What do systematic reviews say?

Paracetamol vs placebo

Paracetamol showed no clear difference in serious adverse events: number experiencing 24 weeks compared with placebo (moderate certainty).

• Paracetamol versus placebo for knee and hip osteoarthritis 2019 · Cochrane Headline outcomes only
  RR 1.36 [0.73, 2.53]
  6 studies · 3209 participants
  Moderate

Paracetamol 1000 mg vs placebo

• Paracetamol (acetaminophen) for acute treatment of episodic tension‐type headache in adults 2016 · Cochrane Headline outcomes only
  no estimate extracted
  Studies not reported
  Moderate

Paracetamol vs placebo

Paracetamol showed no clear difference in serious adverse events Up to 12 weeks' compared with placebo (moderate certainty).

• Paracetamol for low back pain 2016 · Cochrane Headline outcomes only
  RR 0.9 [0.3, 2.67]
  1 study · 1643 participants
  Moderate

Paracetamol 500 mg to 650 mg vs placebo

• Paracetamol (acetaminophen) for acute treatment of episodic tension‐type headache in adults 2016 · Cochrane Headline outcomes only
  no estimate extracted
  Studies not reported
  Very low

Paracetamol alone, paracetamol plus codeine, or paracetamol plus dihydrocodeine vs placebo

• Paracetamol (acetaminophen) with or without codeine or dihydrocodeine for neuropathic pain in adults 2016 · Cochrane Headline outcomes only
  no estimate extracted
  Studies not reported
  Very low