_🔹PARACETAMOL (acetaminophen)_ _🔹GROUP:_ Analgesia/Antipyretic _🔹CLASS:_ Non-narcotics _🔹MODE OF ACTION_ ▪️Inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins in the central nervous system thereby altering pain perception. _INDICATIONS_ ▪️Headache. ▪️Toothache. ▪️Athralgia ▪️Fever. ▪️Osteoarthritis pain ▪️Menstrual cramps ▪️Common cold symptoms ▪️Post-operative pain ▪️Otalgia _🔹CONTRAINDICATIONS_ ▪️Hypersensitivity to paracetamol or any of its components. ▪️Neonates. ▪️Severe liver disease or impairment ▪️Severe renal impairment _🔹ADULT DOSE_ ▪️Oral 500mg -1gram every 4 to 6 hours as needed.(should not exceed 4g per day) _🔹PAEDIATRIC DOSE_ ▪️ 10-15 mg/kg/dose every 4-6 hours as needed, not to exceed 75 mg/kg/day. _🔹DRUG INTERACTIONS_ ▪️Warfarin: Increased risk of bleeding ▪️Isoniazid: Increased risk of liver toxicity ▪️Alcohol: Increased risk of liver toxicity _🔹SIDE EFFECTS_ ▪️Jaundice ▪️Hemolytic anaemia ▪️Hypoglycaemia ▪️Urticaria ▪️Pancytopenia ▪️Hepatotoxicity(with overdose) ▪️Hepatic failure ▪️Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain ▪️Rash,pruritus _🔹NURSING IMPLICATIONS_ ▪️Monitor for signs of liver toxicity, such as jaundice, abdominal pain, and elevated liver enzymes. ▪️Educate patients on proper dosing and not exceeding the maximum daily dose. ▪️Advise patients to avoid alcohol use while taking paracetamol. ▪️Monitor for any signs of allergic reaction or hypersensitivity. ▪️Advise patient not to exceed 10 days to prevent liver toxicity.