Paracetamol

Question 1

Paracetamol
Type

Answer 1

Simple analgesia/antipyretic

Question 2

Paracetamol
Presentations

Answer 2

PO: 48mg/ml colour free liquid
PO: 500mg tablet (oral)
IV: 1g in 100ml in collapsible plastic flask

Question 3

Paracetamol
Actions

Answer 3

1. Antipyretic
2. Mild - moderate analgesic
   Onset oral: 30mins IV 5-10mins

Question 4

Paracetamol
Uses

Answer 4

1. Pyrexia in children who have had or may have a febrile convulsion (for ACTAS treatment, pyrexia is generally >38C)
2. mild to moderate pain (oral)
3. Moderate to severe pain (IV)

Question 5

Paracetamol
Adverse Effects

Answer 5

Rare - none of these side effects have been confirmed or refuted as being linked to the casual use of paracetamol. DDPHAN
1. Dyspepsia (indigestion)
2. Dizziness
3. Pain at injection side
4. Haematological reactions
5. Allergic reactions
6. Nausea

Question 6

Paracetamol
Contraindications

Answer 6

PPNCDK
1. Previous paracetamol dose in last 4 hours (oral doses only)
2. Previous paracetamol dose in last 6 hours (IV doses only)
3. Not to be given to children <1month
4. Children who do not have a sufficient gag reflex to swallow the measured dose
5. Diagnosed liver failure
6. Known or suspected allergy to paracetamol

Question 7

Paracetamol
Precautions

Answer 7

1. Impaired hepatic function
2. Impaired renal function

Question 8

Paracetamol
Dose (pyrexia in children)

Answer 8

Paediatric only
15mg/kg - oral liquid given via syringe

Question 9

Paracetamol
Dose (mild to moderate pain)

Answer 9

Adults >12years
PO: 2 tablets 1g swallowed
IV: >50kg 1g - over 15mins
<50kg: 15mg/kg - over 15mins (via burette)

Paediatric: 1month - 12years
PO (liquid) 15mg/kg
IV: >1month 15mg/kg - over 15mins (via burette)

Question 10

Paracetamol
Special notes

Answer 10

It is envisaged that the administration of panadol liquid will be for children that are post-ictal/post febrile convulsion, or who are likely to have a febrile convulsion and are not responding to non-medical treatment.
Paracetamol does not necessarily prevent febrile convulsions.
Active cooling measures should still be carried out, as well as checking for the reason for the pyrexia (URTI, meningococcal disease, etc).
As a general rule, if children are administered paracetamol, they should not be left at home.
Do not exceed 60mg/kg/24hours.
children aged 10-12 may take a 500mg tablet if preferred.