Medication Info

- Generic name: Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) - Commercial names: Tylenol, Panadol, Tempra, Doliprane, Efferalgan, Gelocatil - Pharmacological group: Analgesic and antipyretic - Mechanism of action: Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis at central and peripheral level through cyclooxygenase blockade (mainly COX-3) - Presentations: Tablets 500mg/650mg/1g, oral solution 100mg/ml, suppositories 150mg/300mg/600mg, IV solution 10mg/ml - Administration routes: Oral, rectal, intravenous - Indications: Mild-moderate pain, fever, headache, musculoskeletal pain, arthralgia - Adult dosage: 500-1000mg/4-6h, maximum 4g/day - Children dosage: 10-15mg/kg/dose every 4-6h, maximum 60mg/kg/day - Elderly dosage: Same as adults, consider reduction if low weight or renal/hepatic insufficiency - Renal insufficiency adjustment: GFR<50ml/min: increase interval to 6h; GFR<10ml/min: increase to 8h - Hepatic insufficiency adjustment: Reduce maximum dose to 2g/day or avoid in severe insufficiency - Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to paracetamol, severe hepatic insufficiency - Precautions: Alcoholism, malnutrition, dehydration, hepatic/renal insufficiency - Common adverse effects: Nausea, epigastric discomfort, mild elevation of transaminases - Serious adverse effects: Hepatotoxicity, severe skin reactions, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia - Interactions: Warfarin, carbamazepine, isoniazid, rifampicin, alcohol - Pregnancy: Category B. Considered safe during pregnancy - Lactation: Compatible. Excreted in breast milk in low concentrations - Overdose: IV/oral N-acetylcysteine within first 8h. Monitor hepatic function and coagulation