Paracetamol, Aspirin and Caffeine

Non-narcotic Analgesic · Para-aminophenol derivative/Salicylate/Xanthine

Indications

For symptomatic relief of pain, fever associated with acute & chronic rheumatism, dysmenorrhoea, neuralgia, tonsillitis, influenza, coryza, headaches.

Dosage

Tab: Adults: 1-2 tab three to four times a day. Children: Over 12 yr, same as adult dose; below 12 yr, not recommended. Powd: Adults: Administer 1 sachet with water after meals. May be repeat four hourly if necessary. Maximum 6 sachet/day. Children: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

ASPIRIN: Bronchospasm, GI upset, allergic reactions, GI and other haemorrhage. Tinnitus, vertigo, confusion, increased bleeding. PARACETAMOL: Cyanosis, skin eruptions, hypoglycaemia, CNS stimulations. Inj: Hypotension, flushing and tachycardia.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Contraindications: ASPIRIN: Previous or active peptic ulceration, haemophilia and other bleeding disorders. Severe renal or hepatic impairment. Children under 16 years, unless specifically indicated (e.g. for Kawasaki's disease). Precautions: ASPIRIN: Aspirin/anti-inflammatory induced allergies, history of bronchospasm, asthma, uncontrolled hypertension, mild to moderate renal function, renal or hepatic impairment, dehydration, G6PD deficiency. Not recommended for treatment of gout. Elderly; avoid continuous prolonged use. Pregnancy (avoid at term). PARACETAMOL: Impaired hepatic function.

Interactions

ASPIRIN: Oral anticoagulants, heparin, antiplatelet agents, fibrinolytics, NSAIDs, uricosuric agents, methotrexate, SSRls, venlafaxine, corticosteroids, acetazolamide. PARACETAMOL: Drugs which delay gastric emptying (e.g. anticholinergics, narcotics).

Advice to Patient

Take with or without meals. Dissolve dispersible tablets in a glass of water before intake. Contact prescriber if there is severe nausea, vomiting, indigestion, abdominal pain, palpitations, tremors, ulceration in stomach or intestines, swelling of lips/tongue/throat, difficulty in breathing or if there is no improvement or worsening of condition. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine. Avoid alcohol during therapy.

Pharmacokinetics

PARACETAMOL: Onset of action: Oral: <1 hr. IV: Analgesia: 5-10 min. Antipyretic: Within 30 min. Peak effect: IV: Analgesic: 1 hr. Duration: IV, Oral: Analgesia: 4-6 hrs. IV: Antipyretic: =6 hrs. Absorption: Primarily absorbed in small intestine, minimal absorption from stomach (varies by dosage form). Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: Neonates: 7 hrs. Infants: Approx. 4 hrs. Children: 3 hrs. Adolescents: Approx. 3 hrs. Adults: Approx. 2 hrs. CrCl<30 mL/min: 2-5.3 hrs. Time to peak, serum: Immediate release: 10-60 min. IV: 15 min. Excretion: Urine. ASPIRIN: Onset: Immediate release: Platelet inhibition: Within 1 hr (nonenteric-coated). Onset of enteric-coated aspirin expected to be delayed. Duration: Immediate release: 4-6 hrs. Absorption: Immediate release: Rapidly absorbed in stomach and upper intestine. Extended release capsule: Rate of absorption depends upon food,…

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.