ANTIPYRECTICS  500mg/5mL

Syrup oral
GENERIC NAME
 160mg/5mL
PARACETAMOL PEDIATRIC
Tablet
BRAND NAME
 325mg
TYLENOL® [Johnson & Johnson]  500mg
Dosage and Fequency Caplet
 325mg
ADULT  500mg
Tablet  650mg
 325mg Capsule
 500mg  325mg
Caplet  500mg
 325mg Caplet, extended-release
 500mg  650mg
 650mg Tablet, oral-disintegrating
Capsule  80mg
 325mg  160mg
 500mg Tablet chewable
Caplet, extended-  80mg
release Solution or suspension, oral
 650mg  160mg/5mL
Tablet, oral- Liquid oral
disintegrating  160mg/5mL
 80mg
 500mg/5mL
 160mg
Tablet chewable Syrup oral
 80mg  160mg5mL
Solution or suspension, oral NEONATE
 160mg/5mL
Liquid oral Solution/suspension [OTC]
 160mg/5mL  10–15 mg/kg/dose PO/PR Q6–8 hr
  20–25 mg/kg/dose for PO dosing or 30 mg/kg/dose for paracetamol may be due to inhibition of COX-2-dependent
PR dosing pathways that are proceeding at low rates. This hypothesis is
consistent with the similar pharmacological effects of paracetamol
MECHANISM OF ACTION
and the selective COX-2 inhibitors. COX-3, a splice variant of
Paracetamol is a weak inhibitor of PG synthesis of COX-1
COX-1, has been suggested to be the site of action of paracetamol,
and COX-2 in broken cell systems, but, by contrast, therapeutic
but genomic and kinetic analysis indicates that this selective
concentrations of paracetamol inhibit PG synthesis in intact cells in
interaction is unlikely to be clinically relevant. There is considerable
vitro when the levels of the substrate arachidonic acid are low (less
evidence that the analgesic effect of paracetamol is central and is
than about 5 mumol/L). Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is generally
due to activation of descending serotonergic pathways, but its
considered to be a weak inhibitor of the synthesis of prostaglandins
primary site of action may still be inhibition of PG synthesis. The
(PGs). However, the in vivo effects of paracetamol are similar to
action of paracetamol at a molecular level is unclear but could be
those of the selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors.
related to the production of reactive metabolites by the peroxidase
Paracetamol also decreases PG concentrations in vivo, but, unlike
function of COX-2, which could deplete glutathione, a cofactor of
the selective COX-2 inhibitors, paracetamol does not suppress the
enzymes such as PGE synthase.
inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis. It does, however, decrease
swelling after oral surgery in humans and suppresses inflammation INDICATION
in rats and mice. Paracetamol is a weak inhibitor of PG synthesis of
Like other OTC pain relievers, acetaminophen temporarily
COX-1 and COX-2 in broken cell systems, but, by contrast,
relieves minor aches and pains due to headache, backache, the
therapeutic concentrations of paracetamol inhibit PG synthesis in
common cold, minor pain of arthritis, toothache, premenstrual and
intact cells in vitro when the levels of the substrate arachidonic acid
menstrual cramps, and muscular aches, and temporarily reduces
are low (less than about 5 μmol/L). When the levels of arachidonic
fever
acid are low, PGs are synthesized largely by COX-2 in cells that
contain both COX-1 and COX-2. Thus, the apparent selectivity of CONTRAINDICATIONS
 Contraindications to the use of acetaminophen include days. Instructed not to use for marked fever (higher than 103.1 F),
hypersensitivity to acetaminophen, severe hepatic impairment, or fever persisting longer than 3 days, or recurrent fever unless it is
severe active hepatic disease. directed by prescriber. Warned that high doses or unsupervised
SIDE EFFECTS long-term use can cause hepatic damage. Excessive ingestion of
Angioedema, Disorientation, Dizziness, Pruritic alcohol may increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
maculopapular rash, Rash, Hyperammonemia, Stevens-Johnson
syndrome, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Urticaria, Gastrointestinal
haemorrhage, Laryngeal edema, Agranulocytosis, Leukopenia,
Neutropenia, Pancytopenia, Thrombocytopenia, Thrombocytopenic
purpura, Hepatotoxicity, Liver failure, Nephrotoxicitym,
Pneumonitis, Anaphylactoid

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
Safe administration, monitoring for efficacy, and identifying
any possible adverse reactions are, of course, vital nursing
responsibilities for IV use of acetaminophen (or any other
medication). Patient education is also an important nursing function
with all medications.

PATIENT-FAMILY TEACHING
Tylenol is only for short-term use. Consult prescriber if it is
given to children for longer than 5 days or adults for longer than 10
GENERIC NAME BRAND NAME MECHANISM OF ACTION
TRAMADOL HCl TRAMAL [Zuellig] Tramadol acts by binding to μ-opioid receptors on neurons.
Dosage and Frequency It is also a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It is
ADULT converted in the liver to O-desmethyltramadol, an opioid with
>12 yrs. 50-100 mg 4-6 hrly. Max: 400 mg. Retard tab stronger binding to the μ-opioid receptor.
>12 yrs. Initially, 50-100 mg bid (morning & evening). May be INDICATIONS
titrated ti 150-200 mg bid if pain relief is insufficient. Treatment of moderate to severe pain.
>12 yrs. 50-100 mg 4-6 hrly. Max: 400 mg CONTRAINDICATIONS
PEDIATRIC
Tramadol hydrochloride is contraindicated in any situation
>1 yr. 1-2 mg/kg as a single dose. Max: 8 mg/kg or 400 mg, where opioids are contraindicated, including acute intoxication with
whichever is lower. any of the following: alcohol, hypnotics, and narcotics, centrally
acting analgesics, opioids or psychotropic drugs.
SIDE EFFECTS
Dizziness, headache, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting,
constipation, lack of energy, sweating, and dry mouth
NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES

 Assess for level of pain relief and administer prn dose as

needed but not to exceed the recommended total daily dose.

 Monitor vital signs and assess for orthostatic hypotension or

signs of CNS depression.
  Withhold drug and notify prescriber if S&S of GENERIC NAME
hypersensitivity occur. HYOSCINE BUTYLBROMIDE, PARACETAMOL
 Assess bowel and bladder function; report urinary frequency BRAND NAME
or retention. BUSCOPAN VENUS [sanofi-aventis]
 Use seizure precautions for patients who have a history of Dosage and Frequency
seizures or who are concurrently using drugs that lower the ADULT
seizure threshold. Intravenous (IV)
 Monitor ambulation and take appropriate safety precautions.  20mg in 1ml (solution)

PATIENT-FAMILY TEACHING’  Dilute required dose to 10ml with normal saline. Inject slowly

When taken as an immediate-release oral formulation, the over 3-5 minutes.

onset of pain relief usually occurs within about an hour serious side  Compatible with the following IV fluids:

effects may include seizures, increased risk of serotonin syndrome,  Normal saline, 5% glucose and sodium chloride

decreased alertness, and drug addiction. A change in dosage may be  May be given into the side arm when the above IV fluids are

recommended in those with kidney or liver problems. Its not being infused. Store at room temperature. Protect from light.

recommended in women who are breastfeeding or those who are at IM or SC:

risk of suicide.  Inject undiluted into a large muscle mass or subcutaneously

Per-orem
 Buscopan 10mg (white)
 Gastro-Soothe 10mg
(white)
MECHANISM OF ACTION Constipation, dry mouth, trouble urinating, or nausea could
Hyoscine-N-butylbromide (HNBB) acts by interfering with occur. If these continue or are bothersome, notify your doctor
the transmission of nerve impulses by acetylcholine in the promptly. Very unlikely but report: rash, itching, swelling of the
parasympathetic nervous system. hands or feet, trouble breathing, increased pulse, dizziness, diarrhea,

Buscopan exerts a spasmolytic action on the smooth muscle of the vision problems, eye pain.

gastrointestinal, biliary and urinary tracts. As a quaternary NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES

ammonium derivative, hyoscine-N- butylbromide does not enter the  Drug compatibility should be monitored closely in
central nervous system. Therefore, anticholinergic side effects at the patients requiring adjunctive therapy
central nervous system do not occur. Peripheral anticholinergic  Avoid driving & operating machinery after
effects result from a ganglion-blocking action within the visceral parenteral administration.
wall as well as from anti- muscarinic activity.  Avoid strict heat
INDICATIONS  Raise side rails as a precaution because some patients
Buscopan Tablets are indicated for the relief of spasm of the become temporarily excited or disoriented and some
genito-urinary tract or gastro- intestinal tract and for the develop amnesia or become drowsy.
symptomatic relief of Irritable Bowel Syndrome  Reorient patient, as needed, Tolerance may develop
CONTRAINDICATIONS when therapy is prolonged
Buscopan Tablets should not be administered to patients  Atropine-like toxicity may cause dose related
with myasthenia gravis, megacolon and narrow angle glaucoma. In adverse reactions. Individual tolerance varies greatly
addition, they should not be given to patients with a known  Overdose may cause curare-like effects, such as
hypersensitivity to hyoscine-N-butylbromide or any other respiratory paralysis. Keep emergency equipment
component of the product. available.
ADVERSE EFFECTS
FAMILY TEACHING PLAN GENERIC NAME
 Follow the instructions on the label of this medicine (do not PARACETAMOL
exceed recommended dosage) BRAND NAME

 Do not stop taking this medicine until relief is sought or skin BIOGESIC® [Unilab]

rash occurs Dosage and Frequency

 Oral: take 2 tablets four times daily (or as directed) ADULT

 You can take analgesics (e.g. paracetamol) with Buscopan
for added relief
 Avoid taking certain foods that may irritate the stomach (talk
to your pharmacist).
Per Orem: 325-650mg q4h up to a maximum of 1 gram q6h.
PEDIATRIC
Children under 12 years:
10-15 mg/kg orally once every 4 hours, up to 60-80 mg/kg/day
Children 12 years and older:
325-650 mg orally/rectally once every 4-6 hours as needed
Suppositories: 650mg q4h not to exceed 4 grams a day for up to
10 days.
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Paracetamol exhibits analgesic and antipyretic activity by inhibiting
prostaglandin synthesis. It produces analgesia by elevating the pain
threshold and antipyresis through action on the hypothalamic heat-
regulating center.
In therapeutic doses, paracetamol's analgesic and antipyretic action
is comparable to that of aspirin. Paracetamol does not adversely
affect platelet function and homeostasis.
INDICATIONS
Reduction of fever. Relief of minor aches and pains due to
headache, backache, the common cod, menstrual aches, arthritis,
and toothache.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Taking more than the recommended dose can cause serious
health problems, including liver damage.
Do not exceed recommended dose. Keep out of reach of children. In
case of accidental overdose, contact a physician or poison control
centre immediately. Prompt medical attention is critical for adults as
well as for children even if signs or symptoms are not noticed.
SIDE EFFECTS
 low fever with nausea, stomach pain, and loss of appetite;
 Dark urine, clay-colored stools;
 Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
 Assess patient’s fever or pain: type of pain, location,
intensity, duration, temperature, and diaphoresis.
 Assess allergic reactions: rash, urticaria; if these occur, drug
may have to be discontinued.
 Teach patient to recognize signs of chronic overdose:
bleeding, bruising, malaise, fever, sore throat.
 Tell patient to notify prescriber for pain/ fever lasting for
more than 3 days.
PATIENT FAMILY TEACHING
 Follow the instructions on the label of the
medicine or as directed by your doctor
 Paracetamol for children comes in different
strengths. Take care you are giving your child the
correct dose
 Do not exceed the maximum dose recommended
(four doses in 24 hours)
 Food: can be taken on an empty stomach
 Alcohol: do not drink excessive quantities of
alcohol while taking paracetamol
 Keep all paracetamol well out of reach of GENERIC NAME
children MULTIVITAMINS + PARACETAMOL
 Contact your doctor or seek urgent help if
BRAND NAME
overdose occurs
 Paracetamol is an ingredient in a number of
POLYNERV FORTE [Hizon]
medicines for pain, or colds and flu. If taking
paracetamol in one medicine, make sure you Doses and Frequencies
don't take other medicines also containing
paracetamol. ADULT
PO & Rectal: single - 1 g, daily - 4 g.
PEDIATRIC
PO
 aged 6-12 years - 250-500 mg
 1-5 years - 120-250 mg
RECTAL
 6-12 years - 250-500 mg, 1-5
years - 125-250 mg.
MECHANISM OF ACTION ADVERSE EFFECTS
Polynerv Forte is an analgesic-antipyretic. It has Thromboembolism, erythremia, erythrocytosis, increased
analgesic, antipyretic and weak anti-inflammatory action. sensitivity to cyanocobalamin.
The mechanism of action is associated with inhibition of NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
prostaglandin synthesis, the predominant influence on the BEFORE:
thermoregulation center in the hypothalamus, enhances heat  Obtain a sensitivity test before administration
transfer.  Avoid I.V administration because of faster systemic
INDICATIONS elimination will reduce effectiveness of vitamin.
Polynerv Forte is used with caution in patients with DURING
disorders of the liver and kidneys, with benign  Do not give large doses of vitamin B12 routinely;
hyperbilirubinemia, as well as in elderly patients. drug is lost through excretion.
With prolonged use of Polynerv Forte (Acetaminophen) is  Do not mix parenteral preparation in same syringe
necessary to monitor patterns of peripheral blood and with other drugs.
functional state of the liver. AFTER
Used for treatment of premenstrual tension syndrome in  Protect vitamin B12from light. Do not refrigerate or
combination with pamabrom (diuretic, a derivative of freeze
xanthine) and mepyramine (Histamine H1-receptors  Monitor patient for hypokalemia for first 48 hours,
blocker). as anemia correct itself. Give potassium
CONTRAINDICATIONS supplements, as per needed.
Chronic active alcoholism, increased sensitivity to Polynerv PATIENT-FAMILY TEACHING
Forte, marked disturbances of liver function and / or kidney If you are taking this product under your doctor's direction,
disease, anemia, pregnancy (I term your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible
drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not stop, GENERIC
start, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with
1. IBUPOFEN 200MG, PARACETAMOL 325MG
them first. Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist
of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, BRAND

especially of: altretamine, cisplatin, certain antibiotics (e.g., ALAXAN United Lab [Therapharma]
chloramphenicol), certain anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin),
Dosage and Frequency
levodopa, other vitamin/nutritional supplements.
ADULTS

PO: 500mg - 1000mg every four hours - but no more than

4000mg (eight 500mg tablets) per day.

PEDIATRIC

PO: 1-5 years old: 120mg-250mg every four hours - but no more
than 4 doses per day (24 hours).

6-12 years old: 250-500mg every four hours - but no more

than 4 doses per day (24 hours).

Under 1 year: check with your doctor or pharmacist.

MECHANISM OF ACTION SIDE EFFECTS

Alaxan FR contains the synergistic combination of Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and pain in the stomach or
ibuprofen and paracetamol in capsule. The inflammatory activity of intestines.
ibuprofen and paracetamol combination is greater compared to the
NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
individual ingredients. Because pain is usually accompanied by
inflammation, pain relief is more evident when inflammation is Advice the patient to always eat before taking the medication
and always inform themabout the possible side effects.
controlled by ibuprofen. This capsule format allows complete
dissolution of the drugs in at least 10 min, which leads to faster PATIENT FAMILY TEACHING
absorption. Faster absorption. Faster absorption usually leads to
 Follow the instructions on the label of the medicine or as
earlier onset of pain relief.
directed by your doctor
INDICATION
 Paracetamol for children comes in different strengths. Take
Faster relief of mild to moderately severe pain of care you are giving your child the correct dose
musculoskeletal origin eg muscle pain, arthritis, rheumatism, sprain,
 Do not exceed the maximum dose recommended (four doses
strain, bursitis, tendonitis, backache, stiff neck, tension headache,
in 24 hours)
dysmenorrhea, toothache, pain after tooth extraction and minor
surgical operations. Reduction of fever.  Food: can be taken on an empty stomach

 Alcohol: do not drink excessive quantities of alcohol while

CONTRAINDICATIONS
taking paracetamol
Patients in whom bronchospasm angioedema or nasal polyps
 Keep all paracetamol well out of reach of children
are precipitated by ibuprofen, aspirin. Advanced kidney and liver
deseases.  Contact your doctor or seek urgent help if overdose occurs
 Paracetamol is an ingredient in a number of medicines for GENERIC NAME
pain, or colds and flu. If taking paracetamol in one medicine,
Naproxen
make sure you don't take other medicines also containing
BRAND NAME
paracetamol.
EC-Naprosyn

Dosage and Fequency

USUAL DOSE FOR

OSTEOARTHRITIS

PO: immediate Release Tablets and Suspension:

250 mg to 500 mg (naproxen) or 275 mg to 550 mg (naproxen
sodium) orally twice a day

Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis

PO: 250 mg to 500 mg (naproxen) or 275 mg to 550 mg (naproxen

sodium) orally twice a day

Usual Adult Dose for Acute Gout

PO: (naproxen) or 825 mg (naproxen sodium) orally once on first

day of attack
Following initial dose: 250 mg (naproxen) or 275 mg (naproxen
sodium) orally every 8 hours until attack subsides
Usual Adult Dose for Tendonitis
PO: 550 mg orally once, followed by 275 mg orally every 6 to 8
hours or 550 mg orally every 12 hours as need-Maximum dose:
Initial total daily dose not to exceed 1375 mg.
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Naproxen works by reversibly inhibiting both the COX-1
and COX-2 enzymes as a non-selective coxib. This results in the
inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins act as signaling
molecules in the body, inducing inflammation. Thus, by inhibiting
COX-1/2, naproxen induces an anti-inflammatory effect.
INDICATIONS
Naproxen is used to relieve pain from various conditions
such as headache, muscle aches, tendonitis, dental pain, and
menstrual cramps. It also reduces pain, swelling, and joint stiffness
caused by arthritis, bursitis, and gout attacks. This medication is
known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Naproxen is contraindicated in patients who have previously
shown hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. nasal polyps, asthma, rhinitis,
angioedema or urticaria) in response to ibuprofen, aspirin or other
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory/analgesic drugs. These reactions
have the potential of being fatal.
SIDE EFFECTS
 indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, nausea;
 headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
 bruising, itching, rash;
 swelling; or.
 ringing in your ears.
NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
Advice the patient to always eat before taking the
medication and always inform them about the possible side effects,
give them the things to do when they face the side effects.
PATIENT FAMILY TEACHING GENERIC NAME

 Follow the instructions on the label of the medicine or as Ibuprofen

directed by your doctor BRAND NAME
ADVIL
 Do not exceed the maximum dose recommended (four doses Dosage and Fequency
in 24 hours)
ADULT
 Food: can be taken on an empty stomach
PO: 200-400mg 4-6hrly.
 Alcohol: do not drink excessive quantities of alcohol while
Max: 1,200 mg daily
taking paracetamol
CHILDREN
 Contact your doctor or seek urgent help if overdose occurs
PO: 11-12yr- 15ml

9-10yr -12.5ml

6-8yr 1-0ml

4-5yr -7.5ml

2-3yr- 5ml. Doses taken qid.

MECHANISM OF ACTION SIDE EFFECTS

Mechanism. Ibuprofen is a non-selective inhibitor of an
enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which is required for the
synthesis of prostaglandins via the arachidonic acid pathway. COX
is needed to convert arachidonic acid to prostaglandin H2 (PGH2)
 upset stomach, mild heartburn, nausea, vomiting;
 bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation;
 dizziness, headache, nervousness;

in the body. This PGH2 is then converted to prostaglandins.  mild itching or rash; or.

INDICATIONS  ringing in your ears.

Advil is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
caused by many conditions such as headache, toothache,
 Assess patient for signs of megaloblastic anemia
back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injury. Advil is used
(fatigue, weakness, dyspnea) prior to and
in adults and children who are at least 6 months old.
periodically throughout therapy.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
PATIENT FAMILY TEACHING
Advil can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke,
 Encourage patient to comply with diet recommendations of
especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have
physician or other health care provider. Explain the best
heart disease. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart
source of vitamins is a well-balanced diet with foods from
bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Advil may
the four basic food groups. If physician is trying to diagnose
also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These
folic acid deficiency without concealing pernicious anemia,
conditions can occur without warning while you are using
a diet low in vitamin b12 and folate will be ordered.
ibuprofen, especially in older adults.
 Foods high in folic acid include vegetables, fruits and organ
meats; heat destroys folic acid in foods.
 Patients self-medicating with vitamin supplements should be GENERIC NAME
cautioned not to exceed RDA. The effectiveness of mega
Diclofenac Na
doses for treatment of various medical conditions is
unproven and may cause side effects. BRAND NAME

 Explain the folic acid may make urine more intensely BOIE DICLOFENAC SODIUM
yellow.
Dosage and Frequency

Adult

PO: 75-150mg daily in divided doses.

MECHANISM OF ACTION  stuffy nose;
 itching, increased sweating;
Diclofenac has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic
properties. The mechanism of action of VOLTAREN, like that of  increased blood pressure; or.

other NSAIDs, is not completely understood but involves inhibition  swelling or pain in your arms or legs.

of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2). Diclofenac is a potent NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES

inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis in vitro
 Asses patient for signs of niacin deficiency prior to
INDICATIONS and periodically throughout the therapy.

Diclofenac is used to treat mild to moderate pain, or signs PATIENT FAMILY TEACHING
and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Voltaren is
 Inform patient that cutaneous flushing and a
also indicated for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. The
sensation of warmth, especially in the face, neck and
Cataflam brand of this medicine is also used to treat
ears, itching or tingling and headache may occur
CONTRAINDICATIONS within the first 2hr after taking the drug. These
Patients w/ meningitis not du to an infection and systemic effects are usually transient and subside with
mastocytosis should be extra careful when taking this medicine continued therapy.
bacause the side effects are something really serious and can disrupt  Emphasize the importance of follow-up
the patient. examinations to evaluate progress.
 Advice patient to make position changes slowly to
SIDE EFFECTS
minimize orthostatic hypotension.
 indigestion, gas, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
 diarrhea, constipation;
 headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
GENERIC NAME NEONATE

Paracetamol PO: Drops 3 mth-1 yr 0.6-1.2 mL,

BRAND NAME <3 mth 10 mg/kg body wt. All doses to be taken tid-qid.

Tempra MECHANISM OF ACTION

Dosage and Frequency Paracetamol is an analgesic-antipyretic drug. It is not a

salicylate. It contains no phenacetin or caffeine. It has no effect on
ADULT
prothrombin time. Paracetamol (TEMPRA) is particularly valuable
PO: 1-2 tab. for use in patients who do not tolerate aspirin well because it is less

Forte tab Adult 1-2 tab likely to cause gastrointestinal distress

CHILDREN INDICATION

PO: 6-12 yr ½-1 tab. .
6-12 yr 2-4 tsp,
1-5 yr 1-2 tsp, 3 mth-1 yr ½-1 tsp.
Forte syr Childn ≥13 yr 2-3 tsp,
Fever, headache, muscular aches & pain, toothache, colds,
ear ache, fever due to tonsillectomy, inoculations & vaccinations.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
hypersensitivity to acetaminophen (paracetamol). Patients
with anemia, cardiac, pulmonary, renal and/or liver diseases must

6-12 yr 1-2 tsp, consult first with their physician before taking this drug. These
patients must also avoid prolonged use of acetaminophen
1-5 yr ½-1 tsp.
(paracetamol).
SIDE EFFECTS  Alcohol: do not drink excessive quantities of alcohol while
taking paracetamol
Skin rashes and other allergic reactions occur occasionally.

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES

 Assess patient’s fever or pain: typeof pain, location,

 Keep all paracetamol well out of reach of children
intensity, duration, temperature, and diaphoresis.
 Assess allergic reactions: rash, urticaria; if these occur, drug
may have to be discontinued.
 Teach patient to recognize signs of chronic overdose:  Contact your doctor or seek urgent help if overdose occurs

bleeding, bruising, malaise, fever, sore throat.

 Tell patient to notify prescriber for pain/ fever lasting for
more than 3 days.  Paracetamol is an ingredient in a number of medicines for

PATIENT FAMILY TEACHING pain, or colds and flu. If taking paracetamol in one medicine,
make sure you don't take other medicines also containing
 Follow the instructions on the label of the medicine or as
paracetamol.
directed by your doctor

 Paracetamol for children comes in different strengths. Take

care you are giving your child the correct dose

 Do not exceed the maximum dose recommended (four doses

in 24 hours)

 Food: can be taken on an empty stomach