Non-opioid Analgesic / Antipyretic Oral
Paracetamol
Acetaminophen
CPG Reference
Paracetamol (Panadol, Childrens Chewable Panadol)
Indications
- ✓ Mild to moderate pain (e.g. Headache, sprain, strain)
Contraindications
- ✕ Hypersensitivity to paracetamol
- ✕ Patients less than 6 months of age (oral solution)
- ✕ Patients less than 3 years of age (120mg chewable tablets)
- ✕ Patients less than 9 years of age (500mg tablets)
- ✕ Any paracetamol containing product taken within the last four hours (including prior to SJWA arrival)
Precautions
- ⚠ Paracetamol oral suspension is for single patient use only
- ⚠ Use syringe/dropper supplied with product unless otherwise directed
Dosing
Adult
Amount 500–1000 mg (1–2 tablets)
Route Oral
Repeat May be repeated every 4–6 hours
Max dose 4 g (8 tablets) per day
Administered as a component of a multimodal analgesic regime
Paediatric — oral solution (≥6 months)
Amount 15 mg/kg
Route Oral
Repeat May be repeated every 4–6 hours
Max dose 60 mg/kg per day
Not for children less than 6 months of age. Use syringe/dropper supplied with product
Paediatric — 120 mg chewable tablets (3–5 years)
Amount 2 tablets (240 mg)
Route Oral
Repeat May be repeated every 4–6 hours
Max dose 60 mg/kg per day
Not for children less than 3 years of age
Paediatric — 120 mg chewable tablets (6–8 years)
Amount 3 tablets (360 mg)
Route Oral
Repeat May be repeated every 4–6 hours
Max dose 60 mg/kg per day
Not for children less than 3 years of age
Paediatric — 500 mg tablets (9–12 years)
Amount 0.5 to 1 tablet (250–500 mg)
Route Oral
Repeat May be repeated every 4–6 hours
Max dose 60 mg/kg per day
Not for children less than 9 years of age
Onset: 30–60 minutes
Side Effects & Notes
Side Effects
- • Nausea (common adverse effect)
Clinical Notes
- → Administered as a component of a multimodal analgesic regime alongside non-pharmacological interventions
- → Confirm no paracetamol-containing product has been taken in the previous 4 hours — this includes any dose taken before SJWA arrival
- → Oral suspension is for single patient use only
- → IV paracetamol infusion is outside EHS scope of practice
- → Non-pharmacological interventions (positioning, immobilisation, reassurance, distraction, cooling/icing) should be used concurrently