Paracetamol

Question 1

What is paracetamol

Answer 1

Common analgesic and antipyretic

Question 2

How does paracetamol work (COX1-3)

Answer 2

Works with the COX

COX-1 protects GI lining and regulates blood clots
COX-2 regulates inflammation, fever and pain
COX-3 possible interaction with fever and pain (COX-3 is inhibited by paracetamol)

Question 3

Indications of paracetamol

Answer 3

Oral:
Relief of mild to moderate pain or high temperature with discomfort

Intravenous:
Used as a part of a balanced analgesic regimen for severe pain

Question 4

Presentation of paracetamol

Answer 4

Oral
Infant:
120mg in 5ml -3 months to 5 years
250mg in 5ml -6yrs and upward

Paracetamol tablets:
500mg tablets

Intravenous:
Bottle containing 1g in 100ml
Bottle containing 500mg in 50ml

Question 5

Contraindications of paracetamol

Answer 5

Known allergy
Do NOT give paracetamol if a paracetamol containing product has already been given within the last 4 hours or if the max daily does has been given

Question 6

Cautions of paracetamol

Answer 6

Make sure you cross check drug
Pt has to be over 50kg for full adult dose
If the IV presentation is in glass container then careful monitoring is needed to avoid air embolus
Not recommended for cardiac chest pain

Question 7

Side effects of paracetamol

Answer 7

Hardly any, occasionally IV paracetamol may cause hypotension if given too rapidly