WHAT IS PARACETAMOL AND WHAT IS IT USED FOR ?
Paracetamol 500mg Tablets belong to a group of medicines called analgesics (painkillers) and are used to treat pain (including headache, toothache, back and period pain) and cold or flu symptoms. The active substance of Paracetamol 500mg Tablets is paracetamol. Each tablet contains 500mg of paracetamol. The other ingredients are maize starch, potassium sorbate, purified talc, stearic acid, povidone, and soluble starch. 

BEFORE TAKING PARACETAMOL 
Do not take paracetamol and tell your doctor if: You are allergic (hypersensitive) to paracetamol or any of the other ingredients in your medicine. Signs of an allergic reaction include a rash and breathing problems. There can also be swelling of the legs, arms, face, throat or tongue. The person going to take the tablets is under 12 years of age. Paracetamol 500mg Tablets must not be given to children under 12 years of age. Do not take paracetamol if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking paracetamol. 

Take special care and check with your doctor before taking paracetamol if: - You have severe kidney or liver problems ;- You have a liver problem caused by alcohol; If you are not sure if any of the above applies to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.
Taking other medicines: Please, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes medicines obtained without a prescription, including herbal medicines. This is because paracetamol can affect the way some other medicines work. Also, some other medicines can affect the way paracetamol works. While taking paracetamol you should not take any other medicines which contain paracetamol. This includes some painkillers, cough and cold remedies. 
Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: - Medicines used to thin the blood, such as warfarin. - Metoclopramide or domperidone - used to stop you feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting). - Colestyramine - for lowering blood cholesterol levels. If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking paracetamol. 

Taking paracetamol with food and drink: You should not drink alcohol while you are taking these tablets. Taking alcohol with paracetamol can increase your chances of getting side effects. 

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Talk to your doctor before taking these tablets if: You are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan to get pregnant. You are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed.

HOW TO TAKE PARACETAMOL 
Always take paracetamol exactly as instructed by your doctor. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.  Do not take more than the recommended dose.If you need to use this medicine for more than three days at a time, see your doctor. 

* Adults and children over 12:  The usual dose of paracetamol is 2 tablets. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water.Wait at least 4 hours before taking another dose. Do not take more than 4 doses in any 24-hour period.

* Children: Paracetamol 500mg Tablets should not be given to children under 12 years of age. If you take more paracetamol then you should: Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose, even if you feel well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage. Remember to take any remaining tablets and the pack with you. This is so the doctor knows what you have taken. 
* If you have forgotten to take paracetamol: If you forget to take a dose at the right time, take it as soon as you remember. However, do not take two doses at or near the same time. Remember to leave at least 4 hours between doses. 

PARACETAMOL POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS 
As with all medicines, paracetamol can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects may happen with this medicine: Stop taking paracetamol and see a doctor or go to a hospital straight away if: - You get swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing. You could also notice an itchy, lumpy rash (hives) or nettle rash (urticaria). This may mean you are having an allergic reaction to paracetamol. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects gets serious or lasts longer than a few days: - You get infections or bruise more easily than usual. This could be because of a blood problem (such as agranulocytosis, neutropenia or thrombocytopenia). This side effect has only happened in a few people taking paracetamol. If any of the side effects gets serious, lasts longer than a few days or you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist. 

HOW TO STORE PARACETAMOL 
Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date shown on the pack. Store your medicine in the original packaging in order to protect from moisture. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. Do not dispose of medicines by flushing down a toilet or sink or by throwing out with your normal household rubbish. This will help protect the environment.