Indications of Napa

Napa is indicated for fever, common cold and influenza, headache, toothache, earache, body pain, myalgia, neuralgia, dysmenorrhoea, sprains, colic pain, back pain, post-operative pain, postpartum pain, inflammatory pain, and post-vaccination pain in children. It is also indicated for rheumatic & osteoarthritic pain and stiffness of joints.

Pharmaceutical Name of Napa

Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Pharmacology

Napa has analgesic and antipyretic properties with weak anti-inflammatory activity. Napa (Acetaminophen) is thought to act primarily in the CNS, increasing the pain threshold by inhibiting both isoforms of cyclooxygenase, COX-1, COX-2, and COX-3 enzymes involved in prostaglandin (PG) synthesis. Napa is a para aminophenol derivative, has analgesic and antipyretic properties with weak anti-inflammatory activity. Napa is one of the most widely used, safest and fast-acting analgesics. It is well tolerated and free from various side effects of aspirin.

Dosage of Napa

Adult: 1-2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours up to a maximum of 4 gm (8 tablets) daily.
Children (6-12 years): ½ to 1 tablet 3 to 4 times daily. For long-term treatment, it is wise not to exceed the dose beyond 2.6 gm/day.

Administration

May be taken with or without food.

Interaction of Napa

Patients who have taken barbiturates, tricyclic antidepressants and alcohol may show diminished ability to metabolize large doses of Napa. Alcohol can increase the hepatotoxicity of Napa overdosage. Chronic ingestion of anticonvulsants or oral steroid contraceptives induces liver enzymes and may prevent attainment of therapeutic Napa levels by increasing first-pass metabolism or clearance.

Contraindications

It is contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to Napa.

Side Effects of Napa

Side effects of Napa are usually mild, though hematological reactions including thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, pancytopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis have been reported. Pancreatitis, skin rashes, and other allergic reactions occur occasionally.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy category B according to USFDA. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Precautions & Warnings

Napa should be given with caution to patients with impaired kidney or liver function. Napa should be given care to patients taking other drugs that affect the liver.

Therapeutic Class

Non opioid analgesics.

Storage Conditions

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.

Generic of Napa

Paracetamol