Paracetamol

Question 1

Paracetamol Class

Answer 1

Analgesic and anti-pyretic

Question 2

Paracetamol Description

Answer 2

Paracetamol is used to reduce pain and body temperature

Question 3

Paracetamol Presentation

Answer 3

Rectal suppository 180mg and 90mg.
Suspension 120mg in 5mL or 250mg in 5ml
500mg Tablet
Plastic vial, 1g paracetamol in 100ml solution for infusion

Question 4

Paracetamol Administration

Answer 4

Per rectum (PR)
Orally (PO)
Intravenous (IV) infusion

Question 5

Paracetamol Indications

Answer 5

Adult: Pyrexia / Temperature >38.3°C / Mild or moderate pain

Paed: Pyrexia / Temperature >38.5°C / Mild or moderate pain

Question 6

Paracetamol Contraindications

Answer 6

<1 month old
KSAR
Chronic Liver disease

Question 7

Paracetamol Dosage

Answer 7

Adult: 1g PO
1g IV infusion (If weight <50kg then 15mg/kg)

Paed: 20mg/Kg PO
< 1 Year - 90mg PR
1 - 3 Years - 180mg PR
4 - 8 Years - 360mg PR

IV Infusion
<1 year - 7.5mg/kg IV Slowly
≥1 year - 15mg/kg IV Slowly

Question 8

Paracetamol Pharmacology

Answer 8

Analgesic - central prostaglandin inhibitor.
Anti-pyretic - Prevents the hypothalamus from synthesising Prostaglandin E, inhibiting the body temperature from rising further.

Question 9

Paracetamol Side Effects

Answer 9

If Paracetamol IV is administered too fast it may result in hypotension.
LTSE - Long term use at high dosage or over dosage can cause liver damage and less frequently renal damage

Question 10

Paracetamol Additional Info

Answer 10

Note: Paracetamol is contained in Paracetamol Suspension and other over the counter drugs.
Consult with parent/guardian in relation to medication prior to arrival on scene.
For PR use be aware of modesty of patient, should be administered in the presednc of a 2nd person.
If paracetamol is administered in previous 4 hours, adjust the dose downward by the amount given by other sources resulting in a maximum of 20mg/Kg
Caution with IV paracetamol in the absence of a buretrol.