People who develop symptoms of pain or fever may experience relief from discomfort after taking a dose of paracetamol, which is more commonly known as acetaminophen in the United States. This analgesic drug is available over-the-counter and is typically administered orally as a capsule, tablet or liquid. The side effects of paracetamol are limited, but patients should discuss these effects with a medical professional if they occur.
Skin Rash
Treatment with paracetamol may cause skin rash side effects in certain patients, according to Cancer Research UK. The affected skin region may appear inflamed, red or dry, and may begin to itch. Skin rash side effects caused by paracetamol are temporary and resolve once treatment with this medication ends.
Liver Damage
Patients who take frequent or unusually large doses of paracetamol may sustain liver damage. Side effects of liver damage include nausea, diminished appetite, stomach pain, unusually dark urine and light or clay-colored stools, Drugs.com warns. Liver damage may also cause patients to develop an abnormal yellow color across their skin or within their eyes, a side effect known as jaundice. Patients who exhibit any signs of liver damage while taking paracetamol should stop treatment with this medication and contact a doctor immediately.
Anaphylactic Reaction
Infrequently, hypersensitive patients may experience a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis after taking a dose of paracetamol. Allergic reaction side effects may include hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, facial or oral swelling, hives or itching, MedlinePlus reports. In the absence of immediate medical care, patients may experience fatal complications following an allergic reaction to paracetamol.
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