Paracetamol belongs to the class of medications called analgesics and antipyretics. FDA approved it initially in 1951 to treat pain and fever.

Paracetamol injection/infusion, tablets, oral suspension, and pediatric drops are used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to reduce fever. It is also used in combination with opioid analgesics to manage moderate to severe pain in adult and pediatric patients 2 years and older. It works by changing the way the body senses pain and by cooling the body. 

Paracetamol suppository are used to treat pain and high temperature (fever) in children from 1 to 5 years of age. They can be used in children who find it difficult to take paracetamol as tablets or syrup.

Paracetamol injection/infusion:

It will be given by infusion into your veins. Your physician will decide the dose and duration of the infusion based on your disease condition. Do not self-administer the injection. This will take over 15 minutes. Generally, it is given every 4 to 6 hours or as needed to relieve pain or reduce fever. 

Paracetamol tablet/oral suspension/syrup:

Always take paracetamol as instructed by your doctor. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on the disease condition and other factors. Do not overdose on the medicine. 

Paracetamol Suppository:

This medicine is for rectal use only. Always use this medicine exactly as directed by the doctor. Your child’s bowels must be empty when you give them this medicine. If your child needs to go to the toilet, ensure they do it before you give them the suppository. Do not break the suppository before use. Push the suppository into your child’s back passage (rectum) with the pointed end first. Wash your hands before you give the suppository. 

Paracetamol pediatric oral drops:

Always take paracetamol oral pediatric drops as instructed by your doctor. This medicine should be taken orally. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on the disease condition and other factors. Do not overdose on the medicine. Do not touch the dropper.

The common side effects of Paracetamol are itchy skin, constipation, nausea, vomiting, headache, insomnia, and agitation. Other serious side effects are liver injury, pneumonitis, and severe skin reactions.

Administration of Paracetamol in doses higher than recommended may result in hepatic injury, including the risk of liver failure and death. Use caution when administering this medicine in patients with the following conditions: hepatic impairment or active hepatic disease, in cases of alcoholism, chronic malnutrition, severe hypovolemia, or severe renal impairment. This medicine may cause severe allergic reactions

Do not take Paracetamol if you are allergic to Paracetamol or any other ingredients and if you suffer from severe liver disease. Inform your physician if you have liver disease and kidney problems. Notify your physician if you suffer from alcohol abuse. This medicine can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, inform your physician if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant during the treatment

Protect the medicine from light and excessive moisture. Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets. If you missed the dosing schedule, inform your healthcare professional immediately and reschedule. Paracetamol injection/infusion is given through a needle placed in a vein. The medicine will be injected slowly over 15 minutes. A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine. Do not consume alcohol while taking this injection. Do not take this medicine for more than 10 days in a row, unless directed by your doctor. This medicine is safe when administered in low doses during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

1. Perfalgan 10mg/ml Solution for Infusion - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). www.medicines.org.uk. Published May 2021. Accessed May 16, 2023. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/60/smpc
2. Acetaminophen Injection - Highlights of Prescribing Information.; 2021. Accessed May 16, 2023. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/204957s000lbl.pdf
3. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Antipyretics-Analgesics, 7th edition, 2013, 206-207.
4. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basics of Therapeutics, Anti-inflammatory, Antipyretic, and Analgesic Agents; Pharmacotherapy of Gout, 12th edition, 2011, 982-984.

 The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.