Paracetamol is a potent antipyretic drug used in fever. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a collective class of compounds widely used in several different types of indications. The drugs under this class have effects ranging from analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, cardio-protection, with varying levels of effectiveness. These are one of the most commonly available OTC (over the counter) drugs.
The most common of them include paracetamol, diclofenac, and aspirin. They are sometimes, also referred to as non- narcotic, non-opioid, or aspirin-like analgesics.
| Parameters | Details |
|---|---|
| Category of Drug | Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is an Analgesics, Antipyretics, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs |
| Mechanism of Action | Paracetamol is a weak inhibitor (1) of the synthesis of prostaglandins. |
| Indications | Paracetamol is used for 1. Mild to moderate pain 2. Pain relief in osteoarthritis 3. Pyrexia including post-immunization pyrexia 4. Acute migraine attack |
| Well Known Pharmaceutical Brands | DOLO- MICRO LABS CALPOL- GSK PARACIP- CIPLA CROCIN- GSK  |
| Available dosage forms | 1. TABLETS 2. SYRUPS/SUSPENSIONS 3. SUSPENSION |
| Dose | 1. Adult- 0.5 to 1 g every 4 to 6 h (max. 4g/day 2. Children– a. 3 month to 1 year: 60 to 120 mg every 4 to 6 h b. 1 to 5 years: 120 to 250 mg every 4 to 6 h c. 6 to 12 years: 250 to 500 mg every 4 to 6 h |
| Molecular details | Molecular Formula- C8H9NO2 Molecular Weight-151.16 g/mol |
| IUPAC Name | N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide |
| Structure |  |
| Pharmacokinetic properties (2) | 1. 88% oral bioavailability 2. Vd-0.9L/kg 3. 10 to 20% of the drug is bound to RBCs 4. protein binding- 10% to 25% 5. metabolism pathways: conjugation with glucuronide, conjugation with sulfate, and oxidation through the cytochrome P450 enzyme 6. mainly excreted in the urine 7. half-life -2.5 h |
| Contraindications | 1. acute liver failure. 2. liver problems 3. severe renal impairment |
| Precautions | 1. Hepatic impairment 2. Renal impairment 3. Alcohol dependence 4. Pregnancy 5. Lactation 6.Interactions |
| Adverse Effects | 1. Rare but rashes and blood disorders reported 2. Liver damage |
| Pregnancy Category | B |
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