Paracetamol Administration
Paracetamol for pain control/fever
This webpage is designed to provide information to patients and their relatives with regard to the use of paracetamol.
How does paracetamol work?
It is thought that paracetamol works in the brain to prevent the release of substances that increase pain and temperature1. Thus paracetamol is widely used for pain control and at times, in particular circumstances, for temperature control.
What are the effects of paracetamol?
Paracetamol is rapidly absorbed from the gut and has its peak effect 30-60 minutes after swallowing. On rare occasions minor effects such as rash or upset stomach have been reported from the use of paracetamol. Paracetamol is eventually broken down in the liver and passed out of the body in the urine. It is therefore important for you to tell the nurse or doctor if you have liver or kidney problems.
Cautions when taking paracetamol
There are many drugs that are prescribed by your doctor or that can be bought from the local pharmacy/supermarket that contain paracetamol. Because there is a limit to the amount of paracetamol that you can safely take in a 24hour period, it is important for you to tell the nurse/doctor/pharmacist about other medications that you (or your relative) are taking.
How much paracetamol is safe?
Paracetamol can cause severe damage to the liver and kidneys when more than the recommended dose is taken. On some occasions overdosing of paracetamol has caused death. Therefore it is extremely important for you to be aware of other drugs that may contain paracetamol and to be aware of the maximum amount of paracetamol that you can take in one day.
What is the maximum daily dose?
Dose | Maximum daily dose | |
Adults | 2 x 500mg tablets every 6 hrs | 8 x 500mg tablets |
Children 6months-12years | 15mg/kg by mouth every 4 hrs for 48hrs then 15mg/kg by mouth every 6hrs thereafter or 20mg/kg by rectum every 6 hrs | 90mgs/kg for 48hours then 60mg/kg thereafter |
Infants less than 6 months | 60mg/kg |
It is recommended that paracetamol be taken in frequent smaller amounts as suggested in the above table1.
What will I do if the pain does not go away?
If the pain/temperature is not controlled by the paracetamol do not give more than the recommended dose rather contact your doctor so that the situation can be reassessed.
Reference
- Therapeutic Guidelines Analgesic 2002. www.tg.com.au