Paracetamol

Paracetamol (中文: 對乙酰氨基)has analgesic and antipyretic properties. It is given orally or as a rectal suppository for mild to moderate pain and for fever. It may also be given by intravenous infusion for the short-term treatment of moderate pain, particularly after surgery, and of fever. It is often the analgesic or antipyretic of choice, especially in the elderly and in patients in whom salicylates or other anti-inflammatory drugs are contra-indicated. Such patients include asthmatics, those with a history of peptic ulcer and children.

Pronunciation

Paracetamol 500mg

Drug Names

Generic Name 藥名	HA Code 藥物代碼	Legal Classification 藥物分類
Paracetamol Tablet 500mg	PARA01	Non Poison
Brand Name 藥名	HK Reg Number 註冊代碼	Active Ingredients
ACEPHEN TAB 300MG	HK-38754	Paracetamol

Mechanism of Action

• Non-opioid Analgesic
• Antipyretic

Dosage

Adult Oral dose: 0.5 - 1g every 4-6 hrs; max 4g per day It may be given as suppositories in a rectal dose of 0.5 to 1 g every 4 to 6 hrs, up to 4 times daily. Infusion dose based on body weight over 15 minutes:

• Over 50 kg, single doses of 1g every 4 -6 hours, to a max of 4g daily
• From 33 to 50 kg, single doses of 15mg/kg every 4 to 6 hours, to a max of 60mg/kg (up to 3 g) daily

A maximum intravenous dose of 3 g daily should also not be exceed in patients with chronic alcoholism, chronic malnutrition, or dehydration, regardless of their body-weight. For doses in children, given according to age, every 4 to 6 hours if necessary up to a max of 4 doses in 24 hours, are:

• 3 to 6 months: 60 mg
• 6 months to 2 years: 120 mg
• 2 to 4 years: 180 mg
• 4 to 6 years: 240 mg
• 6 to 8 years: 240 or 250 mg
• 8 to 10 years: 360 or 375 mg
• 10 to 12 years: 480 or 500 mg
• 12 to 16 years: 480 or 750 mg

Side Effects

Adverse effects of paracetamol are rare and usually mild, such as mild rashes occur occasionally. Overdosage with paracetamol (usually >4g/day) can result in severe liver damage. no major side effect or drug interaction

Pharmacokinetics

Oral bioavailability	Paracetamol is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is distributed into most body tissues. It also crosses the placenta and is present in breast milk.
Onset of action	The peak plasma concentrations occur about 10 to 60 minutes after oral doses.
Metabolism	It is metabolized in the liver
Elimination half-life	The elimination half-life varies from 1 to 3 hours.

Drug Management

Monitoring

Efficiency	Management of Mild to Moderate Pain
Safety	Routine liver function test
Caution	Patient with chronic alcoholism, chronic malnutrition or dehydration.

Overdosage with paracetamol (usually >4g/day) can result in severe liver damage. Prompt treatment with acetylcysteine or methionine is essential.

Drug interaction

no significant interaction with other medication, Use with caution when combine with medication that metabolize in the liver.

Caution

Alcohol dependence, hepatocellular insufficiency, chronic malnutrition, chronic alcoholism and dehydration

Hepatic impairment

Dose depend toxicity, avoid large dose.

Renal impairment

Increase infusion dose interval

Pregnancy

Not known to be harmful.

Breast-feeding

Not known to be harmful.

FAQ

How should I take the tablet?

• Follow the doctor's prescription.
• Take with or without food.
• Take the medication with plenty of water.
• Can be crushed.

What should I avoid while taking?

• Avoid alcohol consumption.
• Avoid taking more than 4g of panadol per day.

What happens if I overdose?

• Emergency situation, called 999 immediately.
• Antidote: N-Acetylsysteine

What happen if I miss a dose?

• Take it as soon as you remember.
• If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose.
• Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.