NORTHERN CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

"The Institution for Better Life"

College of Nursing
Drug Study Format
Generic Name: Acetaminophen Paracetamol Nursing Responsibilities
Action Rationale
Brand Name: Tempra, Abenol, Biogesic 1. Instruct pt. to take medication as directed. Increasing doses will not increase effectiveness. It may
cause overdose.
Dose/ Route/Frequency: 2. Monitor for signs and symptoms of
480 mg-750 mg every 4-6 hours up to a maximum of 4g superinfection in patients with long term and high
daily. dose use of this drug.
3. Report severe GI upset, dizziness, unusual To avoid further complications.
Mechanism of Action:
fatigue or weakness, fever, chills.
Produces analgesia by unknown mechanism, perhaps by
action on peripheral nervous system. Reduces fever by direct 4. Do not breast feed while taking this drug
action on hypothalamus heat-regulating center with
consequent peripheral vasodilation, sweating, and dissipation
of heat. Unlike aspirin, acetaminophen has little effect on
platelet aggregation, does not affect bleeding time, and
generally produces no gastric bleeding.
Physiologic classification: has a central analgesic effect that 5. Can be taken with empty stomach It will not cause any GI irritation or distress
is mediated through activation of descending serotonergic
pathways. Debate exists about its primary site of action,
which may be inhibition of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis or
through an active metabolite influencing cannabinoid
receptors.
Pharmacologic Classification: Central nervous system 6. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and To reduce risk of phototoxic reaction. Phototoxic reaction
agent, nonnarcotic analgesic, antipyretic ultraviolet light during and for 4 to 5 days after appears like an exaggerated sunburn. Sunscreens provide
Desired Effect: therapy
7. is terminated little protection.

Indication/s: paracetamol has good analgesic and antipyretic 8.

properties. It is suitable for the treatment of pains of all kinds
(headaches, dental pain, postoperative pain, pain in
connection with colds, post-traumatic muscle pain).
9.
Contraindication/s: Hypersensitivity to acetaminophen or 10.
phenacetin; use with alcohol.

Side Effects: Bloody or black, tarry stools, bloody or cloudy urine, fever with or without chills (not present before treatment
and not caused by the condition being treated), pinpoint red spots on the skin, skin rash, hives or itching, sore
Adverse Effects: throat
special senses: interference with color vision. GI: Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, enterocolitis,
esophageal irritation (oral capsule and tablet). Skin: rashes, photosensitivity reaction. Other: thrombophlebitis
(IV use), superinfections.

Case Study