Brand Name: Calpol

Generic Name: Paracetamol

Indications: mild pain, fever
Drug Classification: Antipyretics, non-opioid analgesics
Mechanism of Action: Inhibits the synthesis of Prostaglandins that may serve as
mediators of pain and fever, primarily in the CNS by inhibiting the
cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme.
Prostaglandins participate in the inflammatory response, but
paracetamol has no appreciable anti-inflammatory action.
Dosage: Adult: 325-650 mg q 4-6 hr or 1 g 3-4 times daily or 1300 mg q 8 hrs.
Children (>14 yr): 650 mg q 4 hr prn.
Children (12-14 yr): 640 mg q 4 hr.
Children (11 yr): 480 mg q 4 hr prn.
Special Precautions: Hepatic dse/Renal dse (lower chronic doses recommended),
Chronic alcohol use/abuse, malnutrition.
Pregnancy Risk Category: B
Adverse Reactions:
GI: Hepatic Failure, Hepatotoxicity(overdose)
 GU: Renal failure (high doses/chronic use)
Derm: Rash, urticaria
Contraindications: Previous hypersensitivity; products containing alcohol, aspartame,
saccharin, sugar, or tartrazine (FDC yellow dye #5) should be avoided in
patients who have hypersensitivity or intolerance to these compounds.
Forms: Chewable tablets-80 mg, 160 mg; Tablets-160 mg,325mg,500 mg; Solution-80
mg/1.66 ml, 100 mg/ml; Liquid-160 mg/5 ml, 500 mg/15 ml; Syrup-16
mg/ml.
Nursing Responsibilities:
 Assess overall health status and alcohol usage before administering.
 Assess amount, frequency, and type of drugs taken in patients self-
medicating.
 Pain:Assess type, location, and intensity prior to and 30-60 min
following administration.
 Fever: Assess fever; note for presence of associated signs (diaphoresis,
tachycardia, and malaise).
 Administer with a full glass of water.
 May be taken with food or on an empty stomach.