Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)
Tylenol, Ofrimev, Paratabs, Panodil, Parasup
Class:
An analgesic and anti-pyretic.
An analgesic and anti-pyretic.
Mechanism of Action:
Acetaminophen is an analgesic and antipyretic. The exact mechanism of action of acetaminophen is not known. It may reduce the production of prostaglandins in the brain. Prostaglandins are chemicals that cause inflammation and swelling.
Acetaminophen relieves pain by elevating the pain threshold, that is, by requiring a greater amount of pain to develop before a person feels it. It reduces fever through its action on the heat-regulating center of the brain. Specifically, it tells the center to lower the body's temperature when the temperature is elevated.
Acetaminophen is an analgesic and antipyretic. The exact mechanism of action of acetaminophen is not known. It may reduce the production of prostaglandins in the brain. Prostaglandins are chemicals that cause inflammation and swelling.
Acetaminophen relieves pain by elevating the pain threshold, that is, by requiring a greater amount of pain to develop before a person feels it. It reduces fever through its action on the heat-regulating center of the brain. Specifically, it tells the center to lower the body's temperature when the temperature is elevated.
Indications:
An effective analgesic and anti-pyretic for the treatment of fever and pain.
An effective analgesic and anti-pyretic for the treatment of fever and pain.
Contraindications:
Allergy to medication. Severe liver disease.
Allergy to medication. Severe liver disease.
Adult Dosage and Administration
- PO: 650-1000 mg PO q 4 hrs to a maximum of 3000 mg.
- IV: 650-1000 mg IV.
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Pediatric Dosage and Administration:15 mg/kg PO or PR q 4 hrs.
Duration of Action:
- Onset: 30-45 minutes.
- Peak effect: 30-60 minutes.
- Duration: 4-6 hrs
Special Considerations:
Avoid in patients with severe liver disease.
Avoid in patients with severe liver disease.