Pain and Analgesia: Paracetamol Overview

Paracetamol is classified as an anti-inflammatory medication.

The typical adult dose of paracetamol can go up to 1g up to four times daily.

Paracetamol can be fatal if taken in overdose, leading to liver damage.

The WWHAM questioning method includes asking about the patient's emotional state.

Ibuprofen is an ingredient categorized as a topical analgesic.

Children aged 10 to 15 can take a maximum of 2g of paracetamol in 24 hours.

The supply guideline states that no pharmacy can sell more than 50 packs of paracetamol at once.

Chronic pain is a type that is typically short-lived.

Paracetamol for infants must be dosed according to a weight-based chart.

Visceral pain relates to muscle and tissue injuries.

Pain and Analgesia

Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage.
Analgesia is medication that relieves pain.
Pain can be acute, chronic, somatic, visceral, idiopathic, neuropathic, or breakthrough.

Paracetamol

Paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic.
Paracetamol is not an anti-inflammatory.
Paracetamol's mechanism of action is weak prostaglandin inhibition.
The maximum daily dose of paracetamol for adults is 4g.
The maximum daily dose of paracetamol for children aged 10-15 years is 2g.
Paracetamol can be fatal in overdose.
Side effects of paracetamol are not common.
Paracetamol is available in a range of adult and paediatric formulations.
Supply guidelines for paracetamol are in place to prevent overdose.
Non-pharmacy sale of paracetamol is limited to 12 tablets.
Pharmacies can sell up to 24 tablets of paracetamol.
Any customer requesting more than one pack of 24 tablets must be referred to the pharmacist.
A maximum of 50 paracetamol tablets can be supplied in total (or two packs of 48).
Quantities greater than 50 may only be supplied on a prescription.

Paracetamol for Infants

Calpol 120mg/5ml Infant Oral Suspension is a paracetamol formulation for infants.

Paracetamol for Children

Calpol Six Plus 250mg is a paracetamol formulation for children aged 6 years and older.

This quiz explores the concepts of pain and analgesia, with a specific focus on paracetamol. Discover the classification of pain types, the mechanism of action of paracetamol, and important dosage guidelines for both adults and children. Test your understanding of this common analgesic and its usage safety.