PARACETAMOL (ACETAMINOPHEN) : THE ULTIMATE PAIN KILLER

PARACETAMOL (ACETAMINOPHEN)     

THE ULTIMATE PAIN KILLER

Author : ShomalyChakraborty,PHARMACIST

PARACETAMOLis undoubtedlyour first obvious choice of drug as pain reliever (Analgesic) &fever reducer(Antipyretic).

Introductory details    

 

Chemical name – Acetaminophen

Class–It’s non- opioid( Non- Narcotic) in nature, Antipyretic, Analgesic , Anilide ( Chemical class)

Mechanism of action–It inhibits cyclooxygenase enzyme (COX 2 & COX 3) -mediated production of prostaglandins in CNS .Thusit produces a central analgesic effect.It may inhibit pain impulses by exerting a depressant effect on peripheral receptors

It reduces fever by promoting heat loss (through sweating and cutaneous vasodilation) and thus helps reset the hypothalamic thermostat.

It doesn’t reduce inflammation

Administration – It can be taken with or without food.

Indications – If the pain / fever is not so severe & in it’s milder forms.

Dosage available in strengths - 160 mg; 80 mg/0.8 mL; 160 mg/5 mL; 500 mg; 650 mg; 80 mg; 325 mg; 500 mg/15 mL; 120 mg; 120 mg/5 mL; 650 mg/20.3 mL; 325 mg/10.15 mL; 80 mg/5 mL; 10 mg/mL; 650 mg/25 mL; 80 mg/mL; 500 mg/5 mL; 48 mg/mL

The maximum amount of paracetamol for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day

Contraindications – It can’t be used if the patient has active liver diseases or hepatic impairment or patient with history of alcoholism.

Adverse drug reactions –Thrombocytopenia, Neutropenia , Pancytopenia, Methemoglobinemia, Agranulocytosis.

Fatal to hepatotoxicity, Acute renal tubular necrosis ,Stevens - Johnson Syndrome, Hypersensitivity reactions.

Preparations available - Oral tablet, chewable, oral liquid, oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet, extended release, rectal suppository, oral capsule, oral tablet, disintegrating, compounding powder, oral granule, effervescent, intravenous solution, oral powder.

Popular brand names –

• ·         Tylenol ( McNeil Consumer Healthcare)
• ·         Calpol ( Coloured sweet syrup for pediatric administration)
• ·         Panadol ( GlaxoSmithKline)
• ·         Crocin ( Glaxosmithkline)
•  

·         Bangladeshi Preparations

 

o   Napa– Tablet,Napa Extend – Extended release tablet, Napa One , Napa Rapid.

(Beximco Pharmaceutical LTD)

 

o   Ace - Tablet, Suspension, Pediatric drop , Suppository.(Square Pharmaceutical LTD)

      

o   XPA – Tablet, Suspension, Pediatric drop , Suppository. ( Aristopharma)

 

o   Fast – ACME laboratories LTD.

 

o   ACEP – Zenith Pharmaceutical LTD.

 

Type – OTC drug