Paracetamol
I.
Date Ordered: September 20, 2005
II.
Dose Ordered: 500 mg q4 hours PRN
III.
Generic Name: Paracetamol
IV.
Brand Name:
V.
Classification: Antipyretic, Analgesic (non-opioid)
VI.
MOA: •
Antipyretic: Reduces fever by acting directly on the hypothalamic heat-regulating center to cause vasodilation and sweating, which helps dissipate heat.
•
Analgesic: Inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins that may serve as mediators of pain, primarily in the CNS.
VII.
Indication:
VIII. II.
•
Mild pain
•
Fever
Cont Contrrain aindica ication ion: •
Contraindicated with allergy to acetaminophen.
•
Produ Product cts s conta containi ining ng alcoh alcohol, ol, aspart aspartam ame, e, saccha saccharin rin,, sugar sugar or tartrazine should be avoided in patients who have hypersensitivity or intolerance to these compounds.
•
Use cautiously with impaired hepatic function, chronic alcoholism, pregnancy and lactation.
IX.
Drug Interaction: Drug-Drug
•
Increased toxicity with long term, excessive ethanol ingestion
•
Increased hypoprothrombinemic effect of oral anticoagulants
•
Increased risk of hepatotoxicity and possible decreased therapeutic effects with barbiturates, carbamazepine, hydantoins, rifampin, sulfipyrazone
•
Possible delayed or decreased effectiveness with anticholinergics
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Possible reduced absorption of acetaminophen with activated charcoal
•
X.
Possible decreased effectiveness of zidovudine
Side and Adverse Effect: GI: hepatic failure, hepatotoxicity (Overdose) GU: renal failure (high doses/chronic use) Derm: rash, urticaria
XI.
Nursing Intervention:
Interventions •
Do not exceed the recommended dosage
•
Give drug with food if GI upset noted
•
Discontinue drug if hypersensitivity reactions occur
Teaching Points •
Take the drug only for complaints indicated; it is not an inflammatory agent
•
Avoid the use of other over-the-counter preparations. They may contain acetaminophen, and serious overdosage can occur. If you need an over-the-counter preparation, consult your health care provider.
•
Report rash, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellowing of skin or eyes, changes in voiding patterns.
