Paracetamol is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is often used to reduce temperature and eliminate high fever in infectious diseases. The prevalence of using Paracetamol tablets is associated with the availability of the drug - it is inexpensive, you can find the drug in any pharmacy. paracetamol for headaches , because in addition to the antipyretic effect, the drug also has an analgesic effect.
Compound
Paracetamol is a white tablet, sometimes with a creamy tint. In addition, there is also syrup, which is often prescribed to small children.
One tablet of the drug contains either 200 or 500 mg of paracetamol as a chemical substance (depending on the dosage). The drug also contains auxiliary compounds, for example, potato starch, povidone, stearic acid, and croscarmellose sodium.
Paracetamol for children: at what age and in what cases can this antipyretic be taken
Let's look at the rules for taking the three main forms of medication for children of different ages.
Paracetamol tablets
The drug in tablet form can only be given to a child from 6 years of age. This is due to the fact that before this age it is difficult for the baby to swallow the solid form of the medicine.
Between the first and subsequent doses, 4 to 6 hours should pass. During this time, the active substance is half eliminated from the body and there will be no overdose, which will reduce the risk of side effects.
Paracetamol dosage for children in tablet form is as follows:
- 6-11 years old . A single dose is 0.5-1 tablet (250-500 mg), it is calculated depending on the child’s weight, namely 10-15 mg of the drug per 1 kg of weight. A maximum of 3-4 tablets (1500-2000 mg) can be taken per day - this dose is also calculated depending on the child’s weight, 60 mg per 1 kg of body weight;
- 12 years and older . From this age, you can take 1-2 tablets (500 mg - 1000 mg) of paracetamol up to 4 times a day. A child is allowed to give no more than 8 tablets (4000 mg) within a maximum of 24 hours.
Children can take this medication for no longer than 3 days without consulting a doctor, but it is best to consult with a family doctor or pediatrician.
Paracetamol syrup
It is allowed to be taken orally from 3 months and up to 12 years.
The dosage of paracetamol for children depends on the child's body weight. At the age of 3 months to 12 years, 10-15 mg/kg of the child’s body weight should be taken at a time. And the maximum daily dose for children is 60 mg/kg body weight.
To measure the exact dose, place a measuring spoon into the syrup package. In most cases, it has divisions of 2.5 and 5 ml.
You can take no more than 4 doses per day, and at least 4 hours should pass between doses of the medicine.
Paracetamol rectal suppositories
One suppository can have different dosages, for example, 80 mg, 170 mg or 330 mg.
Rectal suppositories of 80 mg are given to children 3-4 months old, when the child’s weight is 4-6 kg. The frequency of administration should be 6 hours.
Rectal suppositories of 170 mg are prescribed to children 0.5-2 years old, when the child’s weight varies from 8 to 12 kg. The drug administration interval is also 6 hours.
Rectal suppositories of 330 mg are given to children from 4 to 9 years old with a body weight of 15-24 kg. At least 6 hours must pass between the first and subsequent administrations.
You can take no more than 4 doses of paracetamol in suppositories per day. A single dose is calculated by multiplying the child’s weight by 15 mg of the drug.
If, for example, a child weighs 10 kg, then at one time he can be given no more than 10 * 15 = 150 mg. And the maximum daily dose can be calculated by multiplying 60 mg by the child’s weight. In this case, 10*60=600 mg.
It can be administered no more than 4 times per day. Before purchasing the drug, you should definitely consult your pediatrician or family doctor.
Please also note that paracetamol may be included in other medicines used to treat coughs, colds or headaches. You can combine medications only with the permission of your family doctor, so that an overdose of the substance in question does not occur.
Doctors, pharmacists and other medical experts say the drug is safe, but can it cause side effects in children and in what cases does this happen?
Pharmacodynamics
The drug belongs to the group of non-narcotic analgesics - the drug has an analgesic effect. Paracetamol has a pronounced antipyretic and analgesic effect. The biochemical basis of these reactions is inhibition of cyclooxygenase (one of the leading enzymes responsible for the synthesis of prostaglandins - mediators of inflammation).
Thus, the synthesis of prostaglandins is inhibited in the nervous system, which, moreover, have a pyrogenic effect (leading to an increase in temperature) on the hypothalamus, where the thermoregulation center is located. The hypothalamus is a brain structure responsible for both maintaining the required body temperature and producing certain hormonal factors. Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis leads to a decrease in their pyrogenic effect on the hypothalamus, heat transfer from the body increases, and temperature decreases.
In parallel, Paracetamol affects the conduction of pain sensitivity impulses along afferent nerve fibers. This mechanism of action provides an analgesic effect.
Research is being conducted on the effect of Paracetamol on the serotonin system, as well as cannabinoid transmission in the brain.
Indications and contraindications for use
Systemic use of Paracetamol by a patient is possible only with a prescription from the attending physician. Self-medication is strictly prohibited, because the drug has both strict indications for use and a number of contraindications.
Paracetamol is a symptomatic remedy. The drug reduces the severity of some symptoms without affecting the actual cause of their occurrence.
Indications for use
| Indications for use | Decoding |
| Different types of pain | Paracetamol is effective for eliminating headaches, dental pain, muscle pain, and discomfort during the menstrual cycle. In addition, the drug is prescribed for the initial stages of arthritis in patients to relieve joint pain. Paracetamol has a moderate analgesic effect, which explains its use in the presence of mild pain. |
| Feverish conditions | Provides relief of fever as a symptom of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, and other infectious diseases accompanied by an increase in body temperature. The drug is able to effectively reduce body temperature and alleviate the patient's condition. |
Contraindications for use
| Contraindication for use | Decoding |
| Presence of hypersensitivity to one or more components of the drug | The use of Paracetamol is prohibited in patients with episodes of allergic reactions after taking the drug. With repeated use, severe hypersensitivity reactions may develop, including the development of anaphylactic shock. |
| Children under 6 years old | The age-related contraindication to Paracetamol therapy also cannot be ignored: taking the drug in childhood is not allowed. |
| Combinations with other medicinal compounds containing paracetamol | It is prohibited to take Paracetamol while using certain other medications that contain the chemical compound “paracetamol” as an active ingredient. Often, medications to eliminate some symptoms of infectious diseases contain paracetamol. When taking Paracetamol tablets and other substances containing paracetamol, the side effects of the drugs may increase. |
| Liver diseases | The drug should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases, for example: benign hyperbilirubinemia, viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver damage. This is due to impaired liver detoxification function. |
| Pregnancy and lactation period | The drug should be used as carefully as possible during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The dosage should be selected individually with your doctor. |
| Elderly age | Warning when using Paracetamol in old age is associated with physiological changes in metabolism in the body of an elderly person, which also requires careful adjustment of the dosage of the drug. |
Use of Paracetamol for children
The drug is prescribed orally. Single dose for children aged 6 months to 1 year - 60-120 mg (1/2-1 teaspoon of syrup), from 1 year to 3 years - 120-180 mg (1-1.5 teaspoon of syrup), from 3 to 6 years - 180-240 mg of paracetamol (1.5-2 teaspoons of syrup), from 6 to 12 years - 240-360 mg of paracetamol (2-3 teaspoons of syrup), over 12 years - 360-600 mg paracetamol (3–5 teaspoons of syrup). The frequency of administration is 3-4 times a day with an interval between each dose of at least 4 hours. The maximum duration of treatment is 3 days.
Instructions for use: methods, dosage
The instructions indicate that the medicine must be taken orally (by mouth), in the case of tablets, washed down with one glass of water. The instructions for use of Paracetamol also note that the dosage and frequency of taking the drug varies depending on the age of the patient.
Adult patients and children over the age of 12 years are recommended to take 2 tablets with a dosage of 200 mg or one tablet with a dosage of 500 mg (from 400 to 500 mg) every 4-6 hours when the temperature rises or pain increases. It is important to remember that the maximum dose of Paracetamol that can be consumed per day is 4 g. That is, if the patient takes 500 mg tablets, then no more than 8 tablets are allowed to be taken in 24 hours. Accordingly, if a person takes tablets with a dosage of 200 mg, you can drink no more than 20 tablets per day.
If Paracetamol tablets are prescribed to a child aged 6 to 12 years, the dosage changes significantly, the calculation is made individually. How much Paracetamol should children take? If in the instructions for adults the height and weight of the patient do not matter, then in the case of a child these are the key parameters. Paracetamol for fever or as a pain reliever should be used, observing the following rules:
- dose per dose (single dose) is 10-15 mg per 1 kilogram of the child’s body weight. So, per day the maximum dose is 60 mg per 1 kilogram of body weight;
- Often in children, Paracetamol is used in a dosage of 250 mg or 500 mg (respectively, half a tablet or one tablet with a dosage of 500 mg) 3-4 times a day when the temperature rises or pain increases;
- the child should not be given the medicine more often than once every 4 hours, or more than 4 times a day;
- It is prohibited to use Paracetamol tablets for more than 3 days without consulting the child’s attending physician.
For children under 6 years of age there is Paracetamol syrup. The fact is that up to 6 years of age, a child may have difficulty swallowing hard tablets, so the syrup will relieve the child’s psychological and physical discomfort when using the medicine. The use of syrup should be discussed with the child’s attending physician: he will explain the frequency of use of the drug and calculate the volume of syrup per use.
PARACETAMOL FOR CHILDREN
Directions for use and doses
5 ml of suspension contains 120 mg of paracetamol.
In one bottle the number of 5 ml doses is: 100 g - 16 doses, 150 g - 24 doses and 200 g - 32 doses. The drug is taken orally before meals in undiluted form, washed down with plenty of liquid. Shake the drug thoroughly before use. The frequency of administration is no more than 4 times a day with an interval of at least 4 hours.
The dose of paracetamol for children is calculated depending on age and body weight. A single dose of paracetamol is 10-15 mg/kg body weight, daily - no more than 60 mg/kg body weight.
For precise dosing of the drug, depending on the proposed configuration, use a measuring spoon or a measuring syringe included in the package.
If using a measuring syringe:
1. Shake the suspension thoroughly.
2. Open the bottle cap.
3. Insert the measuring syringe firmly into the hole in the adapter installed in the neck of the bottle.
4. Turn the bottle upside down and gently pull the plunger down, drawing the suspension into the measuring syringe to the desired level.
5. Return the bottle to its original position and remove the measuring syringe by gently turning it.
6. Give the drug to the child orally using a measuring syringe. To ensure smooth flow of the suspension into the oral cavity, slowly press the piston. After each use, rinse the measuring syringe in running water and dry it disassembled at room temperature out of the reach of children. The measuring syringe should be stored in the package along with the drug.
Depending on the age, Paracetamol for children is prescribed in the following single doses:
- from 1 to 3 months - for the symptomatic treatment of reactions to vaccination, a single dose of 2.5 ml of suspension is used. If necessary, the dose can be repeated, but not earlier than after 4 hours. If the child’s body temperature does not decrease after the repeated dose, you should consult a doctor. Further use of the drug in children of this age for the treatment of post-vaccination hyperthermia, as well as use in children aged 1-3 months for other indications is possible only under the supervision of a physician. If it is necessary to use the drug for a premature baby aged 1-3 months, the drug is prescribed only on the recommendation of a doctor.
- from 3 months to 1 year - 2.5-5 ml or 60-120 mg of paracetamol, depending on the child’s body weight (see table below);
- from 1 year to 6 years -5-10 ml or 120-240 mg depending on the child’s body weight (see table below);
- from 6 to 14 years - 10-20 ml or 240-480 mg, depending on the child’s body weight (see table below);
| Child's body weight | Single dose of the drug |
| 4-8 kg | 2.5 ml |
| 8-16 kg | 5 ml |
| 16-32 kg | 10 ml |
| more than 32 kg | 15-20 ml |
- adults - a single dose of 20 ml no more than 4 times a day.
The duration of treatment is no more than 3 days as an antipyretic and no more than 5 days as an analgesic. Continuation of treatment with the drug is possible only after consultation with a doctor!!!
Do not exceed the prescribed dose! An overdose of paracetamol can cause liver failure.
Side effects
The instructions indicate that some adverse reactions may occur in response to taking the drug.
On the part of the immune system, a person may notice hypersensitivity skin reactions. Local inflammation, redness, and rash may occur after taking the drug. In more severe situations, an anaphylactic reaction occurs, accompanied by Quincke's edema and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. In this case, toxic epidermal necrolysis may occur as a skin manifestation. A pronounced reaction of the immune system, in particular the occurrence of anaphylactic shock, is often associated with a person’s allergy to the drug. Therefore, it is very important to find out in time whether there is a history of allergic reactions in order to promptly prevent the development of anaphylaxis.
On the part of the hematopoietic organs, anemia may develop as a side reaction. Anemic syndrome is a condition based on a decrease in the number of red blood cells and/or hemoglobin in the patient’s blood. Sometimes thrombocytopenia occurs (a decrease in the number of platelets - the cells responsible for the formation of blood clots). In this case, the patient may notice frequent and intense bleeding (for example, nosebleeds) that do not stop for a long time. This is due to a decrease in platelet count: it takes longer for a blood clot to form. Methemoglobinemia and agranulocytosis are likely to occur, which are quite specific side effects and require immediate discontinuation of the drug. Changes in the circulatory system can be noticed both by clinical signs (for example, with anemia, the patient experiences pallor, drowsiness, lethargy, hemorrhagic manifestations are possible) and by laboratory data. The determining factor here is a general and biochemical analysis of the patient’s blood, where a complete picture of the state of various human blood cells will be visible.
On the part of the respiratory system, the occurrence of bronchospasm was observed in those patients who had already noted increased sensitivity to other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (for example, aspirin). Bronchospasm is associated with a hypersensitivity reaction of the body, and if, after taking Paracetamol tablets, the patient complains of difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, the drug should be immediately noted and the hypersensitivity phenomenon should be stopped.
On the part of the liver, in some rare cases, the development of acute liver failure has been observed. Due to the metabolism of the drug in the liver, as well as the detoxification function of the liver, you should be careful about the state of the hepatobiliary system during Paracetamol therapy. There have been isolated cases that required liver transplantation after active and long-term use of Paracetamol: probably, patients took this non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for a long time, which led to the formation of drug-induced hepatitis, or even cirrhosis of the liver.
All patients taking Paracetamol tablets or Paracetamol syrup should remember: the occurrence of any adverse reactions listed in this section or other nonspecific manifestations while taking the drug must be reported to your doctor! The doctor will adjust the dose of Paracetamol or select another drug on an individual basis.
Pregnancy and lactation
The use of Paracetamol during pregnancy is justified if the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the health of the fetus. During the period of active breastfeeding, the mother is not prohibited from taking Paracetamol. It has been proven that the medicinal compound passes into breast milk in very small quantities, which does not affect the baby’s health. In addition, published data regarding the use of Paracetamol during lactation indicate that breastfeeding is not a contraindication for taking the drug.
Interaction with other drugs
The instructions for use of Paracetamol indicate that using the drug together with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or painkillers can lead to toxic damage to the kidneys. Moreover, the combined use of different NSAIDs threatens the occurrence of acute renal failure - an emergency condition that requires prompt relief.
Care should be taken when prescribing Paracetamol in high doses and salicylates. There is a possibility of oncological neoplasms of the urinary system, for example, the kidney or bladder.
If a patient, for certain indications, takes drugs that inhibit the process of hematopoiesis, then the attending physician should be aware of the increased toxicity of the drug in this case. It is necessary to think about prescribing another drug or adjusting the dosage.
When a person takes anticoagulant therapy for direct indications, especially indirect anticoagulants (warfarin and other coumarin drugs), the risk of bleeding increases. At the same time, single doses of Paracetamol do not lead to bleeding; such a possibility exists only with systemic administration of the drug.
If a person is prescribed liver enzyme activators (for example, barbiturates, tricyclic antidepressants, rifampicin and other drugs), the risk of liver toxicity increases significantly, especially in overdoses.
Antiemetic drugs - metoclopramide, domperidone significantly increase the rate of absorption of Paracetamol. At the same time, cholestyramine reduces the intensity of absorption of the drug. It should be remembered that ethyl alcohol in combination with Paracetamol becomes a serious risk factor for the development of pancreatitis.
It is noted that Paracetamol can reduce the degree of activity of uricosuric drugs.
Precautionary measures
Paracetamol tablets with particular caution to patients suffering from arthritis. It is strictly not recommended to take Paracetamol for more than 3 days in a row without a doctor’s prescription. If pain syndrome, as well as high temperature, persists for 3 days of taking Paracetamol, you should definitely consult a doctor for advice!
It is strictly prohibited to exceed the maximum daily dose of the drug: there are situations where a patient has developed acute liver failure with the need for an organ transplant or even death. Drinking alcohol during Paracetamol therapy is prohibited.
Paracetamol is allowed to be taken with great caution in patients with insufficiency of liver and kidney function. If a patient has a non-cirrhotic form of liver damage due to alcohol abuse, there is an increased risk of drug overdose.
If an allergic reaction occurs, you should seek qualified medical help.
Special instructions for the use of Paracetamol for children
Use with caution to treat patients with impaired liver and kidney function, with benign hyperbilirubinemia. Long-term use of anticonvulsants causes an increase in the activity of liver enzymes, which increases the intensity of the effect of primary passage through the liver and increases the clearance of the drug. This may prevent paracetamol blood levels from reaching therapeutic levels. With long-term use of the drug, monitoring of the peripheral blood picture and the functional state of the liver is necessary.
Reviews
As soon as the temperature starts to rise, I take Paracetamol, and its rise immediately slows down. An effective and inexpensive product!
I always use Paracetamol if I feel like I'm starting to get sick. It reduces the temperature perfectly, and if you need to reduce it again, the drug can be taken every 4 hours.
I like the price of Paracetamol. The drug is absolutely accessible to all people due to its low price.
Question answer
- How to take Paracetamol for children?
The instructions for the drug indicate the dosage regimen for children. It is important for parents to remember that up to 6 years of age, a child can only take Paracetamol syrup, and at the age of 6 to 12 years, the dosage of the drug is calculated individually.
- How often can I take the drug?
When the temperature rises, the drug is allowed to be taken every 4 hours (2 tablets at a dose of 200 mg, one tablet - 500 mg). The maximum daily dose should not exceed 4 g.
- How many days can you take Paracetamol?
You are allowed to take the drug for no more than 3 days in a row. If fever or pain does not subside, you should consult a doctor.
Pharmacological properties of the drug Paracetamol for children
Paracetamol (N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide) has analgesic, antipyretic and weak anti-inflammatory effects. The mechanism of action is associated with inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and an effect on the thermoregulation center in the hypothalamus. After oral administration, paracetamol is rapidly absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract, mainly in the small intestine, mainly by passive transport. After a single dose of 500 mg, the maximum concentration in the blood plasma is reached after 10–60 minutes and is about 6 mcg/ml, then gradually decreases and after 6 hours it is 11–12 mcg/ml. It is well distributed in tissues and mainly in body fluids, with the exception of adipose tissue and cerebrospinal fluid. Plasma protein binding is less than 10% and increases slightly with increasing dose. Sulfate and glucuronide metabolites do not bind to plasma proteins even in relatively high concentrations. Paracetamol is metabolized primarily in the liver by conjugation with glucuronides, conjugation with sulfate and oxidation with the participation of mixed liver oxidases and cytochrome P450. The negative hydroxylated metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine, which is formed in very small quantities in the liver and kidneys by mixed oxidases and is usually detoxified by binding to glutathione, can accumulate during paracetamol overdose and cause tissue damage. In adults, most of paracetamol is bound to glucuronic acid and in smaller quantities to sulfuric acid. These conjugated metabolites do not have biological activity. In premature infants, newborns and in the first year of life, the sulfate metabolite predominates. The half-life is 1–3 hours. In patients with liver cirrhosis, the half-life is slightly longer. The renal clearance of paracetamol is 5%. The drug is excreted in the urine mainly in the form of glucuronide and sulfate conjugates. Less than 5% is excreted as unchanged paracetamol.
