GENERIC NAME: PARACETAMOL  500mg

BRAND NAME: TYLENOL® [Johnson & Johnson] Caplet

 325mg
Dosage and Frequency  500mg
ADULT  650mg
Capsule
Tablet  325mg
 325mg
 500mg
 500mg
Caplet, extended-release
Caplet
 650mg
 325mg
Tablet, oral-disintegrating
 500mg
 80mg
 650mg
Capsule  160mg
 325mg
Tablet chewable
 500mg  80mg
Caplet, extended-release Solution or suspension, oral
 650mg  160mg/5mL
Tablet, oral-disintegrating Liquid oral
 80mg  160mg/5mL
 160mg  500mg/5mL
Tablet chewable Syrup oral
 80mg  160mg5mL
Solution or suspension, oral
 160mg/5mL
Liquid oral NEONATE
 160mg/5mL Solution/suspension [OTC]
 500mg/5mL  10–15 mg/kg/dose PO/PR Q6–8 hr
Syrup oral  20–25 mg/kg/dose for PO dosing or
 160mg/5mL 30 mg/kg/dose for PR dosing
PEDIATRIC
Tablet
 325mg
MECHANISM OF ACTION paracetamol inhibit PG synthesis in intact cells in vitro when
Paracetamol is a weak inhibitor of PG synthesis of
the levels of the substrate arachidonic acid are low (less than
COX-1 and COX-2 in broken cell systems, but, by contrast,
about 5 μmol/L). When the levels of arachidonic acid are low,
therapeutic concentrations of paracetamol inhibit PG synthesis
PGs are synthesized largely by COX-2 in cells that contain both
in intact cells in vitro when the levels of the substrate
COX-1 and COX-2. Thus, the apparent selectivity of
arachidonic acid are low (less than about 5 umol/L).
paracetamol may be due to inhibition of COX-2-dependent
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is generally considered to be a
pathways that are proceeding at low rates. This hypothesis is
weak inhibitor of the synthesis of prostaglandins (PGs).
consistent with the similar pharmacological effects of
However, the in vivo effects of paracetamol are similar to those
paracetamol and the selective COX-2 inhibitors. COX-3, a
of the selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors.
splice variant of COX-1, has been suggested to be the site of
Paracetamol also decreases PG concentrations in vivo, but,
action of paracetamol, but genomic and kinetic analysis
unlike the selective COX-2 inhibitors, paracetamol does not
indicates that this selective interaction is unlikely to be
suppress the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis. It does,
clinically relevant. There is considerable evidence that the
however, decrease swelling after oral surgery in humans and
analgesic effect of paracetamol is central and is due to
suppresses inflammation in rats and mice. Paracetamol is a
activation of descending serotonergic pathways, but its primary
weak inhibitor of PG synthesis of COX-1 and COX-2 in broken
site of action may still be inhibition of PG synthesis. The action
cell systems, but, by contrast, therapeutic concentrations of
of paracetamol at a molecular level is unclear but could be
related to the production of reactive metabolites by the
peroxidase function of COX-2, which could deplete
glutathione, a cofactor of enzymes such as PGE synthase.
INDICATION
Like other OTC pain relievers, acetaminophen
temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to headache,
backache, the common cold, minor pain of arthritis, toothache,
premenstrual and menstrual cramps, and muscular aches, and
temporarily reduces fever
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Contraindications to the use of acetaminophen include
hypersensitivity to acetaminophen, severe hepatic impairment,
or severe active hepatic disease.
SIDE EFFECTS
NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
Safe administration, monitoring for efficacy, and
identifying any possible adverse reactions are, of course, vital
nursing responsibilities for IV use of acetaminophen (or any
other medication). Patient education is also an important
nursing function with all medications.
PATIENT-FAMILY TEACHING
Tylenol is only for short-term use. Consult prescriber if
it is given to children for longer than 5 days or adults for longer
than 10 days. Instructed not to use for marked fever (higher
than 103.1 F), fever persisting longer than 3 days, or recurrent

Angioedema, Disorientation, Dizziness, Pruritic fever unless it is directed by prescriber. Warned that high doses

maculopapular rash, Rash, Hyperammonemia, Stevens- or unsupervised long-term use can cause hepatic damage.

Johnson syndrome, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Urticaria, Excessive ingestion of alcohol may increase the risk of

Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, Laryngeal edema, hepatotoxicity.

Agranulocytosis, Leukopenia, Neutropenia, Pancytopenia,

Thrombocytopenia, Thrombocytopenic purpura,
Hepatotoxicity, Liver failure, Nephrotoxicity, Pneumonitis,
Anaphylactoid
GENERIC NAME BRAND NAME MECHANISM OF ACTION
TRAMADOL HCl TRAMAL [Zuellig] Tramadol acts by binding to μ-opioid receptors on
neurons. It is also a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake
Dosage and Frequency inhibitor (SNRI). It is converted in the liver to O-
ADULT desmethyltramadol, an opioid with stronger binding to the μ-
>12 yrs. 50-100 mg 4-6 hrly. Max: 400 mg. Retard tab opioid receptor.
>12 yrs. Initially, 50-100 mg bid (morning & evening). May be
INDICATIONS
titrated ti 150-200 mg bid if pain relief is insufficient.
Treatment of moderate to severe pain.
>12 yrs. 50-100 mg 4-6 hrly. Max: 400 mg
CONTRAINDICATIONS
PEDIATRIC
>1 yr. 1-2 mg/kg as a single dose. Max: 8 mg/kg or 400 mg, Tramadol hydrochloride is contraindicated in any
whichever is lower. situation where opioids are contraindicated, including acute
intoxication with any of the following: alcohol, hypnotics, and
narcotics, centrally acting analgesics, opioids or psychotropic
drugs.

SIDE EFFECTS

Dizziness, headache, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting,

constipation, lack of energy, sweating, and dry mouth

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES

 Assess for level of pain relief and administer prn dose

as needed but not to exceed the recommended total
daily dose.
  Monitor vital signs and assess for orthostatic GENERIC NAME
hypotension or signs of CNS depression. HYOSCINE BUTYLBROMIDE, PARACETAMOL
 Withhold drug and notify prescriber if S&S of BRAND NAME
hypersensitivity occur. BUSCOPAN VENUS [Sanofi-Aventis]

 Assess bowel and bladder function; report urinary Dosage and Frequency

frequency or retention. ADULT

Intravenous (IV)
 Use seizure precautions for patients who have a history
 20mg in 1ml (solution)
of seizures or who are concurrently using drugs that
 Dilute required dose to 10ml with normal saline. Inject
lower the seizure threshold.
slowly over 3-5 minutes.
 Monitor ambulation and take appropriate safety
 Compatible with the following IV fluids:
precautions.
 Normal saline, 5% glucose and sodium chloride
PATIENT-FAMILY TEACHING’
 May be given into the side arm when the above IV fluids
When taken as an immediate-release oral formulation,
are being infused. Store at room temperature. Protect
the onset of pain relief usually occurs within about an hour
from light.
serious side effects may include seizures, increased risk of
IM or SC:
serotonin syndrome, decreased alertness, and drug addiction. A
 Inject undiluted into a
change in dosage may be recommended in those with kidney
large muscle mass or
or liver problems. It is not recommended in women who are
subcutaneously
breastfeeding or those who are at risk of suicide.
Per-Orem CONTRAINDICATIONS
 Buscopan 10mg (white) Buscopan Tablets should not be administered to
 Gastro-Soothe 10mg (white) patients with myasthenia gravis, megacolon and narrow angle
glaucoma. In addition, they should not be given to patients with

MECHANISM OF ACTION a known hypersensitivity to hyoscine-N-butyl bromide or any

Hyoscine-N-butyl bromide (HNBB) acts by interfering other component of the product.

with the transmission of nerve impulses by acetylcholine in the ADVERSE EFFECTS

parasympathetic nervous system. Constipation, dry mouth, trouble urinating, or nausea

Buscopan exerts a spasmolytic action on the smooth muscle of could occur. If these continue or are bothersome, notify your

the gastrointestinal, biliary and urinary tracts. As a quaternary doctor promptly. Very unlikely but report: rash, itching,

ammonium derivative, hyoscine-N- butyl bromide does not swelling of the hands or feet, trouble breathing, increased pulse,

enter the central nervous system. Therefore, anticholinergic dizziness, diarrhea, vision problems, eye pain.

side effects at the central nervous system do not occur. NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
Peripheral anticholinergic effects result from a ganglion-  Drug compatibility should be monitored closely
blocking action within the visceral wall as well as from anti- in patients requiring adjunctive therapy
muscarinic activity.  Avoid driving & operating machinery after
INDICATIONS parenteral administration.
Buscopan Tablets are indicated for the relief of spasm  Avoid strict heat
of the genito-urinary tract or gastro- intestinal tract and for the  Raise side rails as a precaution because some
symptomatic relief of Irritable Bowel Syndrome patients become temporarily excited or
disoriented and some develop amnesia or
become drowsy.
  Reorient patient, as needed, Tolerance may GENERIC NAME
develop when therapy is prolonged PARACETAMOL
 Atropine-like toxicity may cause dose related BRAND NAME
adverse reactions. Individual tolerance varies BIOGESIC® [Unilab]
greatly Dosage and Frequency
 Overdose may cause curare-like effects, such as ADULT
respiratory paralysis. Keep emergency Per Orem: 325-650mg q4h up to a maximum of 1 gram q6h.
equipment available. PEDIATRIC
Children under 12 years:
FAMILY TEACHING PLAN 10-15 mg/kg orally once every 4 hours, up to 60-80
 Follow the instructions on the label of this medicine (do mg/kg/day
not exceed recommended dosage) Children 12 years and older:
 Do not stop taking this medicine until relief is sought or 325-650 mg orally/rectally once every 4-6 hours as needed
skin rash occurs Suppositories: 650mg q4h not to exceed 4 grams a day for
 Oral: take 2 tablets four times daily (or as directed) up to 10 days.
 You can take analgesics (e.g. paracetamol) with
Buscopan for added relief
 Avoid taking certain foods that may irritate the stomach
(talk to your pharmacist).
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Paracetamol exhibits analgesic and antipyretic activity by
inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. It produces analgesia by
elevating the pain threshold and antipyresis through action on
the hypothalamic heat-regulating center.
In therapeutic doses, paracetamol's analgesic and antipyretic
action is comparable to that of aspirin. Paracetamol does not
adversely affect platelet function and homeostasis.
INDICATIONS
Reduction of fever. Relief of minor aches and pains due
to headache, backache, the common cod, menstrual aches,
arthritis, and toothache.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Taking more than the recommended dose can cause
serious health problems, including liver damage.
Do not exceed recommended dose. Keep out of reach of
children. In case of accidental overdose, contact a physician or
poison control centre immediately. Prompt medical attention is
critical for adults as well as for children even if signs or
symptoms are not noticed.
SIDE EFFECTS
 low fever with nausea, stomach pain, and loss of
appetite;
 Dark urine, clay-colored stools;
 Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
 Assess patient’s fever or pain: type of pain, location,
intensity, duration, temperature, and diaphoresis.
 Assess allergic reactions: rash, urticaria; if these occur,
drug may have to be discontinued.
 Teach patient to recognize signs of chronic overdose:
bleeding, bruising, malaise, fever, sore throat.
 Tell patient to notify prescriber for pain/ fever lasting
for more than 3 days.
PATIENT FAMILY TEACHING
 Follow the instructions on the label of the
medicine or as directed by your doctor
 Paracetamol for children comes in different
strengths. Take care you are giving your
child the correct dose
 Do not exceed the maximum dose
recommended (four doses in 24 hours)
  Food: can be taken on an empty stomach PEDIATRIC
 Alcohol: do not drink excessive quantities PO
of alcohol while taking paracetamol  aged 6-12 years - 250-500 mg
 Keep all paracetamol well out of reach of  1-5 years - 120-250 mg
children RECTAL
 Contact your doctor or seek urgent help if  6-12 years - 250-500 mg, 1-5 years - 125-250
overdose occurs mg.

 Paracetamol is an ingredient in a number of

medicines for pain, or colds and flu. If
taking paracetamol in one medicine, make
sure you don't take other medicines also
containing paracetamol.

GENERIC NAME
MULTIVITAMINS + PARACETAMOL
BRAND NAME MECHANISM OF ACTION
POLYNERV FORTE [Hizon] Polynerv Forte is an analgesic-antipyretic. It has
Doses and Frequencies analgesic, antipyretic and weak anti-inflammatory
ADULT action. The mechanism of action is associated with
PO & Rectal: single - 1 g, daily - 4 g. inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, the predominant
influence on the thermoregulation center in the
hypothalamus, enhances heat transfer.
INDICATIONS  Avoid I.V administration because of faster
Polynerv Forte is used with caution in patients systemic elimination will reduce effectiveness of
with disorders of the liver and kidneys, with benign vitamin.
hyperbilirubinemia, as well as in elderly patients. DURING

With prolonged use of Polynerv Forte  Do not give large doses of vitamin B12
(Acetaminophen) is necessary to monitor patterns of routinely; drug is lost through excretion.
peripheral blood and functional state of the liver.  Do not mix parenteral preparation in same

Used for treatment of premenstrual tension syndrome in syringe with other drugs.

combination with pamabrom (diuretic, a derivative of AFTER

xanthine) and mepyramine (Histamine H1-receptors  Protect vitamin B12from light. Do not
blocker). refrigerate or freeze

CONTRAINDICATIONS  Monitor patient for hypokalemia for first 48

hours, as anemia correct itself. Give potassium
Chronic active alcoholism, increased sensitivity to
supplements, as per needed.
Polynerv Forte, marked disturbances of liver function
and / or kidney disease, anemia, pregnancy (I term
PATIENT-FAMILY TEACHING
ADVERSE EFFECTS
If you are taking this product under your doctor's
Thromboembolism, erythema, erythrocytosis,
direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of
increased sensitivity to cyanocobalamin.
any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for
NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
them. Do not stop, start, or change the dosage of any medicine
BEFORE: before checking with them first. Before using this product, tell
 Obtain a sensitivity test before administration your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and
nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of:
altretamine, cisplatin, certain antibiotics (e.g.,
chloramphenicol), certain anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin),
levodopa, other vitamin/nutritional supplements.

GENERIC

1. IBUPOFEN 200MG, PARACETAMOL 325MG

BRAND
MECHANISM OF ACTION
ALAXAN United Lab [Therapharma]

Dosage and Frequency Alaxan FR contains the synergistic combination of

ibuprofen and paracetamol in capsule. The inflammatory
ADULTS
activity of ibuprofen and paracetamol combination is greater
PO: 500mg - 1000mg every four hours - but no more than compared to the individual ingredients. Because pain is usually
4000mg (eight 500mg tablets) per day. accompanied by inflammation, pain relief is more evident
when inflammation is controlled by ibuprofen. This capsule
PEDIATRIC
format allows complete dissolution of the drugs in at least 10
PO: 1-5 years old: 120mg-250mg every four hours - but no min, which leads to faster absorption. Faster absorption. Faster
more than 4 doses per day (24 hours). absorption usually leads to earlier onset of pain relief.

6-12 years old: 250-500mg every four hours - but no

more than 4 doses per day (24 hours).

Under 1 year: check with your doctor or pharmacist.

INDICATION PATIENT FAMILY TEACHING

Faster relief of mild to moderately severe pain of  Follow the instructions on the label of the medicine or
musculoskeletal origin e.g. muscle pain, arthritis, rheumatism, as directed by your doctor
sprain, strain, bursitis, tendonitis, backache, stiff neck, tension
 Paracetamol for children comes in different strengths.
headache, dysmenorrhea, toothache, pain after tooth extraction
Take care you are giving your child the correct dose
and minor surgical operations. Reduction of fever.
 Do not exceed the maximum dose recommended (four
CONTRAINDICATIONS
doses in 24 hours)
Patients in whom bronchospasm angioedema or nasal
 Food: can be taken on an empty stomach
polyps are precipitated by ibuprofen, aspirin. Advanced kidney
and liver diseases.  Alcohol: do not drink excessive quantities of alcohol
while taking paracetamol
SIDE EFFECTS
 Keep all paracetamol well out of reach of children
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and pain in the stomach or
intestines.  Contact your doctor or seek urgent help if overdose
occurs
NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
 Paracetamol is an ingredient in a number of medicines
Advice the patient to always eat before taking the
for pain, or colds and flu. If taking paracetamol in one
medication and always inform them about the possible side
medicine, make sure you don't take other medicines
effects.
also containing paracetamol.
GENERIC NAME Usual Adult Dose for Tendonitis

Naproxen PO: 550 mg orally once, followed by 275 mg orally every 6 to

BRAND NAME 8 hours or 550 mg orally every 12 hours as need-Maximum
EC-Naprosyn dose: Initial total daily dose not to exceed 1375 mg.

Dosage and Frequency

USUAL DOSE FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS

PO: immediate Release Tablets and Suspension: MECHANISM OF ACTION

250 mg to 500 mg (naproxen) or 275 mg to 550 mg (naproxen
Naproxen works by reversibly inhibiting both the
sodium) orally twice a day
COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes as a non-selective coxib. This

Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis results in the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis.
Prostaglandins act as signaling molecules in the body, inducing
PO: 250 mg to 500 mg (naproxen) or 275 mg to 550 mg inflammation. Thus, by inhibiting COX-1/2, naproxen induces
(naproxen sodium) orally twice a day an anti-inflammatory effect.

Usual Adult Dose for Acute Gout

PO: (naproxen) or 825 mg (naproxen sodium) orally once on

first day of attack
Following initial dose: 250 mg (naproxen) or 275 mg
(naproxen sodium) orally every 8 hours until attack subsides
INDICATIONS  ringing in your ears.

Naproxen is used to relieve pain from various NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES

conditions such as headache, muscle aches, tendonitis,
Advice the patient to always eat before taking
dental pain, and menstrual cramps. It also reduces pain,
the medication and always inform them about the possible side
swelling, and joint stiffness caused by arthritis, bursitis,
effects, give them the things to do when they face the side
and gout attacks. This medication is known as a nonsteroidal
effects.
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Naproxen is contraindicated in patients who have

previously shown hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. nasal polyps,
asthma, rhinitis, angioedema or urticaria) in response to
ibuprofen, aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory/analgesic drugs. These reactions have the
potential of being fatal.

SIDE EFFECTS

 indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain,

nausea;
 headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
 bruising, itching, rash;
 swelling; or.
PATIENT FAMILY TEACHING 9-10yr -12.5ml

 Follow the instructions on the label of the medicine or 6-8yr 1-0ml

as directed by your doctor
4-5yr -7.5ml
 Do not exceed the maximum dose recommended (four
2-3yr- 5ml. Doses taken qid.
doses in 24 hours)

 Food: can be taken on an empty stomach

 Alcohol: do not drink excessive quantities of alcohol

while taking paracetamol

 Contact your doctor or seek urgent help if overdose

occurs

GENERIC NAME
Ibuprofen
BRAND NAME MECHANISM OF ACTION
ADVIL
Dosage and Frequency Mechanism. Ibuprofen is a non-selective inhibitor of an
enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which is required for
ADULT
the synthesis of prostaglandins via the arachidonic acid
PO: 200-400mg 4-6hrly. pathway. COX is needed to convert arachidonic acid to

Max: 1,200 mg daily prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) in the body. This PGH2 is then
converted to prostaglandins.
CHILDREN

PO: 11-12yr- 15ml

INDICATIONS  mild itching or rash; or.

Advil is used to reduce fever and treat pain or  ringing in your ears.
inflammation caused by many conditions such as headache,
toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES

injury. Advil is used in adults and children who are at least 6

 Assess patient for signs of megaloblastic
months old.
anemia (fatigue, weakness, dyspnea) prior to
CONTRAINDICATIONS and periodically throughout therapy.

Advil can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or PATIENT FAMILY TEACHING
stroke, especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or
 Encourage patient to comply with diet
if you have heart disease. Do not use this medicine just before
or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or recommendations of physician or other health care
provider. Explain the best source of vitamins is a well-
CABG). Advil may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding,
which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning balanced diet with foods from the four basic food
groups. If physician is trying to diagnose folic acid
while you are using ibuprofen, especially in older adults.
deficiency without concealing pernicious anemia, a diet
SIDE EFFECTS low in vitamin b12 and folate will be ordered.

 upset stomach, mild heartburn, nausea,  Foods high in folic acid include vegetables, fruits and
vomiting; organ meats; heat destroys folic acid in foods.

 bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation;  Patients self-medicating with vitamin supplements

should be cautioned not to exceed RDA. The
 dizziness, headache, nervousness;
effectiveness of mega doses for treatment of various
 medical conditions is unproven and may cause side MECHANISM OF ACTION
effects.
Diclofenac has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and
 Explain the folic acid may make urine more intensely
antipyretic properties. The mechanism of action of
yellow.
VOLTAREN, like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely
understood but involves inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1
and COX-2). Diclofenac is a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin
synthesis in vitro

INDICATIONS

Diclofenac is used to treat mild to moderate pain, or

signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
GENERIC NAME
Voltaren is also indicated for the treatment of ankylosing
Diclofenac Na spondylitis. The Cataflam brand of this medicine is also used
to treat
BRAND NAME
CONTRAINDICATIONS
BOIE DICLOFENAC SODIUM
Patients w/ meningitis not due to an infection and
Dosage and Frequency
systemic mastocytosis should be extra careful when taking this
Adult medicine because the side effects are something really serious
PO: 75-150mg daily in divided doses. and can disrupt the patient.
SIDE EFFECTS  Emphasize the importance of follow-up
examinations to evaluate progress.
 indigestion, gas, stomach pain, nausea,
 Advice patient to make position changes slowly
vomiting;
to minimize orthostatic hypotension.
 diarrhea, constipation;
GENERIC NAME
 headache, dizziness, drowsiness;

 stuffy nose; Paracetamol

 itching, increased sweating; BRAND NAME

 increased blood pressure; or.
Tempra
 swelling or pain in your arms or legs.
Dosage and Frequency
NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
ADULT
 Asses patient for signs of niacin deficiency prior
PO: 1-2 tab.
to and periodically throughout the therapy.
Forte tab Adult 1-2 tab
PATIENT FAMILY TEACHING
CHILDREN
 Inform patient that cutaneous flushing and a
PO: 6-12 yr. ½-1 tab.
sensation of warmth, especially in the face, neck
and ears, itching or tingling and headache may 6-12 yr. 2-4 tsp,

occur within the first 2hr after taking the drug. 1-5 yr. 1-2 tsp, 3 mth-1 yr. ½-1 tsp.
These effects are usually transient and subside
Forte yr. Children ≥13 yr. 2-3 tsp,
with continued therapy.
 6-12 yr. 1-2 tsp, INDICATION

1-5 yr. ½-1 tsp. Fever, headache, muscular aches & pain, toothache,
colds, ear ache, fever due to tonsillectomy, inoculations &
NEONATE
vaccinations.
PO: Drops 3 mth-1 yr. 0.6-1.2 mL,
CONTRAINDICATIONS
<3 mos. 10 mg/kg body wt. All doses to be taken
hypersensitivity to acetaminophen (paracetamol).
tid-qid.
Patients with anemia, cardiac, pulmonary, renal and/or liver
diseases must consult first with their physician before taking
this drug. These patients must also avoid prolonged use of
acetaminophen (paracetamol).

SIDE EFFECTS

Skin rashes and other allergic reactions occur

occasionally.

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
MECHANISM OF ACTION
 Assess patient’s fever or pain: type of pain, location,
Paracetamol is an analgesic-antipyretic drug. It is not a
intensity, duration, temperature, and diaphoresis.
salicylate. It contains no phenacetin or caffeine. It has no effect
 Assess allergic reactions: rash, urticaria; if these occur,
on prothrombin time. Paracetamol (TEMPRA) is particularly
drug may have to be discontinued.
valuable for use in patients who do not tolerate aspirin well
 Teach patient to recognize signs of chronic overdose:
because it is less likely to cause gastrointestinal distress.
bleeding, bruising, malaise, fever, sore throat.
  Tell patient to notify prescriber for pain/ fever lasting
for more than 3 days.

PATIENT FAMILY TEACHING

 Follow the instructions on the label of the medicine or

as directed by your doctor

 Paracetamol for children comes in different strengths.

Take care you are giving your child the correct dose

 Do not exceed the maximum dose recommended (four

doses in 24 hours)

 Food: can be taken on an empty stomach

 Alcohol: do not drink excessive quantities of alcohol

while taking paracetamol

 Keep all paracetamol well out of reach of children

 Contact your doctor or seek urgent help if overdose

occurs

 Paracetamol is an ingredient in a number of medicines

for pain, or colds and flu. If taking paracetamol in one
medicine, make sure you don't take other medicines
also containing paracetamol.