Paracetamol IV: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Brands | MedexInfo

Paracetamol IV

Rx Only

Generic NameParacetamol (IV)

Therapeutic ClassAnalgesic, Antipyretic

Common Dose1 g every 6 hours

Max / 24h4 g

PregnancyCategory B

Indications ▼

Management of moderate to severe pain (postoperative pain)

Fever when oral administration is not feasible

Adjunct to opioid analgesics

Patients unable to take oral or rectal forms

Mechanism & Pharmacokinetics ▼

Mechanism: Centrally inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in CNS producing analgesic and antipyretic effects.

Pharmacokinetics: 100% bioavailability via IV route. Peak plasma concentration achieved rapidly. Metabolized in liver; small portion converted to NAPQI. Half-life approximately 2–3 hours.

Dosage & Administration ▼

Patient Category	Recommended Dose	Max / 24h
Adults ≥50 kg	1 g IV every 6 hours (or 650 mg every 4 hours)	4 g
Adults <50 kg	15 mg/kg IV every 6 hours	60 mg/kg/day
Children (≥2 years)	15 mg/kg IV every 6 hours	60 mg/kg/day
Hepatic Impairment	Reduce total daily dose	≤3 g (Adults)

Note: Administer as IV infusion over 15 minutes. Do not mix with other drugs in same infusion line. Monitor liver function in prolonged therapy.

Side Effects ▼

Nausea, vomiting

Hypotension (during infusion)

Elevated liver enzymes

Rare: Severe skin reactions (SJS/TEN)

Contraindications ▼

Severe hepatic impairment

Hypersensitivity to paracetamol

Drug Interaction ▼

Alcohol increases hepatotoxicity risk

Warfarin may have enhanced anticoagulant effect with prolonged use

Enzyme inducers increase liver toxicity risk

Pregnancy & Lactation ▼

Category B; considered safe when used appropriately

Compatible with breastfeeding in therapeutic doses

Clinical / Research Summary ▼

Effective opioid-sparing analgesic in postoperative settings.

Provides rapid onset pain relief due to immediate systemic availability.

Lower GI risk compared to NSAIDs.

Overdose can cause acute liver failure; N-acetylcysteine is antidote.

Patient Counseling Points ▼

Ensure total daily dose from all sources does not exceed recommended limit.

Inform healthcare provider about liver disease.

Report nausea, jaundice, or abdominal pain immediately.

Storage & Handling ▼

Store below 30°C

Protect from light

Use immediately after opening vial/bottle

Brand Names (Bangladesh & Global) ▼

Bangladesh:

Napa IV® 10 mg/ml Infusion Ace IV® 10 mg/ml Infusion Paraciv IV® 10 mg/ml Infusion Renova IV® 10 mg/ml Infusion Reset IV® 10 mg/ml Infusion Tamen IV® 10 mg/ml Infusion

Global:

Ofirmev® Acetaminophen IV (Generic)

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Reference Hubs:

• Drug Class: Analgesics • Condition: Postoperative Pain • Clinical Evidence & Safety