Paracetamol

Question 1

What is the presentation?

Answer 1

500mg white tablets

100mg/ml (2000mg/20ml) suspension

Question 2

What is it and what does it do?

Answer 2

A p-aminophenol derivative that exhibits analgesic and antipyretic activity.

Question 3

What is the onset?

Answer 3

Delayed onset of action with peak effect via oral route achieved in ≥ 60 minutes.

Question 4

What are the indications?

Answer 4

Mild to moderate pain
For example, headache, sprain/strain, toothache, etc.
As a component of a multimodal analgesic regime.

Question 5

What are the contraindications?

Answer 5

Known hypersensitivity to Paracetamol.
Do not give if patient has had Paracetamol in the preceding 4 hours.
Cannot exceed the maximum allowed single dose or exceed the maximum allowed paracetamol daily dose (24hrs).

Question 6

What are the precautions?

Answer 6

There is no evidence that fever itself worsens the course of an illness. The primary goal should be to improve overall comfort.
SJA do not support the use of paracetamol in infants < 6 months.
20 ml Paracetamol suspension bottle is single patient use only.
Only used enteral syringe/dropper with suspension.

Question 7

What is the adult dose?

Answer 7

500mg tablet; oral administration of 500-1000mg (1-2 tablets)
Max single dose 1000mg
Max dose not to exceed 4000mg over a 24 hour period

Question 8

What is the paediatric dose?

Answer 8

100mg/ml (oral suspension)
6 months - 12 years old: 15mg/kg
Repeat every 4 to 6 hours
Maximum daily dose is 60mg/kg in divided doses of 15mg/kg (not to exceed 4000mg), over a 24 hour period

Question 9

Special considerations?

Answer 9

If administered appropriately, there are no concerns.