Question

Define the following terms related to the pharmacology of medications (10-40 words each) and describe those terms in relation to Paracetamol (30-50 words each).

Definition Paracetamol

7.1)     Pharmacodynamics

7.2). Phramacokinetics

7.3)     Pharmaco-therapeutics

7.4)     Toxicology

7.5)     Adverse reactions

7.6)     Anaphylactic reactions

7.7)     Contraindications

7.8)     Precautions

7.9)     Side Effects

Answer 1

PARACETAMOL

PHARMACODYNAMICS   

It doesn't allow the synthesis of the prostaglandins from the central nervous system which acts as a pain mediator, there is no evidence of paracetamol that it causes toxicity to the GI tract as well as it doesn't work as an anti-inflammatory.

PHARMACOKINETICS

ABSORPTION

it gets well absorbed through oral administration but absorption through the rectum is liable to change.

DISTRIBUTION

if administered in low concentration it gets absorbed very well also enters into the breast milk and crosses the placental barrier.

METABOLISM AND EXCRETION

it is metabolized in the liver up to 80 to 90 %, toxicity can occur if taken in high dose and also it gets excreted through the kidney via urine.

PHARMACOTHERAPEUTICS

ANALGESIA--- Its action is to work as a pain killer by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins from the CNS

ANTIPYRESIS--- It lowers body temperature.

TOXICOLOGY

It is the poisoning that is seen when an overdose of the medication is taken.

paracetamol toxicity occurs when an excessive amount of paracetamol is taken in 24 hours of the period if children take more than 200 mg/kg is considered the single acute toxic dose if a child ingests more than 75 mg/kg/day it may cause liver failure.

in adult, the recommended dose of paracetamol is 1 gm in a single dose and up to 4 doses can be taken in 24 hours, taking more than 4g can have a toxic effect on the body and may cause liver problems.

the antidote that is used in paracetamol toxicity is ----------------  N-acetylcysteine.

ADVERSE REACTIONS AND SIDE EFFECTS

Gastrointestinal -- may cause liver failure, toxicity to the liver.

Genitourinary--high dose or the misuse may lead to kidney failure.

skin--causes rashes and the urticaria.

ANAPHYLACTIC REACTION

Hypersensitivity and the allergy-like symptoms are very rarely seen in a few clients as it doesn't cause severe allergy, allergies are reported in a few patients such as urticaria, rashes on the skin and the respiratory distress, the patient who is hypersensitive to the paracetamol also shows hypersensitivity with the anti-inflammatory drug.

CONTRAINDICATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS

1. It should be administered in the patient who has the previous history of hypersensitivity to the paracetamol.

2. alcohol and the products which contain alcohol should not be given when the patient takes paracetamol.

3. certain substances such as saccharine, aspartame, sugar should not be given.

4. precautions should be taken while administering paracetamol in a patient with kidney disease, liver disease.

5. also it shouldn't be prescribed to the alcoholic patient.

6. caution should be taken while prescribing to the malnourished child.