Paracetamol is a commonly used medicine that can help treat mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. It is typically used to relieve headaches, toothaches, backaches, menstrual periods, muscle strains, and aches and pains due to colds and flu. Paracetamol doesn’t treat the cause of pain, it just eases the feeling of pain. It is available over the counter in pharmacies, supermarkets, and other shops. Paracetamol can be taken orally as a tablet, liquid, chewable tablet, or dissolving/effervescent tablet. It is also available in suppository form. Paracetamol is safe for most people to take, and side effects are rare. However, it is dangerous to take more than the recommended dose of paracetamol, as an overdose can damage the liver and cause death. Paracetamol can interact unpredictably with certain other medications, so it is important to check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking it with other medicines.