Paracetamol may cause analgesia by inhibiting CNS prostaglandin synthesis. The mechanism of morphine is believed to involve decreased permeability of the cell membrane to sodium, which results in diminished transmission of pain impulses therefore analgesia.
INDICATION
CONTRAINDICATION
To relieve mild to moderate pain due to things such as headache, muscle and joint pain, backache and period pains. It is also used to bring down a high temperature. For this reason, paracetamol can be given to children after vaccinations to prevent postimmunization pyrexia (high temperature). Paracetamol is often included in cough, cold and flu remedies
Hypersensitivity Hypersensitivity to acetaminophen or phenacetin; use with alcohol
>Assess patient’s fever or pain: type of pain, location, intensity, duration, temperature, and diaphoresis.
>Assess allergic reactions: rash, urticaria; if these occur, drug may have to be discontinued.
Metabolic:
hypoglycemia Skin: rash, urticuria
>Teach patient to recognize signs of chronic overdose: bleeding, bruising, malaise, fever, sore throat. >Tell patient to notify prescriber for pain/ fever lasting for more than 3 days.