Paracetamol is an antipyretic and analgesic drug (it is therefore useful in case of fever and pain). It is among the most used active ingredients in the world and its use in medicine dates back to 1893.

- How does paracetamol work?

- How is paracetamol used?

- Paracetamol dosage

- Paracetamol tablets or suppositories?

- Paracetamol 500 or 1000?

How does paracetamol work?

The analgesic and antipyretic activity are to be attributed to the inhibition of particular enzymes called cyclooxygenases.

How is acetaminophen used?

Paracetamol can be administered orally and rectally. The oral one would always be preferable due to the best pharmacokinetic characteristics that distinguish it. Rectal, on the other hand, has poor absorption (about 50% less) and therefore requires an increase in dose.

Posology paracetamol

For the dosage it is possible to follow the following scheme:

-Children, the dose is 10-15mg/Kg every 4-6 hours orally.

-Adults, the dose is 500mg/1000mg every 4 to 6 hours orally.

Acetaminophen tablets or suppositories?

in case of rectal use the dose should be doubled.

Practical example:

for a 25Kg child the dose is 500mg in suppositories and 250mg orally (drops, tablets, syrup, sachets).

Acetaminophen 500mg or 1000mg?

For fever control in adults, 500mg orally (tachipirina 500 or efferalgan 500) or 1000mg rectally (tachipirina suppositories) are sufficient.

Conclusions

Pay attention to the dosage of paracetamol (as with any drug) and do not exceed 3-4 grams per day for adults and 90mg/kg for children.

Always prefer, if possible, use orally rather than rectally.

Acetaminophen is useful for most pain and fever but has no anti-inflammatory action.

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