Paracetamol tends to have fewer side-effects than other over-the-counter painkillers. Ibuprofen and aspirin can cause stomach problems. Paracetamol is often better for people with conditions that cause bleeding. Paracetamol is also the safest painkiller to take during pregnancy. But any medicine can be dangerous if you take too much. For more information, see our section on side-effects of over-the-counter painkillers.