Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)

Dr. Parang Mehta, MD.

Fever is perhaps the most common illness symptom in children. Acetaminophen/ Paracetamol is a drug commonly used in the treatment of fever. It is considered safe and effective, and is widely available.

Like other fever medications, Acetaminophen/ Paracetamol also does not cure fever. Fever is not a disease by itself. It is an indicator of the presence of a disease, which must be identified and treated by your pediatrician.

Uses of Acetaminophen/ Paracetamol

In addition to bringing down fever, this drug also reduces pain. It is thus useful in a wide variety of disorders.

It is not effective in the colicky pain of kidney and intestinal colic, which need an anti spasmodic drug. Severe pain may need stronger pain relievers, such as the opiates.

Side Effects

Acetaminophen/ Paracetamol is generally a safe drug. However, no drug is absolutely safe, and this one too, has some side effects.

 

Last revision: September 16, 2011

Dosing

Acetaminophen/ Paracetamol is available as tablets, syrups, drops, chewable tablets, injections. and rectal suppositories.

The dose should be determined by the weight of the child. Generally, the dose is 10 mg per Kg of body weight. For a 2 year old child weighing 12 Kgs, a dose of 120 mg would be appropriate. Higher doses are sometimes used for high fever.

There should be an interval of at least four hours between doses, and children should not receive more than 5 doses in a day.

Contact Information

Dr. Parang Mehta,
Mehta Childcare,
Opposite Putli, Sagrampura,
Surat. Tel: +91 98241 53923.
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