Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can I take PCM with vitamin B complex?
Yes, PCM can be taken with vitamin B-complex preparations. They have been used together in the treatment of acute and painful diseases affecting nerves like trigeminal neuralgias, post-operative pain, etc. PCM helps to relieve pain and vitamin B-complex corrects the deficiency that might be causing your symptoms.
Q. Is PCM use associated with Helicobacter pylori infection?
No, PCM use is not associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. Painkiller drugs can increase the acid secretion in the stomach, aggravate the symptoms of this infection and the risk of stomach and the intestine ulcer. However, this risk is minimum with PCM as compared to other pain killers.
Q. Can I take PCM if I have hepatitis?
PCM is considered the safest painkiller to take for people with hepatitis for mild to moderate pain and fever. However, PCM is metabolized in the liver, so, consult your doctor before taking PCM if you have hepatitis as it can cause liver damage if taken in higher doses or for a very long time.
Q. Can anyone be allergic to PCM?
Yes, there have been reports of hypersensitivity and allergic reaction with the use of PCM. Symptoms of an allergy include swelling of the face, mouth, and throat, shortness of breath, urticaria, red rash, and severe itching. Stop taking PCM if you have such symptoms and immediately consult your doctor.
Q. What are the serious side effects of taking excess PCM?
Potentially severe life-threatening liver injury is a serious side effect seen with an overdose of PCM. Overdose can also cause kidney injury, coma, and decreased platelet count. Early symptoms of an overdose include nausea, vomiting, and general tiredness. Immediately consult a doctor or reach an emergency in case of suspected overdose.
Q. Can I take PCM with warfarin?
PCM is safe to use occasionally with warfarin as other painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding. However, on a long-term use, PCM can also increase the risk of bleeding. Talk to your doctor before taking them together as you may need to be monitored regularly.
Q. Can vitamin D be taken safely with PCM?
Yes, vitamin D can be taken with PCM. Patients with osteoarthritis who are on vitamin D and calcium may need to take PCM for the relief of any associated pain. No drug-drug interactions or any harmful effects have been reported.
Q. How beneficial is to use PCM with diclofenac?
PCM and Diclofenac might be given together in case of fever and pain. PCM has an early onset of action and it helps in relieving the symptoms till diclofenac starts working. However, both are pain killers and can affect stomach lining on long-term use leading to acid reflux, hea<br>rtburn, and stomach ulcers and bleeding.
Q. What happens if you take an overdose of PCM?
Overdose of PCM can cause potentially life-threatening liver damage, which is the most serious side effect. Early symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, profuse sweating, and general tiredness. Kidney damage, decreased platelet count and coma may also occur. Immediately consult a doctor or consult an emergency in the case of suspected overdosage.
Q. Can I take PCM with amoxicillin?
PCM and amoxicillin can be taken together. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic and is used to treat bacterial infections. PCM is given along, for the relief of any associated pain and fever. No drug-drug interactions or any harmful effects have been reported when they are used together.
Q. Can I take PCM with Azithromycin?
PCM and Azithromycin can be taken together. Azithromycin is an antibiotic and is used to treat bacterial infections. PCM is given along, for the relief of any associated pain and fever. No drug-drug interactions or any harmful effects have been reported when they are used together.
Q. Does PCM affect the liver?
Use of PCM for a long time and above recommended doses can cause liver damage ranging from abnormal liver tests to liver failure. If you are taking PCM from a long time and have nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark colored urine, clay colored stools or jaundice, inform your doctor as these could be signs of an underlying liver damage.
Q. Does PCM have side effects?
PCM is quite safe for short term use. It has side effects if taken in more than the dose advised and for a long-term. Immediately consult a doctor if there is nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark colored urine, clay colored stools or jaundice as it could be due to an overdose of PCM.
Q. Does PCM treat sore-throat, flu or cold?
PCM does not treat sore-throat, flu or cold but it can help in relieving fever and body aches associated with these conditions.
Q. Is it safe to take PCM with Tramadol?
Yes, PCM can be taken with Tramadol. They are used together for moderate to severe pain in various diseases and their use is associated with common side effects like nausea, dizziness, and sleepiness.No drug-drug interactions have been reported when they are used together.
Q. Can a patient with high blood pressure take PCM?
Occasional use of PCM is safe in patients with high blood pressure. However, if it is to be taken for a long time, you must talk to your doctor. PCM belongs to the group of painkillers called analgesics and antipyretics and these drugs can decrease the action of medicines taken by the patient for control of high blood pressure.
Q. Is PCM safe to use?
PCM is safe to use in the dose that advised by the doctor. Using this medicine in more than recommended doses can damage your liver and cause serious harm.
Q. Can I take PCM with homeopathic medicine?
Ask your doctor before taking PCM with homeopathic medicine as there is no information available on this.
Q. How long does PCM takes to work?
PCM takes around 30-45 min to start working and show its effects.
Q. What is the recommended dose of PCM?
In adults, the usual dose is 1-2 tablets i.e 500mg or 650mg. The minimum dosing interval should be of 4 hours between the doses. The total dose should not exceed 4g per day.
Q. Can the use of PCM make me feel sleepy?
No, PCM does not cause sleepiness.
Q. How much PCM can you take in a day?
In adults, the total dose of PCM should not exceed 4g per day. In children, the maximum dose should not exceed 60mg/kg in a day.
Q. When will I feel better after taking PCM?
PCM begins to ease pain and reduces fever in about 45 minutes after a dose is taken. Its effects last for about 5 hours.Show moreShow less
