PARACETAMOL - Do not give more than four doses in 24 hours.

Nursing considerations
Action
- Check that the patient is not taking any other medication containing
- Paracetamol is a non-opioid analgesic.
paracetamol.
- It inhibits prostaglandin synthesis. - For children who may refuse medicine off a spoon try using a medicine
- Paracetamol is effective at reducing pain and fever. syringe to squirt liquid slowly into the side of the child's mouth or use
- It is sometimes used to relieve cancer pain. soluble paracetamol mixed with a drink.
- Some children may be happy to take one paracetamol product but dislike
Indications the taste of another.
- Mild to moderate pain. - There are no known harmful effects when used during pregnancy.
- Pyrexia. - Small amounts may pass into breast milk. However, there are no known
- Post-vaccination fever from two months of age. harmful effects when used by breastfeeding mothers.
- Alcohol increases the risk of liver damage that can occur if an overdose of
paracetamol is taken. The hazards of paracetamol overdose are greater in
Cautions persistent heavy drinkers and in people with alcoholic liver disease.
- Decreased kidney function. - Evaluate therapeutic response.
- Decreased liver function. Patient teaching
- Alcohol dependence. - If symptoms persist for more than three days, patients should consult the
Side-effects prescribing practitioner.
- Side-effects are rare and include skin rashes and blood disorders. - Patients should be cautioned not to take any other products containing
- In overdose, hepatocellular necrosis or less frequently renal tubular paracetamol and they should read the label of all other medication
necrosis. carefully to ensure that it does not contain paracetamol.
- Make sure patients are aware they must not exceed the recommended
Interactions dose.
- Increased INR may occur with patients taking warfarin. - Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose,
- Cholestyramine may reduce the absorption of paracetamol from the gut. even if patients feel well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver
- Metoclopramide and domperidone may increase the absorption of damage.
paracetamol from the gut. - Paracetamol for children comes in different strengths. Parents should
take care they give their child the correct dose.
Administration - Paracetamol can be taken on an empty stomach.
- Liquid paracetamol is flavoured to make it more palatable. It is available - Do not drink excessive quantities of alcohol while taking paracetamol.
in a variety of concentrations. - Keep all paracetamol well out of the reach of children.
- Tablets are available in traditional and soluble form. Nurses should refer to manufacturer's summary of product characteristics
- Suppositories are also available. and to appropriate local guidelines
- Administer as required four times a day, every 4-6 hours.