Drug Mechanism of action/Side effects Indication/ Nursing responsibilities

Contraindication
Brand name: Action Indication 1. Do not exceed 4gm/24hr.
1. Decreases fever by a in adults and 75mg/kg/day
Biogesic
hypothalamic effect leading to Contraindication in children.
Generic name: sweating and vasodilation 2. Do not take for >5days for
2. Inhibits pyrogen effect on the 1. Renal Insufficiency pain in children, 10 days
Paracetamol 2. Anemia
hypothalamic-heat-regulating for pain in adults, or more
Classification: centers than 3 days for fever in
3. Inhibits CNS prostaglandin adults.
Non-narcotic synthesis with minimal effects 3. Extended-Release tablets
analgesic, on peripheral prostaglandin are not to be chewed.
synthesis 4. Monitor CBC, liver and
Antipyretic 4. Does not cause ulceration of renal functions.
Route: the GI tract and causes no 5. Assess for fecal occult
anticoagulant action. blood and nephritis.
Dosage: 6. Avoid using OTC drugs with
Side Effects Acetaminophen.
60mg/kg/day
7. Take with food or milk to
Frequency: q4 1. Minimal GI upset. minimize GI upset.
2. Methemoglobinemia 8. Report N&V. cyanosis,
3. Hemolytic Anemia shortness of breath and
4. Neutropenia abdominal pain as these
5. Thrombocytopenia are signs of toxicity.
6. Pancytopenia 9. Report paleness,
7. Leukopenia weakness, and heartbeat
8. Urticaria skips
9. CNS stimulation 10. Report abdominal pain,
10. Hypoglycemic coma jaundice, dark urine,
11. Jaundice itchiness or clay-colored
12. Glissitis stools.
13. Drowsiness 11. Phenmacetin may cause
14. Liver Damage urine to become dark
brown or wine-colored.
12. Report pain that persists
for more than 3-5 days
13. Avoid alcohol.
14. This drug is not for regular
use with any form of liver
disease.