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Paracetamol [IV Infusion]: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Paracetamol [IV Infusion] is an analgesic and antipyretic indicated for: Management of mild to moderate pain in adults and pediatric patients (2 years and older) when oral or rectal administration…

Forms:IV Infusion

About Paracetamol [IV Infusion]

Indications of Paracetamol [IV Infusion]

Paracetamol [IV Infusion] is an analgesic and antipyretic indicated for:

  • Management of mild to moderate pain in adults and pediatric patients (2 years and older) when oral or rectal administration is not feasible.
  • Management of moderate to severe pain as an adjunct to opioid analgesics, allowing for reduced opioid consumption (e.g., in perioperative settings).
  • Reduction of fever in adult and pediatric patients when oral intake is not possible or clinically appropriate.

Paracetamol [IV Infusion] is typically reserved for situations where oral or rectal paracetamol cannot be used, such as perioperative pain, patients who are NPO (nil by mouth), or those with impaired swallowing.

Dosage & Administration of Paracetamol [IV Infusion]

Paracetamol [IV Infusion] is administered as an intravenous infusion over 15 minutes. Dosing is weight-based, especially in patients under 50 kg and in pediatric patients, to avoid inadvertent overdose. The maximum daily dose must account for all sources of paracetamol (oral, rectal, and intravenous) taken together.

PopulationDoseMaximum Single DoseMaximum Daily Dose
Adults and adolescents ≥50 kg1000 mg every 6 hours or 650 mg every 4 hours1000 mg4000 mg
Adults and adolescents <50 kg15 mg/kg every 6 hours or 12.5 mg/kg every 4 hours15 mg/kg (not to exceed 750 mg)75 mg/kg (not to exceed 3750 mg)
Children 2-12 years15 mg/kg every 6 hours15 mg/kg75 mg/kg
Infants 29 days to <2 years15 mg/kg every 6 hours15 mg/kg60 mg/kg
Neonates (≥32 weeks gestational age to 28 days)12.5 mg/kg every 6 hours12.5 mg/kg50 mg/kg

Minimum dosing interval is 4 hours in adults and older children, and 6 hours in infants and neonates. No dose adjustment is required for mild-to-moderate hepatic or renal impairment; however, in severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance ≤30 mL/min), a longer minimum dosing interval of at least 6 hours is recommended.

Side Effects of Paracetamol [IV Infusion]

Paracetamol [IV Infusion] is generally well tolerated. Reported adverse effects include:

  • Common (adults): Nausea, vomiting, headache, insomnia, constipation, pruritus.
  • Common (pediatric patients): Nausea, vomiting, constipation, pruritus, agitation.
  • Infusion-site reactions: Pain, redness, or swelling at the infusion site.
  • Uncommon/rare but serious: Hypotension (particularly noted in critically ill patients), hepatic enzyme elevation, hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis and angioedema, and rare but potentially fatal serious skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis). Paracetamol [IV Infusion] should be discontinued immediately if signs of a skin reaction or hypersensitivity occur.

Contraindications of Paracetamol [IV Infusion]

Paracetamol [IV Infusion] is contraindicated in patients with:

  • Known hypersensitivity to paracetamol (acetaminophen) or to any excipient of the formulation.
  • Severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease.

Frequently Asked Questions about Paracetamol [IV Infusion]

What is Paracetamol [IV Infusion] used for?

Paracetamol [IV Infusion] is used to manage mild to moderate pain, to help manage moderate to severe pain alongside opioid medications, and to reduce fever in patients who cannot take medication by mouth or rectally, such as before or after surgery.

How is Paracetamol [IV Infusion] given?

Paracetamol [IV Infusion] is given only by a healthcare professional as a slow intravenous infusion over 15 minutes. It is not given by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.

Can Paracetamol [IV Infusion] cause liver damage?

Yes, if the maximum daily dose is exceeded, whether from Paracetamol [IV Infusion] alone or added together with other paracetamol-containing products taken by mouth or rectally, serious and potentially fatal liver damage can occur. It is essential that all paracetamol sources are counted toward the daily limit and that dosing is calculated carefully based on body weight.

Who should not receive Paracetamol [IV Infusion]?

Paracetamol [IV Infusion] should not be given to anyone with a known allergy to paracetamol or any ingredient in the product, or to patients with severe liver impairment or severe active liver disease.

Is Paracetamol [IV Infusion] safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Paracetamol [IV Infusion] should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed, at the lowest effective dose, after a physician weighs the potential benefits against potential risks to the fetus. Small amounts pass into breast milk, so it should be used during breastfeeding only under medical guidance.

What should I do if an overdose of Paracetamol [IV Infusion] is suspected?

Seek immediate emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center right away, even if the person seems fine, because early symptoms can be absent while serious liver damage develops. A specific antidote is most effective when given early.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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