PARACETAMOL

Analgesic (relieves pain) and antipyretic (reduces fever); does not have anti-inflammatory properties

Dosage Forms

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Tablets

500 mg

Oral Suspension

125 mg/ml

Rectal Suppository

125 mg

Uses

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  • Mild to moderate pain
  • Acute migraine attack
  • Fever (including post-immunisation fever)

Dose and Duration

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Mild to moderate pain, acute migraine attack, fever

Adult and child >12 years: 0.5–1 g every 4–6 hours (maximum 4 g daily)

Child 6–12 years: 250–500 mg every 4–6 hours

Child 1–5 years: 125–250 mg every 4–6 hours

Child 3 months–1 year: 60–125 mg every 4–6 hours

Child <3 months: 10 mg/kg; only when very necessary

No more than 4 doses should be given in 24 hours.

Use suppositories in children who cannot swallow; dose is the same as for oral paracetamol.

Contraindications

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  • Severe liver disease

Side Effects

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  • Severe liver damage in overdose

Patient Instructions

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  • Take only for as long as pain lasts; avoid prolonged use
  • Do not exceed 2 doses if used in post immunisation fever
  • Bring the child back to the health facility if fever persists.
  • Wiping the child with a cool sponge or cloth (with water at room temperature) is also good for reducing the fever

Pregnancy

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  • Can be used

Breast-feeding

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  • Can be used

⚠️ Caution

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  • Reduce dose in liver disease
  • May be used with an NSAID to increase pain relief