Paracetamol

Question 1

What is the MOA for paracetamol?

Answer 1

Inhibits production resulting in a reduction in pain and fever

Question 2

What are the indications for paracetamol?

Answer 2

Mild-moderate pain usually in combo with other medicines

May be administered alongside other meds for severe pain esp if long transport time.

Question 3

Contraindications/Cautions/Pregnancy for Paracetamol?

Answer 3

Contra:

1. KNown severe allergy
2. Current paracetamol poisoning

Cautions:

1. taken paracetamol within last 4 hours
2. abdominal pain esp if pt is very unwell or vomiting (possibility of significant abdo illness suggest oral meds should be withheld)
3. Known severe liver disease

Pregnancy
Safe and may be administered if indicated

Question 4

What is the dosage for paracetamol?

Answer 4

1g PO for adult 80kg or less
1.5g PO for adult 80kg or more
see paediatric tables, consider administering syrup

Question 5

Should paracetamol be given to patients with fever?

Answer 5

Generally not because fever may confer benefit however over 39 degrees and fever is causing discomfort, paracetamol may be administered

Question 6

Should paracetamol be given to pts with Mycardial ischemia?

Answer 6

No, not indicated