Products
Paracetamol
Pharmacotherapeutic group
Non-opioid analgesic agentInternational name
ParacetamolDosage form
Solution for infusionParacetamol exhibits analgesic and antipyretic effects. Paracetamol provides onset of pain relief within 5 to 10 minutes after the start of infusion. The analgesic effect reaches its maximum in 1 hour and lasts for 4 to 6 hours. Paracetamol reduces fever within 30 minutes after the start of infusion with a duration of the antipyretic effect of at least 6 hours. The precise mechanism of the analgesic and antipyretic properties of paracetamol has yet to be established; it may involve central and peripheral actions. Paracetamol is known to inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX- 2and -2 in the central nervous system by affecting the pain and thermoregulatory centers. In inflamed tissues, an effect of paracetamol on cyclooxygenase is neutralized by cellular peroxidases which accounts for its very weak anti-inflammatory activity. Due to lack of effect on the synthesis of prostaglandins in peripheral tissues, paracetamol does not affect water-salt metabolism (sodium and water retention) or gastrointestinal mucosa.