Paracetamol

Question 1

How does Paracetamol present

Answer 1

500mg tablet or Liquid

Question 2

Paracetamol Contraindications

Answer 2

• Children <1month of age

Question 3

Paracetamol Precautions

Answer 3

• Hepatotoxicity (Overdose 10g is serious)
• Admin Last 4hours
• Total 24hour doses >4g or 60ml/kg
• Impaired Hepatic function or liver disease
• Elderly/frail patients
• Malnourishment

Question 4

Paracetamol adverse effects

Answer 4

• Hypersensitivity reactions including severe skin rashes
• Haematological reactions

Question 5

How does paracetamol work?

Answer 5

• Inhibits COX-2 enzyme
• COX-2 expressed in tissues when an injury has occured
• COX-2 creates prostoglandins which cause the inflammatory cascade.

Question 6

What are the indications for Paracetamol?

Answer 6

• Mild pain, or pain relief in combination with other analgesics
• Headache