F. Clinical use of analgesics I: Paracetamol and NSAIDs

Question 1

What does paracetamol interact with ?

Answer 1

• May interact with the cyclooxygenase enzyme within the CNS and hypothalamus (which regulates temperature control)
• May interact with the opioid receptor (endogenous)
• My interact with the cannabinoid system

Question 2

What actions does paracetamol exhibit ?

Answer 2

Analgesic and antipyretic

Question 3

What formulations are available for paracetamol?

Answer 3

Tablets
Capsules 
Soluble tablets 
Suppositories 
Suspension 
Infusions

Question 4

What is the name of paracetamol used in the USA?

Answer 4

Acetaminophen

Question 5

True or false ? Paracetamol side effects are extremely common

Answer 5

False. Very rare hence why they are used widely

Question 6

What are the rare side effects that paracetamol can have on individuals ?

Answer 6

Rash
Blood disorder
Acute pancreatitis

Question 7

What drug could interact with paracetamol if taken over a ling period of time and how does this effect the drug and INR?

Answer 7

Paracetamol interactions are very rare.

Warfarin
Paracetamol could I create INR, therefore regular monitoring (frequent monitoring) should be taken so that patient doesn’t have an increase risk of bleeding (if taken over a long period of time)

Question 8

True or false? There is a risk of overdose with paracetamol. This could cause liver and renal damage or even death

Answer 8

True

Question 9

What properties do NSAIDs have ?

Answer 9

Analgesic
Antipyretic
Anti-inflammatory

Question 10

What formulations are available for NSAIDS ?

Answer 10

Tablets 
Capsules 
Soluble tablets 
Suspensions 
Suppository 
Cream 
Gel 
Patches 
Infusion

Question 11

True or false?When prescribing oral NSAIDs to patients with hypertension, naproxen up to 1000mg/day is recommended as an alternative to ibuprofen

Answer 11

True. Patients with hypertension have increased CV risk