Paracetamol Flashcards
Drug code for Paracetamol?
PAR
Types of presentation of Paracetamol?
Both oral and intravenous preparations are available
Presentation of Paracetamol solutions/suspensions?
Infant Paracetamol suspension (120 milligrams in 5ml)
Paracetamol 6 plus suspension (250 milligrams in 5ml)
Between what ages can Infant Paracetamol suspension given?
3 months to 5 years
At what age can Paracetamol 6 plus suspension given?
used from 6 years of age upwards
Presentation of Paracetamol tablets?
500 milligram tablets
tablets may be broken in half
Presentation of intravenous Paracetamol?
Bottle containing Paracetamol 1 gram in 100ml (10mg/ml) for intravenous infusion
Bottle containing Paracetamol 500 milligrams in 50ml (10mg/ml) for intravenous infusion
What is the criteria for Paracetamol 1 gram in 100ml (10mg/ml) for intravenous infusion administration?
adults, adolescents and children weighing more than 33kg
What is the criteria for Paracetamol 500 milligrams in 50ml (10mg/ml) for intravenous infusion administration?
term newborn, infants, toddlers and children weighing less than 33kg
Indications for use of Oral Paracetamol?
Relief of mild to moderate pain or high temperature with discomfort (not for high temperature alone)
Indications for use of intravenous Paracetamol?
As part of a balanced analgesic regimen for severe pain paracetamol is effective in reducing opioid requirements while improving analgesic efficacy and is an alternative analgesic when morphine is contra-indicated
Actions of Paracetamol?
Analgesic and antipyretic drug
Relieves pain and reduces temperature
What is meant when a drug is said to be analgesic?
Pain relieving
What is meant when a drug is said to be antipyretic?
Temperature reducing
Contra-indications of Paracetamol?
Known paracetamol allergy
Do not give Paracetamol if a a Paracetamol-containing product has already been given within the last 4 hours or 6 hours in patients with renal impairment or if the maximum cumulative daily dose has already been given
Common examples of Paracetamol-containing drugs?
Calpol
Co-codamol (codeine and paracetamol)
Cautions for use of Paracetamol?
Take care when administering Paracetamol injection to avoid dosing errors due to confusion between milligram (mg) and millilitre (mL), this could result in an accidental overdose and potentially death
Before administering check when Paracetamol was last administered and calculate the cumulative Paracetamol dose already given over the last 24 hours
Intravenous preparations of Paracetamol come in differing sizes, due to the small amounts that are recommended for patients weighing less than 50kg, extreme vigilance is needed
Side effects of Paracetamol?
Side effects are extremely rare; occasionally intravenous Paracetamol may cause hypotension if administered too rapidly
What is meant by the term febrile?
having or showing the symptoms of a fever
For what patients is Paracetamol not recommend for
Patients with cardiac chest pain
What additional precautions must be taken when administering Paracetamol injection?
If a glass container is used it should be remembered that close monitoring is needed at the end of the infusion to avoid air embolism
A febrile child should always be conveyed to hospital except where…
A full assessment has been carried out
and
The child has no apparent serious underlying illness
and
The child has a defined clinical pathway for reassessment and follow up, with the full consent of the parent (or carer)
