Paracetamol

Question 1

Drug class

Answer 1

• Analgesic

* Anti-pyretic

Question 2

Pharmacology

Answer 2

Is a p-aminophenol derivative that exhibits analgesic & antipyretic activity. It does not possess significant anti-inflammatory activity

Question 3

Metabolism

Answer 3

By the liver, excreted by the kidneys

Question 4

Indications

Answer 4

• Mild to moderate pain

* Fever (causing distress)

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

• Allergy and/or adverse drug reaction

* <1mo

Question 6

Precautions

Answer 6

• Hepatic dysfunction
• Soluble tablets:
- pts with sodium restriction (HF, CKD)
- Phenylketonuria (inability to metabolise phenylalanine)

Question 7

Side effects

Answer 7

Nausea

Question 8

Presentation

Answer 8

• 500mg tablet
• 120mg/5ml elixir
• 250mg soluble tablet

Question 9

Route

Onset

Duration

Answer 9

PO

10-60min

4hrs

Question 10

Adult dosages

Answer 10

• Mild to moderate pain
• Fever (causing distress)
*not to be admin within 4 hrs of previous admin
▪︎ PO
Tablet 0.5-1g, repeated every 4hrs, total max dose 4g in 24hrs
*not to be admin within 4 hrs of previous admin

Question 11

Paediatric dosages

Answer 11

• Mild to moderate pain
• Fever (causing distress)
▪︎ Elixir
≥1mo 15mg/kg, single dose only

▪︎Soluble tablet
≥7yrs 15mg/kg, single dose only

≤ 22kg  use elxir 
>22-24kg - 1 tabs (250mg)
>24-32kg - 1.5 tabs (375mg)
> 32-41kg - 2 tabs (500mg)
> 41-50kg 2.5tabs (625mg)
>50kg or > 12yrs use tablets