Paracetamol is indicated in:
- Fever, common cold, and influenza.
- Headache, toothache, earache, body ache, myalgia, dysmenorrhoea, neuralgia, and sprains.
- The pain of colic, back pain, post-operative pain, postpartum pain, chronic pain of cancer, inflammatory pain, post-vaccination pain, and fever of children.
- Rheumatism and osteoarthritic pain & stiffness of joints in fingers, hips, knees, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, and top & bottom of the spine.
Pharmacology
Napa has analgesic and antipyretic properties with weak anti-inflammatory activity. Napa (Acetaminophen) is thought to act primarily in the CNS, increasing the pain threshold by inhibiting both isoforms of cyclooxygenase, COX-1, COX-2, and COX-3 enzymes involved in prostaglandin (PG) synthesis. Napa is a para aminophenol derivative, that has analgesic and antipyretic properties with weak anti-inflammatory activity. Napa is one of the most widely used, safest, and fast-acting analgesics. It is well tolerated and free from various side effects of aspirin.
Administration
May be taken with or without food.
Dosage of Napa
- Adult: 1-2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours up to a maximum of 4 gm (8 tablets) daily.
- Children (6-12 years): ½ to 1 tablet 3 to 4 times daily. For long-term treatment, it is wise not to exceed the dose beyond 2.6 gm/day.
Interaction of Napa
Patients who have taken barbiturates, tricyclic antidepressants, and alcohol may show a diminished ability to metabolize large doses of Napa. Alcohol can increase the hepatotoxicity of Napa overdosage. Chronic ingestion of anticonvulsants or oral steroid contraceptives induces liver enzymes and may prevent the attainment of therapeutic Napa levels by increasing first-pass metabolism or clearance.
Contraindications
It is contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to Napa.
Side Effects of Napa
Side effects of Napa are usually mild, though hematological reactions including thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, pancytopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis have been reported. Pancreatitis, skin rashes, and other allergic reactions occur occasionally.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy category B according to USFDA. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Precautions & Warnings
Napa should be given with caution to patients with impaired kidney or liver function. Napa should be given care to patients taking other drugs that affect the liver.
Storage Conditions
Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.
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