There are many reasons for using paracetamol, and we will review them in this article through the Dalili Medical website. What is paracetamol? Follow us in this article, as we will provide you with its reasons for use in addition to explaining everything related to paracetamol.

What is paracetamol?

 

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is an effective painkiller used to relieve pain and high fever. It is used to treat a variety of pains, including headaches, muscle and joint pain, back pain, and toothache, in addition to relieving the symptoms of colds. It is considered one of the most effective treatments for reducing body temperature, as its effect begins within an hour of taking it. Paracetamol is widely available in the form of tablets and capsules, and it can also be obtained in the form of syrup or water-soluble tablets, making it suitable for those who cannot swallow tablets or capsules. Among its well-known brand names are: Disprol, Hedex, Medinoll, and Panadol.

Is paracetamol considered a narcotic?

 

No, it is used to relieve mild to moderate pain, such as headaches and flu pain, and there is no need to worry, as paracetamol is not addictive.

When does the effect of paracetamol start?

 

The effect of the drug begins about 30 minutes after taking the dose.

How long does the effect of paracetamol last?

 

The effect of paracetamol usually lasts for 4 to 6 hours.

How many paracetamol tablets are allowed to be taken per day?

 

You can take one or two tablets of this medicine four times a day, with the necessity of not exceeding 8 tablets per day. It is preferable to consult a doctor or pharmacist to determine the appropriate dose if you suffer from chronic diseases or take other medications.

1. How does paracetamol work?

 

Paracetamol is an effective pain reliever and also works to reduce fever. Paracetamol tablets are used to treat a variety of conditions, such as headaches, muscle pain, arthritis, back pain, and fever. It helps relieve pain caused by mild arthritis, but does not affect inflammation or edema.

2. Can I use paracetamol for a long time?

 

Acetaminophen or paracetamol is an effective treatment for mild to moderate pain and fever in adults and children, provided it is used according to the directions in the product information. The maximum dose should not be exceeded in 24 hours.

3. Is paracetamol better than ibuprofen?

 

Choosing the right medicine to treat pain depends on the type of pain you are experiencing. Paracetamol and ibuprofen work in different ways, so paracetamol may be more effective at treating certain types of pain. Paracetamol is usually recommended for most types of pain, such as headaches and stomach pain, while ibuprofen may be more effective at relieving menstrual cramps or toothache.

4. Can I drink alcohol with paracetamol?

 

In general, drinking small amounts of alcohol while using acetaminophen is considered safe. It is best to stick to the recommended guidelines, which state that you should not exceed 14 units of alcohol per week. However, drinking alcohol with acetaminophen may not be safe if you have certain health conditions, such as liver problems.

5. How should I take Paracetamol 500mg tablets?

 

Paracetamol 500mg tablets should be taken according to the instructions on the pack or as directed by your doctor. The usual dose for adults and children over 12 years of age is 500mg to 1000mg every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed 4000mg in 24 hours.

6. Can I take ibuprofen and paracetamol together?

 

You can take ibuprofen and paracetamol together, as they each work in different ways to relieve pain and reduce fever. Combining them may be more effective for treating some types of pain. However, it is important to follow the dosage recommendations and consult your healthcare provider.

7. What should I know about paracetamol dosage?

 

The appropriate dose of paracetamol depends on your age, weight, and health condition. It is important not to exceed the recommended dose to avoid liver damage, as adults should not take more than 4000 mg in 24 hours.

8. What are Panadol tablets used for?

 

Panadol tablets containing paracetamol are used to treat mild to moderate pain and fever. They are commonly used to treat headaches, muscle pain, arthritis, backache, toothache, colds and fever.

9. Is Paracetamol 500 mg strong?

 

Paracetamol is a mild pain reliever and fever reducer, and is recommended for treating most painful conditions and fever, such as headaches including migraines, toothache, neuralgia, colds and flu, sore throat and backache.

What happens if I miss a dose of Paracetamol?

 

If you miss a dose of Paracetamol, it will not have a significant effect on your body, as this medicine is considered mild. Missed doses usually do not cause any health problems. However, it is best not to take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

What happens if you take an overdose of paracetamol?

 

An overdose of paracetamol can cause damage to your liver or kidneys. If you take more than the recommended amount, it can have a negative impact on your health. This can affect your body's functions and lead to allergic reactions, such as rashes, swelling of the throat, serious skin problems, and other complications. It is advisable not to take this medicine if you suffer from any type of allergy. It is important to consult a doctor about the appropriate dose of paracetamol and check if you have taken an overdose.

Stages of paracetamol poisoning

Paracetamol poisoning consists of four main stages, which are as follows:

**Stage 1:** This stage begins half an hour after taking the dose,It lasts up to 24 hours after the dose.

**The second stage:** This stage begins after the end of the first stage, and continues up to 72 hours after taking the dose.

**The third stage:** It begins after 72 hours of the onset of poisoning symptoms, and continues up to 96 hours.

**The fourth stage:** This stage begins on the fourth day of poisoning, and continues for two weeks.

**Safe dose for children**

- **Children from 11 to 12 years old:** The safe dose ranges from 320 to 480 milligrams every 4 to 6 hours as needed.

- **Children from 9 to 11 years old:** The safe dose ranges from 320 to 400 milligrams every 4 to 6 hours as needed.

- **Children from 6 to 9 years old:** The safe dose is 320 milligrams every 4 to 6 hours as needed.

- **Children aged 4 to 6 years:** The safe dose is 240 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed.

- **Children aged 2 to 4 years:** The safe dose is 160 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed.

- **Children under 2 years:** The safe dose and method of use should be determined by the doctor.

For intravenous or injection doses, they can be given as a single or repeated dose, and this dose depends on the child's weight or age. The recommended safe doses for children are as follows:

- **From 2 to 12 years:** They are given 12.5 mg per kilogram of the child's weight every 4 hours, or 15 mg per kilogram of the child's weight every 6 hours.

- **Children aged 13 years or older weighing less than 50 kilograms:** They are given 12.5 milligrams per kilogram of the child's weight every 4 hours, or 15 milligrams per kilogram.

Types of paracetamol

Most types of paracetamol (Panadol) can be obtained from markets or pharmacies, while some types require a prescription.

Paracetamol is available in the following forms:

- Tablets or capsules

- Capsules

- Liquid, this form is often used for children

- Soluble tablets (dissolved in water to make a drink)

- Suppositories (capsules inserted into the back passage of the body)

- Injections given into a vein, usually only used in hospitals.

**Does paracetamol cause drowsiness?**

 

No, studies have not proven that paracetamol causes drowsiness. However, you may feel tired and exhausted after taking it. It is worth noting that some forms of paracetamol contain antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, which may cause drowsiness and dizziness.

**Does paracetamol cause miscarriage?**

 

Doctors usually warn pregnant women against taking medications for fear of the risk of miscarriage, such as anti-inflammatory medications and aspirin. However, most doctors agree that paracetamol does not pose a risk during pregnancy. However, pregnant women are advised to avoid some medications, especially in the first three months, such as:

- Antifungals, which should be consulted with a doctor before taking them.

- Aspirin, as it may affect the fetus at all stages of pregnancy.

- Medications for treating acne and skin problems that may appear during pregnancy.

- Antidepressants, which may have a negative effect.

- Travel vaccines, such as the malaria vaccine, which may harm the fetus.

- Sedatives, which are not considered safe for you and your fetus.

**Before taking the medication**

The medication should be avoided if the person is allergic to paracetamol.

A doctor or pharmacist should be consulted to ensure that paracetamol is safe for people with:

- Liver disease

- A history of alcohol abuse or alcoholism

There is no confirmed information about the effect of paracetamol on the fetus. Therefore, pregnant women should inform their doctor before taking paracetamol. The drug can also pass from mother to child through breast milk, which may pose a risk to the infant. Therefore, it is recommended that mothers who are breastfeeding should not take paracetamol without a prescription.

Who can use paracetamol

Most people can safely take paracetamol, including:

- Breastfeeding women

- Children under two years of age, with the need to give them relatively low doses

If a person is not sure whether they can take paracetamol, it is recommended to read the enclosed medical leaflet or consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Medical advice should be sought before taking paracetamol in the following cases:

- If a person suffers from kidney or liver problems

- If he has problems related to alcohol consumption, such as long-term alcohol abuse

- If he suffers from severe weight loss

- If he is taking other medications

Paracetamol should be avoided if there is a previous allergy to it.

**Symptoms of paracetamol poisoning**

 

Paracetamol poisoning shows mild signs in its early stages, but it is necessary to diagnose cases of poisoning in these early stages to avoid the risk of liver damage.

**Stages of paracetamol poisoning**

 

Poisoning is divided into four stages, where symptoms worsen as follows:

1. **Symptoms of the first stage of poisoning**

Symptoms at this stage include the following:

- Feeling nauseous. 

- Vomiting. 

- Increased sweating. 

- Feeling weak and tired.

2. **Symptoms of the second stage of poisoning**

At this stage, the patient may feel better, but at the same time liver or kidney damage begins to develop, which can only be diagnosed through laboratory tests. 

After 36 hours, the patient may begin to feel abdominal pain, especially in the upper right area where the liver is located.

**3. Symptoms of the third stage of poisoning**

At this stage, the patient returns to experiencing the symptoms that appeared in the first stage, but they are more severe. In addition, new symptoms appear, including:

- Hepatitis.

- Hepatic encephalopathy.

- Increased level of anemia.

**4. Symptoms of the fourth stage of poisoning**

If the patient survivesDeath After passing the first three stages of poisoning, recovery begins and the previous symptoms disappear, and the liver regains its normal activity.

It is important to note that paracetamol poisoning does not lead to long-term damage to the liver, provided that the patient recovers after passing the four stages of poisoning.

**How ​​to take paracetamol**

 

You must make sure to take paracetamol according to the instructions in the attached leaflet or on the label, or as directed by the doctor. The appropriate dose depends on the person's age, weight, type of paracetamol used, and its strength. For example:

Adults can take one or two tablets of paracetamol (500 mg) every 4 to 6 hours, but the total dose should not exceed 4 grams (i.e. 8 tablets of 500 mg) during a 24-hour period.

As for children under the age of 16, they need a lower dose, depending on their age or weight. It is advisable to check the package or leaflet, or consult a doctor or pharmacist for appropriate advice. For young children, paracetamol should be given using a measuring spoon or oral syringe.

The effect of paracetamol usually begins within an hour and lasts for several hours. The recommended dose should not be exceeded, unless the dose taken is not enough to relieve symptoms. Adults can take ibuprofen at the same time if necessary, but this is not recommended for children. Be careful not to use paracetamol as a dietary supplement.

**Taking paracetamol with other medicines**

 

Paracetamol can interact unexpectedly with other medicines, which can affect how well the medicines work and increase side effects.

It may not be safe to take paracetamol with some products that contain it, including those that contain it, such as:

- **Carbamazepine**: used to treat epilepsy and some types of pain.

- **Cholesteramine**: used to relieve itching caused by primary biliary cirrhosis (a type of liver disease).

- **Imatinib and busulfan**: used to treat certain types of cancer.

- **Ketoconazole**: A type of antifungal medication.

- **Lixisenate**: Used to treat type 2 diabetes.

- **Metoclopramide**: Used to relieve nausea and vomiting.

- **Phenobarbital, phenytoin and primidone**: Used to control seizures.

- **Warfarin**: Used to prevent blood clots.

There are no known side effects of taking paracetamol with any type of food.

**Paracetamol side effects**

Paracetamol side effects are rare, but may include some of the following:

- **Allergic reactions**: Such as skin rash and swelling.

- **Low blood pressure**: May be accompanied by a rapid heartbeat and flushing, and these symptoms often occur when paracetamol is given intravenously in hospital.

- **Blood disorders**: Such as low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) or low white blood cells.

- **Kidney and liver problems**: may occur when taking high doses of paracetamol, and these conditions may be life-threatening in some severe cases.

It is important to consult a doctor if any side effects appear that are believed to be caused by the use of paracetamol.

**Paracetamol damage to the liver**

Paracetamol can cause liver damage when taking high doses of it, especially if it is used for a long time without medical advice. Symptoms that may appear in this case include:

- Jaundice, where the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow.

- Diarrhea.

- Increased sweating.

- Loss of appetite.

- Feeling nauseous and vomiting.

- Severe pain in the abdominal area.

- Swelling and bloating in the upper abdomen.

- Pale face and skin.

- Feeling tired and exhausted.

- Dark urine, similar to the color of soda or black tea.

- Black stool.

- Unexplained weight loss.

It is necessary to go to the nearest emergency center immediately upon the appearance of any of the above symptoms, as neglecting to treat paracetamol poisoning may have serious consequences.

**Paracetamol damage to the heart**

 

A study indicated that prolonged use of paracetamol may lead to high blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease by up to 20%. However, these results are preliminary and insufficient, and paracetamol will not cause any damage to the heart if the doctor's instructions are followed carefully.

**Paracetamol damage to the kidneys**

 

Taking excessive doses of paracetamol can lead to kidney failure, causing symptoms such as fluid retention and decreased urination. However, the likelihood of this happening is very low, as it does not exceed 2% according to studies.

**Paracetamol damage to the skin**

 

In some rare cases, paracetamol may cause a rash and allergies, and these symptoms may be accompanied by the following:

- Severe itching.

- Swelling of the face, mouth, and throat.

- Painful ulcers, especially in the mouth or lips.

- Shortness of breath.

- Difficulty swallowing.

In this case, it is necessary to go to the nearest emergency center.

**Tips for using paracetamol**

It is best to take paracetamol tablets or any of its other pharmaceutical forms according to the doctor's instructions, with the necessity of not exceeding the specified dose.

The maximum daily dose of paracetamol is 4 grams, and it is recommended to avoid exceeding this amount (i.e. 4000 mg, or 8 tablets of 500 mg).

If the pain persists or the patient's temperature rises for a long period, such as a fever for more than three days or pain persists for more than 7 days for adults and 5 days for children, or if any redness or rash appears while taking the medicine, it is preferable to see a doctor.

Paracetamol can be taken before or during a meal. If it causes stomach upset, it is recommended to take it during a meal or with food.

It should be avoidedDeath After passing the first three stages of poisoning, recovery begins and the previous symptoms disappear, and the liver regains its normal activity.

It is important to note that paracetamol poisoning does not lead to long-term damage to the liver, provided that the patient recovers after passing the four stages of poisoning.

**How ​​to take paracetamol**

You must make sure to take paracetamol according to the instructions in the attached leaflet or on the label, or as directed by the doctor. The appropriate dose depends on the person's age, weight, type of paracetamol used, and its strength. For example:

Adults can take one or two tablets of paracetamol (500 mg) every 4 to 6 hours, but the total dose should not exceed 4 grams (i.e. 8 tablets of 500 mg) during a 24-hour period.

As for children under the age of 16, they need a lower dose, depending on their age or weight. It is advisable to check the package or leaflet, or consult a doctor or pharmacist for appropriate advice. For young children, paracetamol should be given using a measuring spoon or oral syringe.

The effect of paracetamol usually begins within an hour and lasts for several hours. The recommended dose should not be exceeded, unless the dose taken is not enough to relieve symptoms. Adults can take ibuprofen at the same time if necessary, but this is not recommended for children. Be careful not to use paracetamol as a dietary supplement.

**Taking paracetamol with other medicines**

 

Paracetamol can interact unexpectedly with other medicines, which can affect how well the medicines work and increase side effects.

It may not be safe to take paracetamol with some products that contain it, including those that contain it, such as:

- **Carbamazepine**: used to treat epilepsy and some types of pain.

- **Cholesteramine**: used to relieve itching caused by primary biliary cirrhosis (a type of liver disease).

- **Imatinib and busulfan**: used to treat certain types of cancer.

- **Ketoconazole**: A type of antifungal medication.

- **Lixisenate**: Used to treat type 2 diabetes.

- **Metoclopramide**: Used to relieve nausea and vomiting.

- **Phenobarbital, phenytoin and primidone**: Used to control seizures.

- **Warfarin**: Used to prevent blood clots.

There are no known side effects of taking paracetamol with any type of food.

**Paracetamol side effects**

Paracetamol side effects are rare, but may include some of the following:

- **Allergic reactions**: Such as skin rash and swelling.

- **Low blood pressure**: May be accompanied by a rapid heartbeat and flushing, and these symptoms often occur when paracetamol is given intravenously in hospital.

- **Blood disorders**: Such as low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) or low white blood cells.

- **Kidney and liver problems**: may occur when taking high doses of paracetamol, and these conditions may be life-threatening in some severe cases.

It is important to consult a doctor if any side effects appear that are believed to be caused by the use of paracetamol.

**Paracetamol damage to the liver**

Paracetamol can cause liver damage when taking high doses of it, especially if it is used for a long time without medical advice. Symptoms that may appear in this case include:

- Jaundice, where the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow.

- Diarrhea.

- Increased sweating.

- Loss of appetite.

- Feeling nauseous and vomiting.

- Severe pain in the abdominal area.

- Swelling and bloating in the upper abdomen.

- Pale face and skin.

- Feeling tired and exhausted.

- Dark urine, similar to the color of soda or black tea.

- Black stool.

- Unexplained weight loss.

It is necessary to go to the nearest emergency center immediately upon the appearance of any of the above symptoms, as neglecting to treat paracetamol poisoning may have serious consequences.

**Paracetamol damage to the heart**

 

A study indicated that prolonged use of paracetamol may lead to high blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease by up to 20%. However, these results are preliminary and insufficient, and paracetamol will not cause any damage to the heart if the doctor's instructions are followed carefully.

**Paracetamol damage to the kidneys**

 

Taking excessive doses of paracetamol can lead to kidney failure, causing symptoms such as fluid retention and decreased urination. However, the likelihood of this happening is very low, as it does not exceed 2% according to studies.

**Paracetamol damage to the skin**

In some rare cases, paracetamol may cause a rash and allergies, and these symptoms may be accompanied by the following:

- Severe itching.

- Swelling of the face, mouth, and throat.

- Painful ulcers, especially in the mouth or lips.

- Shortness of breath.

- Difficulty swallowing.

In this case, it is necessary to go to the nearest emergency center.

**Tips for using paracetamol**

It is best to take paracetamol tablets or any of its other pharmaceutical forms according to the doctor's instructions, with the necessity of not exceeding the specified dose.

The maximum daily dose of paracetamol is 4 grams, and it is recommended to avoid exceeding this amount (i.e. 4000 mg, or 8 tablets of 500 mg).

If the pain persists or the patient's temperature rises for a long period, such as a fever for more than three days or pain persists for more than 7 days for adults and 5 days for children, or if any redness or rash appears while taking the medicine, it is preferable to see a doctor.

Paracetamol can be taken before or during a meal. If it causes stomach upset, it is recommended to take it during a meal or with food.

It should be avoidedDeath After passing the first three stages of poisoning, recovery begins and the previous symptoms disappear, and the liver regains its normal activity.

It is important to note that paracetamol poisoning does not lead to long-term damage to the liver, provided that the patient recovers after passing the four stages of poisoning.

**How ​​to take paracetamol**

 

You must make sure to take paracetamol according to the instructions in the attached leaflet or on the label, or as directed by the doctor. The appropriate dose depends on the person's age, weight, type of paracetamol used, and its strength. For example:

Adults can take one or two tablets of paracetamol (500 mg) every 4 to 6 hours, but the total dose should not exceed 4 grams (i.e. 8 tablets of 500 mg) during a 24-hour period.

As for children under the age of 16, they need a lower dose, depending on their age or weight. It is advisable to check the package or leaflet, or consult a doctor or pharmacist for appropriate advice. For young children, paracetamol should be given using a measuring spoon or oral syringe.

The effect of paracetamol usually begins within an hour and lasts for several hours. The recommended dose should not be exceeded, unless the dose taken is not enough to relieve symptoms. Adults can take ibuprofen at the same time if necessary, but this is not recommended for children. Be careful not to use paracetamol as a dietary supplement.

**Taking paracetamol with other medicines**

 

Paracetamol can interact unexpectedly with other medicines, which can affect how well the medicines work and increase side effects.

It may not be safe to take paracetamol with some products that contain it, including those that contain it, such as:

- **Carbamazepine**: used to treat epilepsy and some types of pain.

- **Cholesteramine**: used to relieve itching caused by primary biliary cirrhosis (a type of liver disease).

- **Imatinib and busulfan**: used to treat certain types of cancer.

- **Ketoconazole**: A type of antifungal medication.

- **Lixisenate**: Used to treat type 2 diabetes.

- **Metoclopramide**: Used to relieve nausea and vomiting.

- **Phenobarbital, phenytoin and primidone**: Used to control seizures.

- **Warfarin**: Used to prevent blood clots.

There are no known side effects of taking paracetamol with any type of food.

**Paracetamol side effects**

Paracetamol side effects are rare, but may include some of the following:

- **Allergic reactions**: Such as skin rash and swelling.

- **Low blood pressure**: May be accompanied by a rapid heartbeat and flushing, and these symptoms often occur when paracetamol is given intravenously in hospital.

- **Blood disorders**: Such as low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) or low white blood cells.

- **Kidney and liver problems**: may occur when taking high doses of paracetamol, and these conditions may be life-threatening in some severe cases.

It is important to consult a doctor if any side effects appear that are believed to be caused by the use of paracetamol.

**Paracetamol damage to the liver**

Paracetamol can cause liver damage when taking high doses of it, especially if it is used for a long time without medical advice. Symptoms that may appear in this case include:

- Jaundice, where the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow.

- Diarrhea.

- Increased sweating.

- Loss of appetite.

- Feeling nauseous and vomiting.

- Severe pain in the abdominal area.

- Swelling and bloating in the upper abdomen.

- Pale face and skin.

- Feeling tired and exhausted.

- Dark urine, similar to the color of soda or black tea.

- Black stool.

- Unexplained weight loss.

It is necessary to go to the nearest emergency center immediately upon the appearance of any of the above symptoms, as neglecting to treat paracetamol poisoning may have serious consequences.

**Paracetamol damage to the heart**

A study indicated that prolonged use of paracetamol may lead to high blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease by up to 20%. However, these results are preliminary and insufficient, and paracetamol will not cause any damage to the heart if the doctor's instructions are followed carefully.

**Paracetamol damage to the kidneys**

Taking excessive doses of paracetamol can lead to kidney failure, causing symptoms such as fluid retention and decreased urination. However, the likelihood of this happening is very low, as it does not exceed 2% according to studies.

**Paracetamol damage to the skin**

In some rare cases, paracetamol may cause a rash and allergies, and these symptoms may be accompanied by the following:

- Severe itching.

- Swelling of the face, mouth, and throat.

- Painful ulcers, especially in the mouth or lips.

- Shortness of breath.

- Difficulty swallowing.

In this case, it is necessary to go to the nearest emergency center.

**Tips for using paracetamol**

It is best to take paracetamol tablets or any of its other pharmaceutical forms according to the doctor's instructions, with the necessity of not exceeding the specified dose.

The maximum daily dose of paracetamol is 4 grams, and it is recommended to avoid exceeding this amount (i.e. 4000 mg, or 8 tablets of 500 mg).

If the pain persists or the patient's temperature rises for a long period, such as a fever for more than three days or pain persists for more than 7 days for adults and 5 days for children, or if any redness or rash appears while taking the medicine, it is preferable to see a doctor.

Paracetamol can be taken before or during a meal. If it causes stomach upset, it is recommended to take it during a meal or with food.

It should be avoidedTake paracetamol with any other medications that contain acetaminophen (or paracetamol), such as cold or flu medications, to avoid exceeding the maximum permitted dose.

It is important to choose the appropriate package and read the concentration written on it carefully, in addition to checking the expiration date and storage conditions of the medication.

The dose can be given every 4 hours maximum between doses, with a maximum of four doses per day, with the total daily dose not exceeding 4 grams, regardless of the child's weight. It is preferable to use a syringe to measure the medication in milliliters to avoid errors resulting from using other measuring tools such as the bottle cap or spoon.

The medication should be given only when needed, and not regularly, which means not waking the child to give the dose unnecessarily, as if the medication were an antibiotic.

The medication should not be given at the same time as other medications such as cough syrup, antibiotics or vitamins, to avoid unwanted drug interactions and to improve the absorption of the medication, as this may negatively affect the effectiveness of the medication and the duration of its effect in the body.

It is important to record the amounts and timing of doses in a special paper or notebook, and review it before giving any subsequent dose, to avoid errors in the amount and timing of the dose.

Make sure that the medicine box is tightly closed, and stored in a safe place out of the reach of children, and at the appropriate storage temperature. The medicine box should also be disposed of and not used if any changes are noticed on it.