The tool has a pronounced antipyretic effect, it helps well from a fever in a child. Adults can drink “Paracetamol" from the temperature in combination with other substances, or use the analogues of the drug. To reduce side effects, the drug is taken in a short course.

Forms of release and composition of the drug

The full name of the active substance (DV) is para-acetaminophenol. The abbreviation "paracetamol" is more common, and in some English-speaking countries the term "acetaminophen" is usually used.

When choosing a drug for an adult or a child, it is necessary to pay attention to the composition, form of release. Rectal suppositories and syrup can be used from the first months of life. Drugs for children contain the lowest doses of paracetamol.

A variety of forms of release and content of DV:

  • syrup / suspension for oral administration, 24 mg / ml;
  • solution for infusion, 10 mg / ml;
  • tablets, 200, 500 mg;
  • effervescent tablets, 200, 500 mg;
  • rectal suppositories, 50, 100, 250, 500 mg / pc.

Syrup is a thick, transparent, yellowish liquid with a pleasant fruit taste. Suspension is another liquid form of release. The opaque white-pink liquid also has a sweet taste, pleasant aroma.Rectal suppositories are torpedo-shaped; they are greasy to the touch. The color of the suppository is white or light cream.

Pharmacological action, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Paracetamol is a non-narcotic analgesic, antipyretic (a means to reduce fever). The mechanism of action is different from the work of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, therefore, acetaminophen is isolated in a separate group - anilides. The chemical structure of paracetamol is close to phenacetin, but this antipyretic drug in Russia and many other countries was withdrawn from circulation due to serious side effects and carcinogenic activity.

"Paracetamol" reduces or completely eliminates fever due to a decrease in the excitability of the center of nervous regulation of body temperature.

DV blocks the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2, inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins, which activate peripheral pain receptors.

The medicine anesthetizes, although the analgesic effect is weaker than when taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The benefits are the same as those of NSAIDs. Paracetamol does not cause euphoria and addiction. The functions of the respiratory and cough centers do not change, as when taking narcotic analgesics.

Absorption of the drug occurs in the upper intestine. With oral administration, the antipyretic effect occurs relatively quickly, on average, after 15 minutes. The metabolism of DV occurs in the liver, the excretion of metabolic products occurs in the urine.

In what cases is Paracetamol prescribed

The onset of acute respiratory viral infection or sore throat is usually acute. Symptoms of intoxication appear: fever, chills, weakness, headache. Prescribe "Paracetamol" to children at a temperature elevated due to infectious diseases, reactions to vaccination, teething. An antipyretic agent is given to a small child at 38 - 38.5 ° C.

Babies who previously had febrile seizures are advised to “knock down” temperatures above 37.5 ° C.

Paracetamol tablets and other forms of release of the same medication can be taken by adults with febrile syndrome of mild to moderate intensity. Usually this condition is observed with acute respiratory viral infections, pharyngitis, tonsillitis. It is necessary to take into account the intensity of the manifestation of symptoms and the severity of the disease. For example, drinking “Paracetamol" is recommended for mild to moderate forms of angina. If acute tonsillitis is difficult, then "Analgin" is prescribed in the m / v with "Papaverine."

Instructions for use and dosage for children and adults

Within 3 days, the medicine should lower the temperature to normal levels. If the treatment does not help, the temperature above 38.5 degrees lasts more than 3 days, then you need to change the antipyretic.

Suspension or syrup, rectal suppositories are used to treat children, as well as adults who, for whatever reason, can not take pills. It is necessary to calculate the dose taking into account the age and body weight of the patient.

Suspension, paracetamol syrup for children

The drug in liquid dosage form is prescribed for children older than 3 months. Multiplicity of use - no more than 4 times a day. Infants add syrup or suspension to a bottle of water or tea. Older children are given medicine before meals or between meals. If the child takes "Paracetamol" during or after a meal, then the drug begins to act after 30 - 40 minutes or later.

In a cardboard box with a bottle there is a measuring spoon with divisions, facilitating proper dosing. Infants from 3 to 12 months old are given 2.5–5 ml at a time. Single dosages for babies from 1 year to 6 years are 5-10 ml. Children from 6 to 14 years old require 10–20 ml of syrup at a time.

Rectal suppositories for adults and children

Suppositories "Paracetamol" 50 and 100 mg are allowed to use for the treatment of infants. Single doses for infants up to 12 months are 50 or 100 mg - ½ or 1 suppository.Children from 1 year to 3 years old are given 1–1½ suppositories (100 or 150 mg) at a time. Single doses for babies from 3 to 5 years old - up to 250 mg, for schoolchildren from 6 to 12 years old - from 250 to 500 mg. Older children can be treated with rectal suppositories in which the DV content is more than 100 mg. A single dose for rectal administration in adults and adolescents with a body weight of over 60 kg is 500 mg.

Candles are used regardless of the meal. Paracetamol begins to act 15-20 minutes after rectal administration. The instructions for use indicate that candles are used up to 4 times a day with an interval of at least 4 hours.

Pills

Children from 6 to 12 years old are given at a time no more than 1-2 tablets of Paracetamol (250 mg). A solid dosage form is not prescribed for infants. Tablets often cause vomiting. The dosage of paracetamol for infants is ¼ or adult or less. When breaking the tablets into pieces and mixing with water, it is difficult to ensure accurate dosage of the medicine. In addition, paracetamol is not soluble in water (ethanol is used in the syrup to dissolve DV).

During pregnancy and lactation

Paracetamol is the most studied remedy for heat and pain. The drug does not have a teratogenic and mutagenic effect on the fetus, although it penetrates the placental barrier. Assign "Paracetamol" to pregnant women in the form of tablets or syrup. Oral forms are safer for expectant mothers; iv injections are not recommended. "Paracetamol" is allowed to be taken with breastfeeding if the treatment will bring tangible benefits to the woman and not harm her baby.

Drug interaction

"Paracetamol" increases the hepatotoxic effect of other drugs. Simultaneous administration with activated charcoal and barbiturates reduces the concentration and antipyretic effect of the drug. With caution combine paracetamol with oral contraceptives. During treatment, it is highly undesirable to drink alcohol.

Contraindications, side effects and overdose

The drug is not prescribed for children during the neonatal period (at the age of less than 28 days). Other contraindications are liver failure and hypersensitivity to the drug DV.

Paracetamol is generally well tolerated.

With prolonged use of large doses of the drug, the risk of hepatotoxicity increases. The same effect occurs with an overdose. Less commonly, paracetamol has a toxic effect on the kidneys. The negative effect of the drug is manifested by nausea and vomiting. Occasionally, when using the medicine, allergic reactions occur.

Paracetamol quickly reduces the temperature in children. The drug in small doses weaker antipyretic and analgesic effect on the body of an adult. It is dangerous to increase the dosage, as in this case, side effects often occur: discomfort in the upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting. A dose of 10 g of paracetamol can cause liver damage.

Analogues of an antipyretic drug

Manufacturing companies produce a large number of generics that contain only paracetamol. The most famous: "Panadol", "Kalpol", "Efferalgan", "Tsefekon D". The same DV is part of multicomponent preparations: Anvimax, Antigrippin, Antiflu, Vicks Asset, and Grippostad.

Paracetamol has a weak anti-inflammatory activity, which is a minus of this drug, compared with ibuprofen, in the treatment of colds and other diseases.

Ibuklin is an antipyretic that combines the beneficial properties of two active ingredients (paracetamol + ibuprofen). Paracetamol quickly reduces the temperature, however, the antipyretic effect is protected only for 2–4 hours, nightly administration may be required. Ibuprofen acts from 6 to 8 hours, better eliminates inflammation and pain. The name of the combined product for children is Ibuklin Junior.

The combination of two or more active substances in one tablet or powder for the preparation of a solution eliminates the need to take several drugs.In the combined product, the concentration of each active ingredient is lower compared to a single drug. The components are selected so that they enhance the effect of each other.

Paracetamol and its analogues treat fever and pain. Such remedies alleviate the condition at high temperature, but do not help eliminate the causes of the disease. With severe inflammation, intoxication, only symptomatic therapy is not enough, anti-infective treatment is necessary.

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