Paracetamol B. Braun (Paracetamol)

Paracetamol B. Braun is an analgesic/antipyretic that acts on the body's pain and temperature regulation pathways.

• Fever: reduces elevated body temperature associated with infection or inflammation.
• Headache: alleviates tension‑type and mild migraine‑related head pain.
• Musculoskeletal pain: provides relief from sore muscles, joint aches and minor injuries.
• Dental pain: eases discomfort following dental procedures or toothache.
• Post‑operative pain: helps manage mild to moderate pain after minor surgical interventions.

• Paracetamol exerts its effect primarily by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in the central nervous system, particularly COX‑2, leading to decreased synthesis of prostaglandins that mediate pain and fever. Its action is largely confined to the brain and spinal cord, with minimal peripheral anti‑inflammatory activity, which accounts for its antipyretic and analgesic properties without significant anti‑inflammatory effects.

Paracetamol is generally well tolerated, but adverse reactions can occur.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild stomach upset that may accompany dosing.
• Skin rash: mild erythematous eruption, often transient.
• Elevated liver enzymes: mild, reversible changes in liver function tests.
• Headache: occasional recurrence of mild headache.
• Dizziness: transient light‑headed sensation.
• Gastrointestinal discomfort: mild abdominal pain or dyspepsia.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: severe skin reaction requiring immediate medical attention.
• Hepatic failure: rare but potentially fatal liver injury, especially with overdose.
• Blood dyscrasias: agranulocytosis or thrombocytopenia in isolated cases.
• Anaphylaxis: acute allergic reaction with breathing difficulty.
• Severe skin reactions: toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Renal impairment: rare acute kidney injury in susceptible individuals.

Paracetamol should be used with caution in specific clinical situations.

• Assess liver function: avoid use in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
• Avoid alcohol: concurrent alcohol consumption can increase hepatotoxic risk.
• Use lowest effective dose: limit exposure to the minimum dose needed for symptom control.
• Monitor in children: dose by weight and observe for signs of overdose.
• Check for hypersensitivity: discontinue if rash or allergic signs develop.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Paracetamol may interact with several medicines, requiring attention to dosing and monitoring.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Warfarin: increased anticoagulant effect may raise bleeding risk.
• Carbamazepine: enzyme induction can reduce paracetamol efficacy.
• Isoniazid: combined use may heighten risk of liver toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Alcohol: additive hepatotoxic potential, especially with chronic use.
• Rifampicin: may lower plasma concentrations of paracetamol.
• Phenytoin: enzyme induction may diminish analgesic effect.
• Certain antiretrovirals: may alter hepatic metabolism of paracetamol.