What is the mechanism of action of paracetamol and its adverse effects?
The mechanism of action is complex and includes the effects of both the peripheral (COX inhibition), and central (COX, serotonergic descending neuronal pathway, L-arginine/NO pathway, cannabinoid system) antinociception processes and “redox” mechanism.
What is the pharmacology of paracetamol?
The apparent COX-2 selectivity of action of paracetamol is shown by its poor anti-platelet activity and good gastrointestinal tolerance. Unlike both non-selective NSAIDs and selective COX-2 inhibitors, paracetamol inhibits other peroxidase enzymes including myeloperoxidase.
What is the pharmacodynamics of paracetamol?
Pharmacodynamics/Mechanism of action: Paracetamol is a p-aminophenol derivative that exhibits analgesic and antipyretic activity. It does not possess anti-inflammatory activity. Paracetamol is thought to produce analgesia through a central inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis.
What are the types of drug action?
Based on drug action on receptors, there are 2 different types of drugs: Agonists – they stimulate and activate the receptors….Intrinsic Activity which defines:
- Agonists as having Intrinsic Activity = 1.
- Antagonists as having Intrinsic Activity = 0.
- and, Partial Agonist as having Intrinsic Activity between 0 and 1.
What is the contraindication of paracetamol?
Contraindications to the use of acetaminophen include hypersensitivity to acetaminophen, severe hepatic impairment, or severe active hepatic disease.
What monitoring is required for paracetamol?
All paracetamol orders should be reviewed at 48 hours, except IV paracetamol orders which should be reviewed at 24 hours. Where risk factors are present and treatment is to continue beyond 48 hours, monitoring of liver function tests (LFTs), including International Normalised Ratio (INR), is recommended.