PARACETAMOL

1) Action

• Analgesic & antipyretic

2) Mechanism

• An active metabolite of phenacetin

3) Indications

• Relief of pain & fever

• An alternative when aspirin is contraindicated

• [does not have marked anti-inflammatory or antirheumatic effects of aspirin]

4) Effects on organs—side effects

• Lacks platelet-inhibiting properties

5) Toxic effects/ precautions with administration

• Administer with caution in patients with hepatic & renal dx

• Anticoagulant dosage may need to be reduced if paracetamol medication is prolonged [exacerbates effects of aspirin]

6) Contraindications

7) Reversal, antagonism or antidote

• Acetylcysteine for overdosage

8) Loading dose, maintenance dose, frequency & method of administration

• Oral only

9) Drug’s metabolism—Drug’s excretion—Half life (pharmacokinetics)

• Elimination half life: 2 hr