Paradin (paracetamol): Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

What it's for (Indications)

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is used for the relief of pain (analgesic) and reduction of fever (antipyretic).
Specific painful conditions include acute and chronic muscular conditions, tension headache, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and non-articular rheumatism.

Dosage Information

Type	Guideline
Standard	Oral Dosage and Administration: * Adults: Typically 1-2 tablets (e.g., 500 mg - 1000 mg) every 4-6 hours as prescribed. Do not consume more than 4000 mg within 24 hours. * Administration: Take by mouth with a glass of water; swallow whole, do not crush or chew. It can be taken with food. Take at the same time(s) each day to help remember. * Onset/Duration: The full effect is usually observed within 30-60 minutes, and the effect typically lasts for about 3 to 4 hours. * Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. If it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the normal dosing schedule. Do not double the dose. Intravenous Dosage and Administration (Administered as a 15-minute IV infusion): * Adults and Adolescents weighing ≥ 50 kg: 1,000 mg every 6 hours OR 650 mg every 4 hours, with a maximum of 4,000 mg per day. Minimum dosing interval of 4 hours. * Adults and Adolescents weighing < 50 kg: 15 mg/kg every 6 hours OR 12.5 mg/kg every 4 hours, with a maximum of 75 mg/kg per day. Minimum dosing interval of 4 hours. * Children 2 to 12 years of age: 15 mg/kg every 6 hours OR 12.5 mg/kg every 4 hours, with a maximum of 75 mg/kg per day. Minimum dosing interval of 4 hours. * Neonates (including premature neonates born at ≥ 32 weeks gestational age to 28 days chronological age): 12.5 mg/kg every 6 hours, with a maximum of 50 mg/kg per day. Minimum dosing interval of 6 hours. * Infants (29 days to < 2 years): 15 mg/kg every 6 hours, with a maximum of 60 mg/kg per day. Minimum dosing interval of 6 hours. General Dosing Advice: Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider regarding the precise dose and frequency, as it is primarily dependent on the condition being treated, the formulation (oral vs. IV), and the individual patient's characteristics.

Type

Guideline

Standard

**Oral Dosage and Administration:** * **Adults:** Typically 1-2 tablets (e.g., 500 mg - 1000 mg) every 4-6 hours as prescribed. Do not consume more than 4000 mg within 24 hours. * **Administration:** Take by mouth with a glass of water; swallow whole, do not crush or chew. It can be taken with food. Take at the same time(s) each day to help remember. * **Onset/Duration:** The full effect is usually observed within 30-60 minutes, and the effect typically lasts for about 3 to 4 hours. * **Missed Dose:** If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. If it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the normal dosing schedule. Do not double the dose. **Intravenous Dosage and Administration (Administered as a 15-minute IV infusion):** * **Adults and Adolescents weighing ≥ 50 kg:** 1,000 mg every 6 hours OR 650 mg every 4 hours, with a maximum of 4,000 mg per day. Minimum dosing interval of 4 hours. * **Adults and Adolescents weighing < 50 kg:** 15 mg/kg every 6 hours OR 12.5 mg/kg every 4 hours, with a maximum of 75 mg/kg per day. Minimum dosing interval of 4 hours. * **Children 2 to 12 years of age:** 15 mg/kg every 6 hours OR 12.5 mg/kg every 4 hours, with a maximum of 75 mg/kg per day. Minimum dosing interval of 4 hours. * **Neonates (including premature neonates born at ≥ 32 weeks gestational age to 28 days chronological age):** 12.5 mg/kg every 6 hours, with a maximum of 50 mg/kg per day. Minimum dosing interval of 6 hours. * **Infants (29 days to < 2 years):** 15 mg/kg every 6 hours, with a maximum of 60 mg/kg per day. Minimum dosing interval of 6 hours. **General Dosing Advice:** Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider regarding the precise dose and frequency, as it is primarily dependent on the condition being treated, the formulation (oral vs. IV), and the individual patient's characteristics.

Safety & Warnings

Common Side Effects

Common adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 5%) observed in clinical trials include nausea, vomiting, headache, and insomnia in adult patients, and nausea, vomiting, constipation, and pruritus in pediatric patients.
Serious adverse reactions include hepatic injury, severe skin reactions (e.
g.
, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis), and allergic reactions (e.
g.
, rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing).
Long-term use of acetaminophen has been associated with a risk of adverse events such as heart attacks, bleeding inside the digestive system, and hindrance of kidney function.
Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach ache, difficulty breathing, and passing out.

Serious Warnings

Black Box Warning: WARNING: RISK OF MEDICATION ERRORS AND HEPATOTOXICITY. Exercise extreme caution when prescribing, preparing, and administering acetaminophen to avoid dosing errors, particularly with intravenous formulations, which can lead to accidental overdose and death. Ensure that the dose in milligrams (mg) and milliliters (mL) is not confused, that dosing for patients under 50 kg is weight-based, and that infusion pumps are properly programmed. Acetaminophen overdose can cause severe hepatic injury, which may be fatal.
1.
**Hepatic Injury:** Acetaminophen can cause severe hepatic injury, which may be fatal.
Use with caution in patients with liver problems and inform your doctor of any history of liver disease or alcohol abuse.
Contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease.
Alcohol consumption is discouraged or avoided as it is considered harmful and increases the risk of liver damage.
2.
**Serious Skin Reactions:** Serious skin reactions (such as SJS, TEN, AGEP) may occur.
Patients should be warned of the symptoms and advised to discontinue the medication immediately if a skin rash or any other sign of hypersensitivity appears.
3.
**Allergy and Hypersensitivity:** Allergic reactions (e.
g.
, rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing) can occur.
Discontinue medication and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.
Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to acetaminophen or any of its excipients.
4.
**Medication Errors:** Exercise extreme caution to avoid dosing errors, especially when prescribing, preparing, and administering intravenous formulations.
Ensure that the dose in milligrams (mg) and milliliters (mL) is not confused, that dosing for patients under 50 kg is weight-based, and that infusion pumps are properly programmed to prevent accidental overdose and death.
5.
**Duration of Use:** It is not recommended to use this medicine for more than 3 days unless advised by a medical professional, as long-term use has been associated with adverse events such as heart attacks, bleeding inside the digestive system, and kidney dysfunction.
6.
**Pregnancy & Lactation:** While generally considered safe during pregnancy, it is best to consult your doctor before use.
The effects in lactating females are undetermined; consult your doctor before use.
7.
**Kidney Impairment:** Use with caution in patients with kidney problems; consult your doctor for a better analysis if you have kidney disease.
8.
**Driving:** Some formulations may cause drowsiness or affect driving ability; avoid driving or operating machinery if affected.
9.
**Other Precautions:** Take only the prescribed dose.
Do not use for babies less than 2 months of age.
Inform your doctor of your complete medical history, including diabetes or any condition that requires you to avoid sugar (if applicable to the specific formulation).
Do not take indigestion treatments such as Antacids within two hours of administration of oral acetaminophen.

How it Works (Mechanism of Action)

The precise mechanism of the analgesic and antipyretic properties of acetaminophen is not fully established but is thought to primarily involve central actions. It is believed to work by blocking chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in the brain that transmit pain signals and by affecting neurotransmitters in the area of the brain that regulates body temperature.