For many, reaching for painkillers has become a routine part of daily life when the body aches or discomfort arises.
A packet of Panodil is often within reach, and the tablets are used for much more than just relieving headaches.
However, even though the medicine is readily available, it is far from effective in all situations, writes Dagens.dk.
In fact, there are several common ailments where, according to a Danish professor, it makes no sense to take paracetamol, the active ingredient in Panodil and Pamol, among others.
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This is according to Jon Trærup Andersen, a professor at the University of Copenhagen and chief physician at Bispebjerg Hospital, speaking to DR.
The effect is limited
In the DR program 'Generation Headache,' several young people state that they use paracetamol for various forms of discomfort.
But according to the professor, there are six specific situations where one should consider whether the tablets are even the right solution.
1. Headache
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Although Panodil is often associated with headaches, its effect on tension headaches is limited.
According to the professor, 22 people must be treated with paracetamol before one additional person is pain-free after two hours.
2. Menstrual pain
Paracetamol is not necessarily the best solution for menstrual pain either.
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The professor refers to a study where warm compresses proved to be more effective than paracetamol.
3. Fever
Here, the medicine can actually help, but there is an important distinction.
Paracetamol can lower fever and relieve discomfort, but it does not mean one recovers faster.
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4. Back pain
For common back pain, the effect of paracetamol is limited or entirely absent.
The Danish Health Authority instead recommends staying physically active as much as possible, as movement often helps more.
5. Sleep difficulties
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Some also take Panodil when they have trouble falling asleep.
However, according to the professor, paracetamol has no direct sleep-inducing effect.
If sleep problems are caused by fever or pain, the medicine can indirectly help by relieving the symptoms.
6. Nervousness, stress, and anxiety
Finally, the professor warns against using paracetamol to manage psychological discomfort.
The medicine does not treat nervousness, stress, or anxiety, and therefore it makes no sense to take the tablets for this purpose.
Although paracetamol generally has few side effects when dosed correctly, the professor emphasizes that it is problematic if the medicine is used for purposes for which it is not intended.
Large or prolonged use can also lead to serious problems, including medication overuse headache, while overdose can cause severe liver damage.
This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.