Acetaminophen, Paracetamol, Overview, Indications, Contraindications & Side effects

 Acetaminophen, Paracetamol, Overview, Indications, Contraindications & Side effects 

Overview:

Paracetamol is analgesic and antipyretic agent. Paracetamol is the active metabolite of phenacetin, responsible for its analgesic effect. Paracetamol is a weak prostaglandin inhibitor in peripheral tissues and possesses no significant antinflammatory effects. Paracetamol is one of the most important drug used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain when an antinfalmmatory effect is not necessary. Paracetamol is preferred over aspirin as an analgesic/antipyretic for patients in whom aspirin is contraindicated, such as those who have a history of gastric ulcer or a coagulation disorder.

Indications:

Paracetamol is primarily indicated in conditions like Ear pain, Fever, Headache, Malaise, Migraine, Mild to moderate pain, Pain, Post-vaccine reaction, Short-bowel syndrome, Tobacco amblyopia and leber's optic atrophy, Toothache.

Contraindication:

Paracetamol is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.

Side Effects:

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Paracetamol, which give rise to further complications include Bronchospasm.Paracetamol produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Blood dyscrasias, Centribular Necrosis, Liver damage. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Paracetamol therapy. The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Paracetamol include hypoglycemic coma, Hepatic necrosis, Liver failure, renal tubular necrosis.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Paracetamol are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Skin rashes, Gl adverse effects.

Warnings:

If sensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue use of paracetamol. If pain persist more than 10 days and arthritic and rheumatic condition affecting children, immediately consult physician. If patient have been diagnosed with liver or kidney impairment, seek medical advice before taking medication. If symptoms persists consult doctor.

Pregnancy:

Drug crosses placenta and can be detected in cord blood, newborn serum, and urine immediately after delivery.

Increased risk of teratogenic effects not reported.

Use of normal doses during pregnancy not associated with increased risk of miscarriage or still birth; however, increase in fetal death or spontaneous abortion may be seen with maternal overdose if treatment delayed.