Does Paracetamol Make Your Blood Thinner?
Paracetamol is also known as acetaminophen, is a drug used as a mild pain killer. It is also used as a fever reducer. The question I am going to answer is “Does paracetamol make your blood thinner”?
What is Paracetamol?
Paracetamol is an analgesic (pain killer) that works through the central nervous system. The primary site of action is unknown currently. Paracetamol is not a blood thinner.
Dosages
There are two types of Paracetamol that are taken orally.
Extra strength and Regular strength.
Regular strength: 325-650 mg every 4-6 hours not to exceed 3.25 grams a day
Extra strength: 500-1000mg every 4-6 hours not to exceed 3 grams per day.
Does Paracetamol Make Your Blood Thinner?
Paracetamol has one side effect that could indirectly cause bleeding. This medication can cause liver damage or liver failure.
Now we know that the liver is a complex organ that is responsible for hundreds of processes in the
body. Paracetamol is metabolized in the liver. Liver failure can occur because the glutathione’s pathway is “clogged” up with the paracetamol’s metabolites.
The liver is responsible for the coagulations enzymes or blood clotting factors. When the liver is damaged, often times the coagulation enzymes are not able to work as they are supposed to. When this happens, the blood cannot effective clot. The end result is the person will start bleeding.
The bleeding is usually from the GI tract. There is an antidote for Paracetamol called N-Acetylcysteine. However, this antidote is usually used for an acute overdose.
Phyllis Robinson MSN, RN is a Registered Nurse of 27 years. Phyllis is passionate about the prevention and healing of heart disease using traditional and alternative methods. She has experience in emergency room, telemetry, infusion, and critical care. Phyllis currently practices in an intensive care unit.
