Paracetamol (paracetamol): function, dosage, side effects, how to use

Paracetamol (Paracetamol) What Medicine?

What is paracetamol (paracetamol) for?

Paracetamol is a drug that can be used to treat mild to moderate pain. Some of the conditions that can be overcome by paracetamol are:

• headache
• menstrual pain
• tooth ache
• joint pain
• pain during flu
• fever

Paracetamol dosage and side effects will be described further below.

How are the rules for taking paracetamol (paracetamol)?

Use paracetamol by mouth as directed by your doctor or on the package. To treat pain, aches, and fever, 500 mg paracetamol tablets are usually taken every 4-6 hours.

Swallow this drug whole. Do not crush, chew or break the tablets, unless otherwise recommended by your doctor.

If you are not sure about the information on the package, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store this drug?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Paracetamol (Paracetamol) Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of paracetamol (paracetamol) for adults?

The following is the paracetamol (paracetamol) dosage recommended for adults:

The paracetamol dose for fever in adults is:

• Paracetamol 325-650 mg every 4-6 hours or 1000 mg every 6-8 hours orally or rectally.
• Paracetamol 500 mg tablets: 2 500 mg tablets taken every 4-6 hours.

The paracetamol dosage for pain in adults is:

• Paracetamol 325-650 mg every 4-6 hours or 1000 mg every 6-8 hours orally or suppository.
• Paracetamol 500 mg tablets: 2 500 mg tablets taken every 4-6 hours.

What is the dose of paracetamol (paracetamol) for children?

The following is the paracetamol (paracetamol) dosage that is recommended for children:

The paracetamol dose for fever in preterm infants aged 28-32 weeks is:

• Infusion dose: 20 mg / kg followed by 10 mg / kg / dose every 12 hours
• Oral: 10-12 mg / kg / dose every 6-8 hours. Maximum daily oral dose: 40 mg / kg / day
• Rectal: 20 mg / kg / dose every 12 hours. Maximum daily rectal dose: 40 mg / kg / day

The paracetamol dose for fever in preterm infants aged 32-37 weeks and newborns younger than 10 days is:

• Infusion dose: 20 mg / kg followed by 10 mg / kg / dose every 6 hours
• Oral: 10-15 mg / kg / dose every 6 hours. Maximum daily oral dose: 60 mg / kg / day
• Rectal: initial dose: 30 mg / kg; then 15 mg / kg / dose every 8 hours. Maximum daily rectal dose: 60 mg / kg / day

The paracetamol dose for fever in newborns older than or equal to 10 days is

• Infusion dose: 20 mg / kg followed by 10 mg / kg / dose every 6 hours
• Oral: 10-15 mg / kg / dose every 6 hours. Maximum daily oral dose: 90 mg / kg / day
• Rectal: initial dose: 30 mg / kg; then 20 mg / kg / dose every 6-8 hours. Maximum daily rectal dose: 90 mg / kg / day

The paracetamol dosage for fever in toddlers and children is:

• Infusion, under 2 years: 7.5-15 mg / kg / dose every 6 hours. Maximum daily dose: 60 mg / kg / day
• Infusion, 2-12 years: 15 mg / kg every 6 hours or 12.5 mg / kg every 4 hours. Maximum daily dose: 15 mg / kg
• Oral, 10-15 mg / kg / dose every 4-6 hours as needed; do not exceed 5 doses in 24 hours. Maximum total daily dose: 75 mg / kg / day not to exceed 3750 mg / day

Alternatively, the manufacturer provides the following dosage suggestions:

• 2.7-5.3 kg, 0-3 months: 40 mg
• 5.4-8.1 kg, 4-11 months: 80 mg
• 8.2-10.8 kg, 1-2 years: 120 mg
• 10.9-16.3 kg, 2-3 years: 160 mg
• 16.4-21.7 kg, 4-5 years: 240 mg
• 21.8-27.2 kg, 6-8 years: 320 mg
• 27.3-32.6 kg, 9-10 years: 400 mg
• 32.7-43.2 kg, 11 years: 480 mg

Manufacturers recommend using body weight to choose a dosage. Apart from body weight, dosage can also be determined based on the child's age.

The paracetamol dose for fever in children equal to or over 12 years of age is:

• Infusion, less than 50 kg: 15 mg / kg every 6 hours or 12.5 mg / kg every 4 hours. Maximum single dose: 750 mg / dose. Maximum total daily dose: 75 mg / kg / day (less than or equal to 3750 mg / day).
• Infusion, 50 kg or more: 650 mg every 4 hours or 1000 mg every 6 hours. Maximum single dose: 1000 mg / dose. Maximum total daily dose: 4000 mg / day.
• Oral or rectal: 325-650 mg every 4-6 hours or 1000 mg 3-4 times a day. Maximum daily dose: 4000 mg / day.

The paracetamol dose for pain in preterm infants aged 28-32 weeks is:

• Infusion dose: 20 mg / kg followed by 10 mg / kg / dose every 12 hours.
• Oral: 10-12 mg / kg / dose every 6-8 hours. Maximum daily oral dose: 40 mg / kg / day
• Rectal: 20 mg / kg / dose every 12 hours. Maximum daily rectal dose: 40 mg / kg / day

The paracetamol dose for pain in preterm infants aged 32-37 weeks and newborns younger than 10 days is:

• Infusion dose: 20 mg / kg followed by 10 mg / kg / dose every 6 hours
• Oral: 10-15 mg / kg / dose every 6 hours. Maximum daily oral dose: 60 mg / kg / day
• Rectal: initial dose: 30 mg / kg; then 15 mg / kg / dose every 8 hours. Maximum daily rectal dose: 60 mg / kg / day

The paracetamol dose for pain in newborns older than or equal to 10 days is:

• Infusion dose: 20 mg / kg followed by 10 mg / kg / dose every 6 hours
• Oral: 10-15 mg / kg / dose every 6 hours. Maximum daily oral dose: 90 mg / kg / day
• Rectal: initial dose: 30 mg / kg; then 20 mg / kg / dose every 6-8 hours. Maximum daily rectal dose: 90 mg / kg / day

Paracetamol dosage for pain in toddlers and children:

• Infusion, under 2 years: 7.5-15 mg / kg / dose every 6 hours. Maximum daily dose: 60 mg / kg / day
• Infusion, 2-12 years: 15 mg / kg every 6 hours or 12.5 mg / kg every 4 hours. Maximum daily dose: 15 mg / kg
• Oral: 10-15 mg / kg / dose every 4-6 hours as needed; do not exceed 5 doses in 24 hours. Maximum total daily dose: 75 mg / kg / day not to exceed 3750 mg / day

Alternatively, the manufacturer provides the following dosage suggestions:

• 2.7-5.3 kg, 0-3 months: 40 mg
• 5.4-8.1 kg, 4-11 months: 80 mg
• 8.2-10.8 kg, 1-2 years: 120 mg
• 10.9-16.3 kg, 2-3 years: 160 mg
• 16.4-21.7 kg, 4-5 years: 240 mg
• 21.8-27.2 kg, 6-8 years: 320 mg
• 27.3-32.6 kg, 9-10 years: 400 mg
• 32.7-43.2 kg, 11 years: 480 mg

Manufacturers recommend using body weight to choose a dosage. Apart from body weight, dosage can also be determined based on the child's age.

Paracetamol dose for pain in children equal to or over 12 years of age:

• Infusion, less than 50 kg: 15 mg / kg every 6 hours or 12.5 mg / kg every 4 hours. Maximum single dose: 750 mg / dose. Maximum total daily dose: 75 mg / kg / day (less than or equal to 3750 mg / day)
• Infusion, 50 kg or more: 650 mg every 4 hours or 1000 mg every 6 hours. Maximum single dose: 1000 mg / dose. Maximum total daily dose: 4000 mg / day
• Oral or rectal: 325-650 mg every 4-6 hours or 1000 mg 3-4 times a day. Maximum daily dose: 4000 mg / day

In what dosage is this drug available?

The following are paracetamol (paracetamol) preparations:

• Caplet, oral: 500 mg
• Gel capsule, oral: 500 mg
• Liquid, oral: 160 mg / 5 ml (120 ml, 473 ml); 500 mg / 5ml (240 ml)
• Syrup, oral: Triaminic fever and pain reliever in children: 160 mg / 5 ml (118 ml)
• Tablet, oral: 325 mg, 500 mg

Paracetamol (Paracetamol) side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to paracetamol (paracetamol)?

Stop using the drug and contact your doctor if there are serious side effects of paracetamol, some of which are:

• Nausea, upper stomach pain, hives, loss of appetite
• Dark urine, pale stools
• Yellow on the skin and eyes

Not everyone experiences the above side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above.

Excessive consumption of paracetamol can increase the risk of severe liver damage. According to Healthline, here are the symptoms of liver damage that you need to be aware of due to paracetamol consumption:

• yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• nausea and vomiting
• pain in the upper right side of the stomach
• loss of appetite
• fatigue
• sweat more
• pale skin
• unnatural bruising or bleeding
• dark urine or stool

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings and Cautions for Paracetamol (Paracetamol) Drugs

What should be known before using paracetamol (paracetamol)?

When deciding to use a drug, the risks and benefits of the drug must be considered. This is a joint decision of you and your doctor. For paracetamol, here are the things to consider:

1. Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have had an unusual or allergic reaction to this drug or any other medicine.

Tell your health care provider if you have any other allergies such as food allergies, food coloring, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the composition on the label or packaging carefully.

2. Children

The studies that have been conducted to date have not demonstrated the specific problems that limit the use of paracetamol in children.

However, do not give non-prescription products to children younger than 2 years unless recommended by a doctor.

3. Elderly

The studies that have been conducted to date have not shown the specific problems that limit the use of paracetamol in the elderly.

Is paracetamol (paracetamol) safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using paracetamol in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

This medicine falls into a category C (possibly risky) pregnancy risk according to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Drug Interactions of Paracetamol (Paracetamol)

What medicines may interact with paracetamol (paracetamol)?

Drug interactions are conditions in which a particular combination of drugs can affect the performance or effects of one or both drugs, and this can also occur with paracetamol.

The use of paracetamol with the drugs listed below is a condition that is not recommended, but may need to be prescribed by a doctor in some cases. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often one or the other drug is used.

• Imatinib
• Isoniazid
• Pixantrone

Using this medication with the medicines listed below may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, however using both drugs may be the best treatment for you.

If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one drug for the other. The following are drugs that have the risk of increasing certain side effects when combined with paracetamol:

• Acenocoumarol
• Carbamazepine
• Fosphenytoin
• Lixisenatide
• Phenytoin
• Warfarin
• Zidovudine

Can food or alcohol interact with this drug?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Smoking or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

The existence of other health problems can affect the use of paracetamol (paracetamol). Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Alcohol abuse, or a history of alcohol abuse
• Severe kidney disease
• Liver disease (including hepatitis) —may make side effects worse
• Phenylketonuria (PKU) - some brands of paracetamol contain aspartame, which can make this condition worse

Paracetamol (Paracetamol) overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

If someone takes more than the recommended dose of paracetamol, seek medical attention immediately, even if the person has no symptoms.

Symptoms of a paracetamol overdose may include the following:

• Nausea
• Gag
• Loss of appetite
• Sweating
• Extreme fatigue
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Pain in the upper right abdomen
• Yellow on the skin and eyes
• Flu symptoms

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.