What is Paracetamol?
Acetaminophen, famously known as Paracetamol is a principal medication in the world of medicines. Paracetamol was launched as a medicine by McNeil Laboratories in 1955 as an approved palliative and antipyretic drug. The routes of Paracetamol administration is via mouth, through the cheek, rectal, intravenous (IV). One of the most indispensable medicines as approved by the World Health Organization. From working as a moderate pain killer for headaches, upper and lower back pain, fever etc to acting as a severe medication for Osteoarthritis and postoperative pain when combined with NSAIDs.
About Makers
The makers of this medicine have done a commendable job by not only creating something which could save lives but also generating a sense of livelihood. It is because of this medication that so many diseases are being cured now which was not possible in the earlier times.
Famous Brand
Paracetamol is easily as well as cheaply available at all the retail chemist shops. There are numerous trading companies which manufacture Paracetamol and its combinations. The famous trade names are Tylenol, Panadol, Tramadol hydrochloride IP (HCl 50 mg) and Paracetamol IP (325 mg) tablet (USP) named ATMOTIF, and Aceclofenac IP (100mg) & paracetamol IP (325 mg) tablet named ATMOCLIF-PLUS by Alvizia Healthcare. The budding medico brand Alvizia healthcare has also come up with several other combinations of paracetamol with
- Nimesulide BP (100mg) ( NIMVIZIA)
- Lornoxicam IP (8 mg) ( ATMOXICAM )
- Etodolac IP (300 mg) (DOLTIF),
- Diclofenac Potassium BP (50 mg) (ATMOFIN PLUS)
Dosage
The correct dose of paracetamol for a child depends on their weight. The prescribed dose of paracetamol for children upto 12 years is as follows:
Under 2 years- no recommended dose; treatment under the care of a physician.
-
Age 2-3 years (weight, 24-35 lbs [10.9-16.3 kg])
Dose: 160 mg/dose - Age 4-5 years (weight, 36-47 lbs [16.4-21.7 kg])
Dose: 240 mg/dose - Age 6-8 years (weight, 48-59 lbs [21.8-27.2 kg])
Dose: 320 mg/dose - Age 9-10 years (weight, 60-71 lbs [27.3-32.6 kg])
Dose: 400 mg/dose - Age 11-12 years (weight, 72-95 lbs [32.7-43.2 kg])
Dose: 480 mg/dose
Paracetamol as a cure
Paracetamol as a cure is proficient, accepted by maximum number of patients, but once a wise man said "excessive use of anything can be dangerous to an extent that it can lead to death." Hence excessive usage of paracetamol can lead to serious disorders like liver damage, allergic reactions, asthma, and kidney cancer. Many doctors refrain women from taking paracetamol during pregnancy as it can increase the risk of childhood asthma.
The reality of paracetamol lies in the fact that it serves as a boon for some people as well as a bane for some people. It should be remembered that regardless of the fact that paracetamol has ample medical application it is not a drug without any side effects. Therefore, before taking a decision to treat the patient with paracetamol, each time a balance of reimbursement and fatalities should be made so as to perform a competent treatment. The plan of the present article was not to deny the importance of paracetamol but only to draw the attention of doctors prescribing this remedy and pharmacists selling the medicine as well patients taking it to the fact that this drug should be used only in situations which are crucial. In the light of the modern research it is not possible to answer the question included in the title of the present study-Do we know all about paracetamol but the nearest years will obviously provide the answer whether the decision to introduce paracetamol as a drug was correct !