Paracetamol

Question 1

What is paracetamol?

Answer 1

Paracetamol (500mg tablet / 120mg/5mL elixir) is a p-aminophenol derivative that exhibits analgesic and antipyretic activity.

Metabolised by the liver & excreted by the kidneys.

Onset: 10-60 min
Durations: 4 hrs
Half-life: 3 hrs

Question 2

Indications for paracetamol?

Answer 2

1. Mild to moderate pain

2. Fever (causing distress)

Question 3

Contraindications for paracetamol?

Answer 3

1. Allergy/ADR

2. Patients under 1 month of age

Question 4

Precautions for paracetamol?

Answer 4

1. Hepatic dysfunction
2. Soluble tablets
   - patients with sodium restriction (heart failure, chronic kidney disease)
   - phenylketonuria

Question 5

Side effects of paracetamol?

Answer 5

1. Nausea

Question 6

What is the dose of paracetamol for an adult?

Answer 6

0.5 to 1 g PO
Must not be administered within 4 hours of previous paracetamol administration
Repeated every 4 hours
Total max dose 4 g in 24 hrs

Question 7

What is the paracetamol dose for a paediatric?

Answer 7

> 1 month
15mg/kg PO
Single max dose 1 g
Must not be administered within 4 hours of previous paracetamol administration