Paracetamol Pharmacology

Paracetamol

About Paracetamol
Acetanilide derivative, Non narcotic Analgesic,Antipyretic.
Mechanism of Action of Paracetamol
Paracetamol has analgesic and antipyretic action.
It is more active on cyclo-oxygenase enzyme in brain. Peripherally it is a poor inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis.
Analgesic action: Paracetamol raises the pain threshold and produces analgesic effect.
Antipyretic action: Paracetamol lowers fever by direct action on the thermoregulatory centre in the Hypothalamus and block the effects of endogenous pyrogen.
Pharmacokinets of Paracetamol
Absorption: Paracetamol is rapidly and completely absorbed after oral administration.
Distribution: It is distributed mostly in the body in unbound form.
Metabolism: It is extensively metabolised in the liver.
Excretion: Excreted in the urine.
Onset of Action for Paracetamol
30 - 60 minutes
Duration of Action for Paracetamol
6 hours
Half Life of Paracetamol
1-4 hours
Side Effects of Paracetamol
1. Nausea
2. Abdominal distress
3. Allergic reactions
4. Rash
Contra-indications of Paracetamol
1. Hypersensitivity to Paracetamol
Special Precautions while taking Paracetamol
1. Hepatic impairment
2. Renal impairment
3. Hypertension
Pregnancy Related Information
Use with caution
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Use with caution
Children Related Information
Use with caution
NEONATES : Contraindicated
Indications for Paracetamol
1. To relieve pain and fever
2. Acute gout
3. Migraine
Interactions for Paracetamol
Cholestyramine: Reduces absorption of paracetamol.
Charcoal: Activated, administered immediately reduces absorption of paracetamol.
Domperidone and metochlopramide: Enhance absorption of paracetamol.
Alcohol: Chronic excessive ingestion of alcohol potentiates hepatotoxicity of paracetamol.
Zidovudine: Effects zidovudine may be decreased.
Typical Dosage for Paracetamol
Adult:
500 - 1000 mg in 3 times daily
Maximum dose: 4 g / day
For migraine: 500 mg to be taken at the first sign of migraine attack and repeated 4 - 6 hourly until suppress mild attacks.
Children:
60 mg / kg body weight /day in 4 divided doses.
Schedule of Paracetamol
H
Storage Requirements for Paracetamol
Store at 15-30 degree C in a tightly closed container. Protect from heat and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Paracetamol
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Paracetamol
Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment. Drug can be removed from the body by gastric lavage or by inducing emesis. Absorption of the drug can be reduced by administration of activated charcoal. N-acetylcysteine is the specific antidote for Paracetamol poisoning. Dose: 150 mg /kg body weight as IV infusion over 15 minutes followed by same dose over 20 hours.
Maintenance dose: 75 mg / kg orally every 4 - 6 hours for 2 - 3 days. Haemodialysis can be done in emergency conditions.

Home Delivery for Paracetamol in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including paracetamol.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for paracetamol and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for paracetamol may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take paracetamol only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for paracetamol before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for paracetamol with the pharmacy.

Paracetamol is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for paracetamol might be better known than paracetamol itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have paracetamol in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for paracetamol.