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

It is 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/Acetaminophen 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. 

The common side effects of Paracetamol/Acetaminophen 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/acetaminophen 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/Acetaminophen if you are allergic to Paracetamol/Acetaminophen 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. 

Do not store above 30°C. Do not refrigerate or freeze. 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. This medicine 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. This medicine is safe when administered 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.