Generic
Paracetamol IV
4 brands available in the market
At a glance
Paracetamol IV is an analgesic and antipyretic medicine used for relief of moderate pain and fever, especially after surgery or when oral administration is not possible. It is administered as an injection by a healthcare professional for short-term use.
Description
Paracetamol is an analgesic (pain reliever) and anti-pyretic (fever reducer). It exhibits analgesic action by peripheral blockage of pain impulse generation and produces antipyresis by inhibiting the hypothalamic heat-regulating centre. Its weak anti-inflammatory activity is related to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the CNS.
Indications
- Pain relief
- Fever reduction
- Post-operative pain
Therapeutic class
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Pharmacological class
Analgesic & Antipyretic
Pharmacology
Paracetamol relieves pain by peripheral blockage of pain impulse generation and inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the CNS. It reduces fever by inhibiting the hypothalamic heat-regulating centre.
Mechanism of action
Relieves pain and fever by peripheral blockage of pain impulses and inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the CNS.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Intravenous):
- >50 kg: 1g up to 4 times daily by infusion over 15 min; max 4g/day
- 33-50 kg: 15 mg/kg body weight up to 4 times daily; max 60 mg/kg (up to 3g)/day
Pediatric Dose (Intravenous):
- >12 years, >50 kg: 1g up to 4 times daily by infusion over 15 min; max 4g/day
- 2-12 years (≤33 kg): 15 mg/kg body weight up to 4 times daily; max 75 mg/kg/day
- <10 kg: 7.5 mg/kg body weight up to 4 times daily
Administration
- Administered by doctor or nurse as injection/infusion
- Do not self-administer
- Given as infusion over 15 minutes
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, inform your doctor or nurse; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Constipation
- Itching
- Anxiety
- Pain at injection site
Precautions & warnings
- Does not usually affect ability to drive
- Do not use with other paracetamol-containing products (to avoid overdose)
- Inform doctor if you have liver disease, severe kidney disease, or alcohol abuse
- Inform doctor if you experience nausea, weight loss, pale skin, or abdominal pain within first 24 hours (signs of overdose)
- Long-term use may require monitoring of liver, kidney, and blood components
Contraindications
- Severe renal impairment
- Hepatic disease (Viral Hepatitis)
- Known hypersensitivity to paracetamol
Drug interactions
- Hepatotoxic drugs
- Liver microsomal enzyme inducers
- Metoclopramide
- Probenecid
- Colestyramine (within 1 hour of paracetamol administration)
Food interactions
Alcohol consumption with Paracetamol IV is unsafe.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Safe during pregnancy; most studies show low or no risk to the developing baby.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Safe during breastfeeding; human studies show insignificant transfer to breast milk and no harm to the baby.
Pediatric use
Pediatric dose is based on body weight and age; doctor will adjust dose as needed.
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients; dose adjustment may be needed.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution in severe kidney disease; dose adjustment may be needed. Paracetamol is considered the safest painkiller for kidney disease patients.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in liver disease; dose adjustment may be needed. Not recommended in severe or active liver disease.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, pallor, weight loss, hepatic damage. Symptoms may appear within first 24 hours. Inform doctor immediately.
Storage conditions
Store in a dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Paracetamol IV