Thursday 11 July 2013

Paracetamol


Introduction to Medicine

Medicine is a substance used to prevent or cure diseases or to reduce pain and suffering due to illnesses. Modern medicine can be classified as follows based on their effects on the human body : 

(i)   Analgesics , 
(ii)  Antibiotics , 
(iii) Psychotherapeutic drugs.

Example of modern medicine :
  •                 Analgesics : Aspirin, Paracetamol, Codeine
  •      Antibiotics : Penicillin, Streptomycin
  •      Psychotherapeutic drugs : Stimulant, Antidepressant, Antipsychotic

Analgesics

Analgesics are medicine that relieve pain but not cure disease. Analgesics are called painkiller. Aspirin and paracetamol is mild painkiller whereas codeine is powerful painkiller.

Paracetamol

Paracetamol  is classified as a mild analgesic. Paracetamol is neutral in nature, unlike aspirin. It is commonly used for relief pain, headaches, muscle aches and joint ache. It also used for reduces or relieves flu symptoms (fever, running nose or bone ache).It relives pain in mild arthritis but has no effect on the underlying inflammation and swelling of the joint. Panadol is an example of paracetamol.

Structural formula :






Type of paracetamol :

  •  Tablets
  • Caplets
  •  Capsules
  • Soluble tablets(dissolve in water)
  • An oral suspension (liquid medicine)
  • Suppositories,which are inserted into your anus (the opening through which waste leaves your body)






                                                   Soluble tablet


An oral suspension





Tablet




Capsule



Caplets



Suppositories



Important Information about Paracetamol :

The maximum amount of paracetamol for adults is 1 gram (1000mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000mg) per day. Taking too more paracetamol could cause liver damage. In a few cases, even normal taking can also cause the same serious consequences. In particular, this risk will vary alcoholic drinks increased. In many Western countries, such poisoning can cause serious liver failure is the main reason, especially the United States, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, the majority of overdose are this. If you are allergic to paracetamol, do not use this medication. Or if you have liver disease, kidney problem or  a history of alcoholism, you may ask doctor first before take this medication.






Written by: Tanasha Azalea Suhandani, Lee Miaw Woon, Chong Hui Qian, Sathish Kumar Letchumanan

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