Paracetamol & Paracetamol Plus

Paracetamol (Paracitamol Bp) 

Paracetamol is one of the safest and most widely used analgesic and antipyretic. Paracetamol produces analgesic action by elevation of the pain thresold and anti pyresis through action on the hypothalamic heat regulating center. Paracetamol exerts significantly milder side effects and most unlikely to produce many of the serious side effects associated with aspirin and other NSAIDs. Paracetamol is rapidly and completely absorbed from the GIT following oral administration.

Introduction:

All conditions requiring relief from fever and pain such as neuritis neuralgia headache  earache toothache pain due to rheumatic disorder cold, influenza , dysmenorrhea, post-vaccination pain and fever of children etc.

Contraindication:

Paracetamol is contraindicated in patients with severerenal function impairment and hepatic disease (Viral Hepatitis)

Side Effect:

Side effects are significantly mild, though haematological reactions have been reported. Pancreatitis,skin rashes and other allergic reactions occur occasionally.

Precautions:

Paracetamol should be given with care to patients with impaired kidney or liver function.

   Paracetamol should be given with care to patients taking other drugs that affect the liver.

Over dose:

Moderate overdose: 4-10 gm/day. Excessive overdose: More than 10gm/day.

Symptoms of overdose include pallor, nausea, vomiting, anorexia and abdominal pain.

Liver damage may become apparent 12-48 hours after ingestion. In sever poisoning hepatic failure may progress to encephalopathy, come and death.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation:

Paracetamol is safe in all stages of pregnancy and lactation.

Paracetamol Plus (Paracetamol 500 mg and Caffeine 65 mg)

Paracetamol plus has analgesic and antipyretic properties with weak anti-inflammatory activity. Caffeine is an alkaloid which is a theophylline-like Xanthine increases the solubility and transmembrane permeation of paracetamol plus. In addition, caffeine increases the pain threshold and tolerance of pain. Caffeine has also an intrinsic power to raise vessel tone in the brain, which provides another benefit to treat migraine and headache.

Indication:

Paracetamol plus is indicated for the relief of fever, migraine and headache, common colds and flu, sore throat, earache, toothache, backache, rheumatic and benefit to treat migraine and headache.

Side Effect:

In recommended doses, it is usually free from side effects. However, skin reactions such as urticaria have been reported rarely.

Precation:

·        It should be used with caution in severe liver or kidney damage.

·        Do not take other Paracetamol plus containing medications at the same time.

·        Avoid drinking too much coffee or tea when taking this Paracetamol plus.

 

Pregnancy and Lactation:

Although there is epidemiological evidence of the safety Paracetamol Plus in pregnancy and lactation, medical advice should be sought before using this product.