Description
Generic
Paracetamol
Indications
In children, paracetamol is used to treat fever, common cold, and influenza, headache, toothache, earache, bodyache, myalgia, neuralgia, dysmenorrhoea, sprains, colic pain, back pain, post-operative pain, postpartum discomfort, inflammatory pain, and post-vaccination pain. It is also used to treat rheumatic and osteoarthritic pain, as well as joint stiffness.
Pharmacology
Paracetamol possesses analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is considered to function largely in the CNS by blocking both isoforms of cyclooxygenase, COX-1, COX-2, and COX-3 enzymes involved in prostaglandin (PG) production. Paracetamol is a para aminophenol derivative having analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Paracetamol is a commonly used, safe, and quick acting painkiller. It is well tolerated and has no aspirin-related adverse effects.
Dosage & Administration
Tablet:
- 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.
Extended Release Tablet:
- Adults & Children over 12 years: Two tablets, swallowed whole, every 6 to 8 hours (maximum of 6 tablets in any 24 hours).The tablet must not be crushed.
Syrup/Suspension:
- Children under 3 months: 10 mg/kg body weight (reduce to 5 mg/kg if jaundiced) 3 to 4 times daily.
- 3 months to below 1 year: ½ to 1 teaspoonful 3 to 4 times daily.
- 1-5 years: 1 -2 teaspoonful 3 to 4 times daily.
- 6-12 years: 2-A teaspoonful 3 to 4 times daily.
- Adults: 4-8 teaspoonful 3 to 4 times daily.
Suppository:
- Children 3-12 months: 60-120 mg,4 times daily.
- Children 1-5 years: 125-250 mg 4 times daily.
- Children 6-12 years: 250-500 mg 4 times daily.
- Adults & children over 12 years: 0.5-1 gm 4 times daily.
Paediatric Drop:
- Children Upto 3 months: 0.5 ml (40 mg)
- 4 to 11 months: 1.0 ml (80 mg)
- 7 to 2 years: 1.5 ml (120 mg). Do not exceed more than 5 dose daily for a maximum of 5 days.
Paracetamol tablet with actizorb technology: It dissolves up to five times faster than standard Paracetamol tablets. It is a fast acting and safe analgesic with marked antipyretic property. It is specially suitable for patients who, for any reason, can not tolerate aspirin or other analgesics.
- Adults and children (aged 12 years and over): Take 1 to 2 Tablets every four to six hours as needed. Do not take more than 8 caplets in 24 hours.
- Children (7 to 11 years): Take ½-1 Tablet every four to six hours as needed. Do not take more than 4 caplets in 24 hours. Not recommended in children under 7 years.
Interaction
Patients who have previously used barbiturates, tricyclic antidepressants, or alcohol may have a reduced capacity to metabolize high dosages of Paracetamol. The hepatotoxicity of paracetamol overdosage can be exacerbated by alcohol. Chronic use of anticonvulsants or oral steroid contraceptives stimulates liver enzymes, which may prevent therapeutic Paracetamol levels from being reached by increasing first-pass metabolism or clearance.
Contraindications
It is not recommended if you have a known hypersensitivity to paracetamol.
Side Effects
Although most side effects of paracetamol are minor, haematological responses such as thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, pancytopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis have been recorded. Pancreatitis, skin rashes, and other allergic responses are rare.
Pregnancy & Lactation
According to the USFDA, pregnancy category B. This medication should only be taken during pregnancy if absolutely necessary.
Precautions & Warnings
Patients with poor kidney or liver function should use caution when using paracetamol. Patients who are taking other medications that damage the liver should use caution when using paracetamol.
Therapeutic Class
Non opioid analgesics
Storage Conditions
Keep away from light and heat in a dry area. Keep out of children’s reach.
Pharmaceutical Name
Opsonin Pharma Limited