Dosage form

TabletsFilm coated tablets
Capsules
Juice
SuppositorySuppositories
Syrup

Effect

By inhibiting the production of prostaglandin in the body’s cells, paracetamol has a fever-reducing and pain-relieving effect. Prostaglandins are so-called pain mediators that regulate functions such as pain, inflammation and fever. Prostaglandins also influence blood clotting. However, the influence of paracetamol on blood clotting is relatively small (e.g. in comparison with acetylsalicylic acid = ASS 100 = Aspirin®). The anti-inflammatory effect is also very low.

Application

Prolonged use of paracetamol should not be taken without consulting your doctor. Paracetamol should be taken unchewed with plenty of liquid. Taking it after meals can delay the onset of action.

Paracetamol can also be given in suppositories. This type of application is often preferred, especially when paracetamol is used in infants, toddlers and children. Infants and toddlers can often have a fever and household remedies are not always sufficient.

However, infants and toddlers are usually not yet able to swallow tablets with liquid. Suppositories are therefore a welcome alternative. There are special low-dose preparations for the different age groups.

Dosage

Depending on the pain situation, paracetamol can be taken in 3-4 single doses per day. The maximum dose for adults is 8 tablets (500 mg) per day. This corresponds to 4000 milligrams of paracetamol.

Overdosing of paracetamol can lead to life-threatening liver damage! Dosage for children: Individual dosage according to age or body weight, usually 10-15 mg per kg bw as a single dose, max. up to 50 mg per kg bw/day.

The administration can be repeated at intervals of 6-8 hours, i.e. 3-4 single doses per day. In adults, the maximum dose is between 0.5-3 g per day.Due to individual circumstances and influencing factors, the maximum dose is not fixed on a selective basis. The limit from when paracetamol starts to have a toxic effect on the body varies.

Under no circumstances, however, should a dose of 5 g be exceeded. Children react more sensitively to medication. For this reason, the maximum dose by body weight is given here. In children, the dose of 50 mg per kg body weight should not be exceeded under any circumstances.