The Paracetamol suppository

Introduction

Paracetamol is a painkiller from the group of non-opioid analgesics. It has analgesic and antipyretic effects. The name of the active ingredient is derived from the chemical name of the substance, i.e. from paraacetylaminophenol.

Paracetamol belongs to the group of the most important analgesics, as it is normally very well tolerated. In Germany, paracetamol is available over the counter in pharmacies. In general, it can be given at any age if the dosage is adjusted.

There are adapted forms of administration for the different patient groups. In addition to the frequently used tablets, paracetamol is also available as suppositories. The suppository in an adapted dosage is particularly recommended for children and infants, as they often have difficulties taking the normal tablets and can swallow them.

The main area of application for paracetamol is pain and feverish colds. Here it relieves the symptoms. Paracetamol is therefore normally taken for a short period, but in certain cases longer-term medication is also possible. It can be given as a single drug (monotherapy) or combined with other pain-relieving drugs (e.g. ASS=acetylsalicylic acid, active ingredient of Aspirin®).

Mode of action

The exact mechanism of action of paracetamol is not yet fully understood. As a non-acidic non-opioid analgesic, it acts differently than the acidic non-opioid analgesics (ASA, ibuprofen). Paracetamol accumulates in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

There it inhibits a subform of a certain enzyme (COX-3). In an uninhibited state, COX-3 (=cyclooxigenase 3) produces prostaglandins, messenger substances that play an important role in the transmission of pain and the development of inflammation and fever. Paracetamol has only a very weak anti-inflammatory effect (antiphlogistic), but effectively lowers fever (antipyretic effect = fever-lowering effect).

Besides this mode of action, other effects of paracetamol are currently being discussed. Paracetamol suppositories are an effective drug for migraine. Its effectiveness in treating migraine attacks has been scientifically proven.

For Paracetamol suppositories we recommend a suppository containing 1000 milligrams of the active ingredient. No more than 4 suppositories per day (4000 milligrams in total) should be taken. Paracetamol suppositories are only of limited use for toothache.

The active ingredient paracetamol has a pain-relieving effect, but above all it reduces fever. Paracetamol is very suitable for headaches. Toothache is often associated with an inflammatory component, so that painkillers that also have an anti-inflammatory effect, such as ibuprofen or Aspirin®, are somewhat more suitable for toothache.