Temporary relief of pain discomfort in arthritis, headache, muscular and neuralgic conditions; also reduces fever.
What are the uses for Paracetamol?
Mild pain
Low acuity patient specifically,
1. strains and sprains of the ankle / foot
2. localised dental pain
What are the adverse effects of paracetamol?
Nausea
Liver failure in overdose situations
What are the contraindications of paracetamol?
Allergy or hypersensitivity to paracetamol
Multiple previous doses i.e. previous self-administration within 4/24 or 4g (8 tablets) within 24hours.
Patients < 12 years of age.
What is the preparation of paracetamol?
500mg tablet
What is the dose of paracetamol for mild pain and low acuity patients?
Patients ≥12 years of age
500mg - 1g (1-2 tablets)
May be repeated after 4 hours whilst indications persist
Maximum dose: 1g (2 tablets) per dose, 4g (8 tablets) in 24 hours.
LAP patients not transported to hospital may be provided with an individual packet of 2 paracetamol tablets for self administration 4 hrs post initial administration.