How Does Acetaminophen work and What are side Effect of Paracetamol to the Patient?
Acetaminophen or Paracetamol Is drugs That has two properties which are analgesic properties and antipyretic properties that why are not classified in the Non steroid anti inflammatory drugs. The main two role of Acetaminophen or paracetamol are fever relieve and pain relieve, the achieve it effect by acting on Cyclooxygenase 2 in hypothalamus which inhibit release of prostaglandin and and pyrogen.
Acetaminophen reduces fever by direct action at the level of the hypothalamus and dilation of peripheral blood vessels, which enables sweating and dissipation of heat. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin have equal efficacy in relieving pain and reducing fever.
Acetaminophen has no anti-inflammatory properties; therefore, it is not effective in treating arthritis or pain caused by tissue swelling following injury.
The primary therapeutic usefulness of acetaminophen is for the treatment of fever in children and for relief of mild to moderate pain when aspirin is contraindicated. In the treatment of severe pain, acetaminophen may be combined with opioids. This allows the dose of opioid to be reduced, thus decreasing the risk of dependence and serious opioid toxicity.
Acetaminophen has no effect on platelet aggregation and does not exhibit cardiotoxicity. Most importantly, it does not cause GI bleeding or ulcers, as do the NSAIDs.
Liquid forms are available in varying concentrations. Use the appropriate strength product in children to avoid toxicity.
■ Never administer to patients who consume alcohol regularly due to the potential for hepatotoxicity.
■ Advise patients that acetaminophen is found in many OTC products and that extreme care must be taken to not duplicate doses by taking several
of these products concurrently.
■ Pregnancy category B
Adverse effect of Acetaminophen or paracetamol to the patient?
Acetaminophen is generally safe, and adverse effects are uncommon at therapeutic doses. Acetaminophen causes less gastric irritation than aspirin and does not affect blood coagulation. It is not recommended in patients who are malnourished. In such cases, acute toxicity may result, leading to renal failure, which can be fatal. Other signs of acute toxicity include nausea, vomiting, chills, abdominal discomfort, and fatal hepatic necrosis.
A major concern with the use of high doses of acetaminophen is the risk for liver damage, which is especially important for patients who consume alcohol. Acetaminophen has the potential to cause severe and even fatal liver injury and may cause serious allergic reactions with symptoms of angioedema, difficulty breathing, itching, or rash.
Contraindications of acetaminophen or paracetamol?
Contraindications include hypersensitivity to acetaminophen or phenacetin and chronic alcoholism.
Which drug can interact with paracetamol or Acetaminophen when taken at the some time?
Drug–Drug: Acetaminophen inhibits warfarin metabolism, causing the anticoagulant to accumulate to toxic levels. High-dose or long-term acetaminophen use may result in elevated warfarin levels and bleeding. Ingestion of this drug with alcohol or other hepatotoxic drugs, such as phenytoin or barbiturates, is not recommended because of the possibility of liver failure from hepatic necrosis.
What are stronger nonopioid alternatives for treatment of tension headaches to the patient?
● Ascomp (aspirin, 325 mg; caffeine, 40 mg; butalbital, 50 mg).
● Fioricet (acetaminophen, 325 mg; caffeine, 40 mg; butalbital, 50 mg).
● Phrenilin (acetaminophen, 325 mg; butalbital, 50 mg tablet).
● Phrenilin Forte (acetaminophen, 650 mg; butalbital, 50 mg capsule).
● Paracetamol 500mg
acetaminophen in prescription combination products to 325 mg per tablet, capsule, or dosing unit to lower the potential for acetaminophen-induced
hepatotoxicity.
Treatment of Overdose: The specific treatment for overdose is the oral or IV administration of N-acetylcysteine (Acetadote) as soon as possible after
the overdose. This drug protects the liver from toxic metabolites of acetaminophen.
Advice to the Patient or Health care provider
This information is educational purpose or medical consultant
Never administer patient Acetaminophen who consume Alcohol because it can increase risk of toxicity that will harm patient.
Never Administer paracetamol the patient with problem of liver because can Cause fatal problem.
Calculate dose accurately because the overdose of paracetamol can harm patient.