Description
Generics: Paracetamol.
Dosage Form: Syrup.
Indications:
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 in children are among the conditions for which paracetamol is prescribed. It’s also used to treat rheumatic and osteoarthritic pain, as well as joint stiffness.
Pharmacology:
Paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic with just a minor anti-inflammatory effect. Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is hypothesized to work largely in the central nervous system (CNS), improving pain threshold by blocking both isoforms of the cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1, COX-2, and COX-3, which are involved in prostaglandin (PG) formation. Paracetamol is a para aminophenol derivative that has analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects. One of the most extensively used, safest, and fastest acting analgesics is paracetamol. It is well tolerated and free of aspirin’s different adverse effects.
Dosage guideline:
3 to 4 times daily.
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.
Route of administration: Orally.
Interaction:
Patients who have taken barbiturates, tricyclic antidepressants and alcohol may show diminished ability to metabolise large doses of Paracetamol. Alcohol can increase the hepatotoxicity of Paracetamol overdosage. Chronic ingestion of anticonvulsants or oral steroid contraceptives induce liver enzymes and may prevent attainment of therapeutic Paracetamol levels by increasing first-pass metabolism or clearance.
Contraindications:
It is contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to Paracetamol.
Side Effects:
Side effects of paracetamol are usually mild, though haematological 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:
Paracetamol should be given with caution to patients with impaired kidney or liver function. Paracetamol should be given with 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.
Manufactured by: Square Pharmaceutical Ltd.
