Paracetamol during pregnancy: Is it safe?

Welcome to Newborn Tips! If you are wondering if it is safe to take Tachipirina during pregnancy, you are in the right place. In this article we will go into detail about everything you need to know: when it is recommended, what are the safe dosages and the possible risks to consider.

Continue reading to discover useful information and practical advice for conscious use during pregnancy.

Table of contents

What is the difference between paracetamol and Tachipirina?

To begin with, the difference between paracetamol and Tachipirina is mainly in the fact that the first is the active ingredient, or the chemical substance responsible for the therapeutic effect, used to reduce fever (antipyretic) and relieve pain (analgesic); while the second is a commercial name (or brand) of a drug that contains paracetamol as an active ingredient.

In reality, Tachipirina is one of the best-known brands in Italy, but there are many other drugs with paracetamol sold under different names or as generics.

In short, Tachipirina is a type of paracetamol, but not all paracetamol on the market is sold under the name Tachipirina.

What is Tachipirina used for during pregnancy?

Overall, Tachipirina during pregnancy is mainly used for the reasons listed below:

Reducing fever (antipyretic action)
Relieving mild or moderate pain, such as headache, toothache, muscle and joint pain (analgesic action)

Furthermore, it is often preferred over other drugs because it has a more favorable safety profile during pregnancy, if taken correctly and under medical supervision.

Is Tachipirina safe during pregnancy?

In particular, it is considered one of the safest drugs for the treatment of fever and pain during pregnancy, especially compared to anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, which can have side effects on the fetus.

In addition, it can boast rapid effectiveness, since it acts quickly to reduce fever and relieve pain.

Even more, it has a low risk of side effects if used in the recommended dosages.

How often should Tachipirina be taken during pregnancy?

In any case, the dosage must always be indicated by the doctor, but in general, here is the dosage of Tachipirina pregnancy for greater safety:

Standard dosage: 500 mg or 1000 mg per dose, depending on the needs and medical advice
Interval between doses: At least 4-6 hours between one dose and the other
Maximum daily dose: Do not exceed 3000 mg (3 grams) in 24 hours without specific indications from the doctor

Caution:

Avoid prolonged or frequent use without consulting the doctor
In case of liver problems or other medical conditions, the dosage may need to be reduced
If the fever or pain persists, it is essential to contact the doctor for a more in-depth evaluation

Clarification: Before taking any medication during pregnancy, including Tachipirina, it is always necessary to consult your doctor or gynecologist.

Side effects of Tachipirina during pregnancy

Tachipirina (paracetamol) is generally considered safe during pregnancy if taken in the recommended doses. However, like all medications, it can cause side effects, although they are rare.

To get back to the point, in the following lines we will see the possible side effects:

Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, hives, blurred vision, swelling of the face, lips or throat (rare reaction but requires immediate medical attention)
Liver problems: in case of overdose or prolonged use, it can cause liver damage, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting

How to take Tachipirina during pregnancy?

Granted that taking Tachipirina during pregnancy must always be supervised by a doctor; although it is considered safe if used correctly, it is essential to follow some precautions to reduce the risks. Let’s see below which ones:

Method of taking

Available forms: tablets, syrup, suppositories or orosoluble sachets. The choice depends on personal preference and the doctor’s instructions
With or without food: it can be taken on a full or empty stomach, but in case of gastric disorders it is preferable to take it after meals

Recommended dosage

As for the question that many pregnant women ask, namely: ‘how much paracetamol can you take during pregnancy?’ The safe amount varies based on the health conditions of the mother-to-be.

Standard dose for adults (including pregnant women): 500 mg or 1000 mg per single administration, based on the need and medical advice

However, the lowest effective dose should be preferred for the shortest possible time.

Interval between doses: at least 4-6 hours between one dose and the next
Maximum daily dose: do not exceed 3000 mg (3 grams) in 24 hours without specific indications from the doctor

In some cases, the doctor may recommend a maximum of 4000 mg (4 grams) per day, but only under strict medical supervision.

When to take it?

High fever: if the temperature exceeds 38°C and does not go down with physical methods (hydration, light clothing)
Mild or moderate pain: headache, muscle pain, toothache or joint pain that causes discomfort

Important precautions

Do not take Tachipirina continuously for more than 3 days without consulting your doctor
Check other medications: if you are taking other medications, make sure they do not contain paracetamol to avoid overdose
Hydration: drink plenty of water while taking it to support liver function

When to seek medical help immediately?

But even more importantly, let’s see below when taking Tachipirina during pregnancy requires immediate medical advice:

Lack of improvement or worsening of symptoms

Signs of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives
Symptoms of overdose: nausea, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, abdominal pain or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Important: Even if Tachipirina is available without a prescription, during pregnancy, its intake must always be agreed with your doctor or gynecologist, as previously mentioned, especially if there are pre-existing conditions such as liver or kidney problems.

Therefore, it is essential to avoid prolonged or frequent use without a specific medical indication, since excessive use can increase the risk of liver damage and potential effects on the development of the fetus.

Alternative methods

If Tylenol (paracetamol) is not indicated or if you are looking for alternatives, it is important to know that the choice of painkillers during pregnancy must be supervised by a doctor at all times. This is because some drugs can have harmful effects on the fetus, especially in certain stages of gestation.

In the following lines, we take a look at non-pharmacological methods (preferred when possible) for the management of fever and pain:

Hot or cold compresses for muscle pain or headaches
Light massage or relaxation techniques
Moderate physical activity (such as gentle stretching or prenatal yoga)
Hydration and rest, especially in case of headaches

Which drugs are prohibited during pregnancy? Painkillers to absolutely avoid

During the months of gestation, it is essential to pay particular attention to the medications taken, since some painkillers during pregnancy can have negative effects on the health of the mother and the fetus.

Let’s see below the main painkillers that must be avoided, highlighting the risks associated with their use:

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid): risks of bleeding for the mother and fetus, especially in the third trimester
Opioid drugs not prescribed by the doctor: risks of addiction and respiratory problems for the newborn
Strong anti-inflammatories or over-the-counter drugs not approved by the doctor

As such, awareness and caution are the key to ensuring a healthy and complication-free pregnancy.

In summary, Tachipirina remains the first-choice drug, but in case of doubts or need for alternatives, talk to your doctor or gynecologist. Never take medications without professional advice during pregnancy.

In conclusion, the information contained in this article on Tachipirina during pregnancy is for informational purposes only and cannot replace the advice of a doctor. It is essential to always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any questions or needs regarding your health and pregnancy. Taking any medication during the months of pregnancy must be carefully evaluated by the doctor, taking into account the specific conditions of the patient and her state of health.

Newborn Tips, The Editorial Team