Paracetamol Ab (Paracetamol)

Paracetamol Ab acts within the analgesic and antipyretic therapeutic area to manage common sources of pain and fever.

• Pain: alleviates mild to moderate acute pain such as headache, musculoskeletal discomfort, or dental pain.
• Fever: reduces elevated body temperature associated with infectious or inflammatory conditions.
• Postoperative analgesia: provides controlled pain relief following surgical procedures when administered intravenously.

• Paracetamol inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, primarily COX‑2, within the central nervous system, leading to decreased synthesis of prostaglandins that mediate pain and fever. This central inhibition reduces the perception of pain and resets the hypothalamic temperature set‑point, producing antipyretic effects without significant peripheral anti‑inflammatory activity.

Paracetamol administered intravenously may be associated with a range of adverse reactions.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild to moderate feeling of queasiness.
• Injection site pain: discomfort at the venipuncture site.
• Flushing: transient redness of the skin.
• Dizziness: temporary light‑headedness.
• Rash: mild skin erythema.
• Mild hypotension: slight drop in blood pressure.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Anaphylaxis: severe allergic reaction requiring immediate medical attention.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: rare severe skin and mucous membrane disorder.
• Hepatic failure: significant liver injury, especially with overdose.
• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure leading to shock.
• Blood dyscrasias: abnormal blood cell counts, including thrombocytopenia.
• Thrombocytopenia: reduced platelet count increasing bleeding risk.

Paracetamol IV should be used with attention to patient‑specific factors and proper handling.

• Renal impairment: monitor renal function and adjust therapy as needed.
• Hepatic disease: avoid high cumulative doses and assess liver enzymes regularly.
• Pregnancy: safety category unknown; weigh potential benefits against risks.
• Concomitant hepatotoxic drugs: avoid co‑administration with other liver‑affecting agents.
• Alcohol use: limit intake to reduce risk of liver injury.
• Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Paracetamol may interact with other medicines, requiring vigilance.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Concurrent use of other paracetamol‑containing products: risk of overdose and hepatotoxicity.
• Strong CYP450 inducers (e.g., rifampicin): may reduce analgesic efficacy.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Alcohol consumption: increases potential for liver injury.
• Hepatotoxic drugs such as isoniazid or methotrexate: monitor liver function tests.
• Warfarin: may potentiate anticoagulant effect, requiring INR monitoring.