Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, panadol or tylenol, is a mild analgesic used to treat mild to moderate pain and fever. It is most commonly adminstered by mouth (in both soluble and tablet form) but can also be administered rectally or intravenously. Effects last between two and four hours.[1]
Use in chronic fatigue syndrome
Acetaminophen is commonly used alone and in combination with other painkillers to alleviate painful syptoms such as sore throat, headache, muscle pain, and joint pain, as well as low-grade fever relief.
Combinations
Acetaminophen is commonly paired with opiates such as codeine or tramadol, and/or with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen or diclofenac. This can help relieve moderate to strong pain.
Evidence
The Canadian Consensus Criteria suggests using acetaminophen for ME/CFS as a "baseline analgesic", stating that it has a weak effect but few side effects.[2]
Dose
Suggested dose is 1-4 325mg tablets, every 4 hours as needed.[2]
Costs and availability
Acetaminophen is widely available at low cost. It can usually be purchased off the shelf without prescription.
Learn more
See also
References
- ↑ "Acetaminophen Monograph for Professionals". Drugs.com. Retrieved April 27, 2019.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Carruthers, Bruce M.; Jain, Anil Kumar; De Meirleir, Kenny L.; Peterson, Daniel L.; Klimas, Nancy G.; Lerner, A. Martin; Bested, Alison C.; Flor-Henry, Pierre; Joshi, Pradip; Powles, AC Peter; Sherkey, Jeffrey A.; van de Sande, Marjorie I. (2003), "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Clinical Working Case Definition, Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols" (PDF), Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (pdf), 11 (2): 10, 53–55, doi:10.1300/J092v11n01_02, ISBN 9780789022073
