Paracetomol drug sheet

Question 1

What is the presentation of Paracetamol?

Answer 1

• 500mg tablets

- 120mg in 5 ml oral liquid

Question 2

What is the pharmacology and CNS actions of Paracetamol?

Answer 2

Analgesic and antipyretic

- thought to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis in CNS

Question 3

How is paracetamol metabolised?

Answer 3

Metabolised by liver, excreted by kidneys

Question 4

What are the Primary Emergency Indications for paracetamol?

Answer 4

1. Mild pain

2. Headache

Question 5

What are the contraindications for paracetamol?

Answer 5

1. hypersensitivity
2. Children under 1 month
3. paracetamol already administered in last 4 hours
4. total paracetamol intake exceeding 4g (adults) or 60mg/kg (children) in past 24 hours
5. Chest pain in suspected acute coronary syndrome

Question 6

What are the precautions for paracetamol?

Answer 6

1. impaired hepatic function or liver disease
2. elderly or frail
3. malnourished

Question 7

What are the side effects of paracetamol?

Answer 7

1. hypersensitivity reactions

2. Haematological reactions

Question 8

What is the onset and duration of paracetamol?

Answer 8

Onset = 30 mins
Duration = 4 hours