Is it safe to take paracetamol to relieve menstrual pain?

“Paracetamol is often used to relieve menstrual pain. The maximum recommended dose is 4 grams per day or 1000 mg per dose. However, it must also be adjusted to one’s health condition.”

Halodoc, Jakarta – Menstrual pain or dysmenorrhea is a common condition that occurs in women during menstruation. When you have menstruation, the wall inside the uterus will contract while the lining of the uterus sheds, in the form of menstrual blood.

When the uterus sheds its lining, the blood vessels constrict so that blood and oxygen cannot flow into the uterus. This condition only occurs temporarily during menstruation. Lack of oxygen triggers a chemical signal with the body’s response as pain.

Symptoms of pain that appear can be stomach cramps, headaches, or back pain. To relieve these symptoms, many women choose to take pain relievers, one of which is paracetamol. Taking paracetamol is very helpful, especially for women who cannot take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, is it safe to take paracetamol to relieve menstrual pain?

Know the Uses of Paracetamol

Paracetamol is a pain reliever drug that belongs to the analgesic group. The way this drug works is by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are compounds that trigger pain and inflammation in the body. In this case, paracetamol can help reduce pain that comes from menstrual pain. To find out more, you can read articles about the benefits and side effects of Paracetamol.

Paracetamol Side Effects

However, like other medicines, paracetamol also has side effects to watch out for. Some of the side effects that may occur if you take paracetamol in excess are:

1. Liver damage

Taking paracetamol in too high doses can cause liver damage. This effect will be more visible if you take paracetamol with alcohol.

2. Indigestion

The use of paracetamol in excessive doses can also cause digestive disorders, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

3. Allergic reactions

Some people can experience an allergic reaction to paracetamol. Allergy symptoms that may occur are skin rashes, itching, and shortness of breath.

Recommended Dosage

Therefore, it is very important to take paracetamol according to the dosage recommendations. The maximum recommended dose for paracetamol is 4 grams per day or around 1000 mg per dose. However, this dosage must also be in accordance with individual health conditions, such as age, weight, and medical history.

Also, remember that using paracetamol can only relieve symptoms, not treat the cause. Therefore, if you experience menstrual pain that is very severe, you should immediately consult a doctor to find out the cause and get more appropriate treatment.

Don’t forget to avoid taking paracetamol together with other drugs that contain paracetamol or alcohol. In addition, you should avoid using paracetamol for a long time without a doctor’s supervision.

In conclusion, taking paracetamol to relieve menstrual pain is safe if the dosage is according to the doctor’s recommendations and the consumption is not concurrent with other drugs or alcohol. However, if the symptoms are very severe, you should consult a doctor to get the appropriate treatment.

You can consult an expert doctor via Halodoc. Halodoc makes it easier for you to meet a doctor according to the area closest to where you live. So what are you waiting for, immediately download the application Halodoc from the App Store or Play Store smartphones You.

Reference:

CAN Lifestyle. Retrieved 2023. Why menstrual cramps hurt a lot – and what painkillers and natural remedies to try

Dr Felix. Accessed in 2023. Is Paracetamol or Ibuprofen better for period pain?

Drugs. Accessed in 2023. Paracetamol: 7 things you should know

Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 2023. Menstrual cramps