictly adhere to the dosage.

If experimental studies are to be believed, no obvious negative effects of taking Paracetamol on the fetus were identified. At the same time, it has been proven that this drug can penetrate the placenta barrier and be excreted in breast milk. Therefore, it can only be used in special cases.

If the body temperature does not exceed 38 degrees, then you can do without taking medications. Traditional medicine will help get rid of fever. Drink tea with raspberry jam or linden infusion.

Paracetamol dosage for pregnant women

If you take Paracetamol in large quantities, your kidneys and liver may not be able to withstand its toxic effects. However, the therapeutic dosage used for pregnant women does not have such negative effects.

British doctors have found that if you take paracetamol during pregnancy, the risk of the following pathologies appearing in the unborn child increases:

• respiratory disorders;
• wheezing;
• allergy;
• asthma.

Despite this information, expectant mothers continue to use this drug with or without reason.

Paracetamol is available in the following form:

• pills;
• powder;
• rectal suppositories;
• syrup;
• suspensions;

The most effective are soluble configurations.

A safe dosage can only be determined by a doctor, but it should not exceed the adult dose: 500-1000 mcg in 3 doses. The course of such treatment should last no more than a week.

Why is Paracetamol dangerous for expectant mothers?

Despite its apparent safety, the above drug has a number of serious side effects:

• allergies;
• renal colic;
• risk of anemia;
• the occurrence of aseptic pyuria;
• thrombocytopenia.

Of course, not everyone may experience such disturbances in the functioning of the body.

Paracetamol has the following contraindications for use:

• the presence of individual intolerance;
• kidney and liver pathologies;
• congenital enzymatic disorders;
• blood diseases.

Use of Paracetamol in the first and second trimester

In the first 12 weeks of gestation, all organs and systems of the unborn child are formed. Therefore, it is not recommended to use the presented medical drug, just like any other. However, many pregnant women, even at the slightest discomfort, immediately rush to drink this remedy.

The fetus completes its formation by 18 weeks. Therefore, before this period, try to avoid taking absolutely any drugs. And in the second trimester, medications can no longer cause a mutation in the fetus, but are quite capable of provoking serious changes in the organs of the unborn child. So, the advisability of using Paracetamol during such a period is determined by the doctor.

If in the second trimester, folk remedies in the form of massage, breathing and physical exercises do not help you with any pain, then occasional use of Paracetamol is acceptable in consultation with a specialist.

As a result, it should be noted that the medication presented in the review is one of the safest and most harmless analgesics for expectant mothers, even taking into account the possibility of side effects.

During pregnancy, a woman is especially afraid of getting sick - it is impossible to predict in advance exactly how it will affect a small child. When it’s only the 1st trimester, the panic only increases: the fetus is still so tiny, no more than an orange. It's so easy to accidentally hurt him. If the mother feels unwell, lies down with a cough or fever, this will definitely affect the baby. What to do? Take medicine? Regular paracetamol, which was taken before pregnancy, 1 or 2 tablets: the disease should go away as if by hand. But wait, if you could drink everything so calmly before, isn’t it forbidden for pregnant women?

The main active substance in paracetamol tablets, oddly enough, is paracetamol itself. It acts very precisely, without spreading throughout the body. Therefore, you don’t have to worry: it will hardly get into the fruit. Its main target is prostaglandins. They increase inflammation, so paracetamol blocks them, reducing their total volume in the body. This helps relieve pain and reduce fever.

Of course, paracetamol is part of the group of medications that are safe to take during pregnancy. In addition, this substance is one of the most recommended among pediatricians and therapists. If you are choosing between it and something else, then it is better to stop at this particular drug.

It is often included in various combination medications. It must be remembered that the presence of a given substance in the composition is not an indicator of quality. Paracetamol itself is not very dangerous, but in combination with other components it sometimes has undesirable effects, especially if it is only the 1st trimester of pregnancy.

What does it cure?

Before pregnancy, every woman has a list of medications that she takes in a given situation: for headaches - one thing, for cough and fever - another. However, while waiting for a child, many items on their list are combined: it turns out that the same medicine works great in completely different cases. Paracetamol is just such a drug. It has a wide variety of actions:

• Pain reliever (headache, muscle and joint pain)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antipyretic (colds, flu, high fever)

Let's take a closer look at 2 cases that can be found in many women during pregnancy in the 1st trimester.

1 trouble – headache. Toxicosis in the 2nd or 3rd month is truly merciless for pregnant women, and its manifestations are limitless. Terrible migraines bypass rare lucky women. Since the old medications you used to take are now banned, you have little choice. And many women stop it with paracetamol. But remember: there are several restrictions on admission.

• Do not take more than half a tablet at a time.
• Do not take more than 3 times a day.
• Do not take out the medicine if the pain no longer bothers you - paracetamol is not suitable for prevention.

2 trouble – colds. Before going to the pharmacy, try to heal yourself with traditional methods: hot tea with lemon and honey in bed or chicken broth should help. If the temperature does not subside, then feel free to take out paracetamol. And don't forget about a few rules.

• Do not take the medicine if the temperature lasts less than a day.
• Do not take tablets if the temperature is less than 38 o.
• Do not continue treatment for more than 3 or 4 days. If paracetamol does not help, then you have more serious problems than a common cold.
• Do not use the drug more than 2 times a day, if necessary - 3 times a day.

If you are now carrying not your first child, but 2 or 3, you, of course, should know all these rules. But if you feel unwell, do not panic and do not take handfuls of pills: this is even more dangerous than a cold or flu for a child, especially if it is only the 1st trimester.

Trouble

Before you start taking paracetamol during pregnancy, make sure you can take this pill at all. Do not forget that each medicine has its own contraindications.

• Liver dysfunction
• Allergic reactions to the drug
• Problems with the hematopoietic system

If you are treated in spite of them, one disease will turn into several. And although the 1st trimester is the time when the fetus is just beginning to develop, it may already have the same contraindications. Therefore, be sure to consult your doctor, even if you are currently carrying your 2nd or 3rd child.

At the same time, each drug has its own consequences. Each of them is much more dangerous for pregnant women than for ordinary women who are not carrying their child in the womb. When taking paracetamol, you should be aware of what you may experience.

Paracetamol is a well-known and inexpensive drug. It is effective, fast acting, and most importantly, it is multifunctional. Paracetamol will provide relief from painful menstruation and will quickly help with headaches, toothaches and other types of pain. And, in addition, it has the property of lowering high temperatures.

This property is extremely important for pregnant women who are contraindicated in taking aspirin.

It must be said that when pregnancy occurs, a woman’s body becomes susceptible to a variety of diseases. The risk of “catching” some virus or infection in a crowded place especially increases. But, as you know, most well-known medications are contraindicated for pregnant women. In general, it is not advisable to take even approved pills during this period.

But, of course, no one is immune from the disease. Then treatment is necessary and medication cannot be avoided. Very often, paracetamol is prescribed as an analgesic and antipyretic drug. In what cases is paracetamol prescribed during pregnancy, instructions, dosage of the drug, what? Let's find out right now. To do this, we will use the original instructions from the medicine package. We will also study other trustworthy sources, in particular, reviews of medical specialists about this drug.

Is it possible to take paracetamol during pregnancy?

In general, this medicine is used as an analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory agent. For example, it is prescribed for pain (not very severe) to eliminate it, as well as to lower the temperature during the development of inflammatory diseases.

Since the drug is considered the safest drug for expectant mothers, doctors often recommend it for treatment. Paracetamol can also be taken by women who are breastfeeding.

Of course, it is better for the expectant mother to give up the pills altogether, but a high temperature may become too dangerous both for herself and for the unborn child. Therefore, the lesser of two evils is chosen, and doctors prescribe paracetamol. It acts similarly to aspirin and analgin, but unlike them, paracetamol can be taken during pregnancy. True, only a doctor can prescribe it; taking the medicine on your own, at your own discretion, is dangerous for a pregnant woman. The doctor will determine the advisability of its use and prescribe an acceptable dosage.

What are the contraindications and side effects of paracetamol?

The medicine has few contraindications. Among them are alcoholism, which is already unacceptable during pregnancy, the body’s sensitivity to it, as well as diseases of the hematopoietic system, kidneys and liver.

However, you need to know that the medicine has quite a lot of side effects. Among them are allergic manifestations, anemia, and the occurrence of renal colic. Interstitial glomerulonephritis may develop. Sometimes aseptic pyuria, as well as agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenia, may appear.

What is the dosage of paracetamol during pregnancy? What do the instructions say?

Paracetamol tablets are usually prescribed at 500 mg. The daily dose can be 1.5 g of the drug. The dosage is divided into 3-4 doses. The medicine is taken before meals, washed down with clean water. Never take tablets with tea or coffee. It must be said that the final decision on the dosage regimen will be made by the doctor, based on individual factors.

For example, if a patient has renal failure, a dosage is prescribed that is halved. If there is a need, according to indications, paracetamol can be prescribed in a daily dosage of up to 4 g. If we are talking about the treatment of pregnant women, they are usually prescribed a dosage of 200 mg (in tablets). The doctor can replace the tablet form with a safer one - syrup or suspension.

Paracetamol while breastfeeding

This medicine is not contraindicated for nursing mothers. On the contrary, it is considered the safest among other drugs. Only it is prescribed in small, acceptable dosages. At a low dosage, observing an interval of 4-6 hours between doses, its content in breast milk will be minimal.

Folk remedies

Every expectant mother understands that she is responsible for maintaining not only her own health. She is responsible for the unborn baby. Therefore, treatment measures should be taken at the first signs of a cold. You should not wait until your health deteriorates so much that you have to take pills. Therefore, traditional medicine recipes that are not dangerous for pregnant women, but very effective, will come to the rescue.

For example, if signs of fever appear, drink a cup of tea with brewed dried raspberries and linden blossom. For inflammation and sore throat, drink hot milk with honey and butter.

Horseradish root, a well-known immunostimulant, is a very good treatment for colds. It has been used for centuries to treat colds in pregnant women. You need to wash it thoroughly, peel the spine, and grate it on a fine grater. Now put the pulp in a bowl, add the same amount of sugar. Stir. Place in a dark but warm place overnight. In the morning, using gauze, express the released juice, squeeze out the pulp. The resulting natural medicine should be taken 1 tbsp. l. in 1-2 hours.

Well, if the initial period of a cold has been missed, the disease progresses, and the temperature has risen to 38 degrees or higher, take half a tablet of paracetamol, call a doctor and begin the prescribed treatment. Be healthy!