Paracetamol + Caffeine
Indications
Paracetamol + Caffeine is used for:
Pain, Fever, Headache, Influenza, Migraine, Sore throat, Backache, Toothache, Rheumatic pain, Dysmenorrhea, Colds
Adult Dose
Oral
Fever, headache, migraine, muscle ache, backache, toothache & menstrual pain.
Adults : 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours. Maximum dose: 8 tablets daily.
Child Dose
Not recommended for children below 12 years.
Child >12 years: 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours. Maximum dose: 8 tablets daily.
Renal Dose
Administration
May be taken with food.
Contra Indications
Paracetamol is contraindicated in patients with severe renal function impairment and hepatic disease (Viral Hepatitis). Known hypersensitivity to paracetamol or caffeine.
Precautions
Use with caution in alcoholism, hepatic or renal disorder. The hazard of overdose is greater in those with non-cirrhotic alcoholic liver disease.
Excessive intake of caffeine (e.g. coffee, tea and some canned drinks) should be avoided while taking this product.
Pregnancy-Lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Excreted in breast milk
Interactions
May reduce serum levels w/ anticonvulsants (e.g. phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine). May enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and other coumarins w/ prolonged use. Accelerated absorption w/ metoclopramide and domperidone. May increase serum levels w/ probenecid. May increase serum levels of chloramphenicol. May reduce absorption w/ colestyramine w/in 1 hr of admin. May cause severe hypothermia w/ phenothiazine.
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Paracetamol + Caffeine :
Haematological reactions including thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, pancytopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis have been reported. Pancreatitis, skin rashes, and other allergic reactions occur occasionally.
When the recommended paracetamol-caffeine dosing regimen is combined with dietary caffeine intake, the resulting higher dose of caffeine may increase the potential for caffeine-related adverse effects such as insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, headaches, gastrointestinal disturbances and palpitations.
Mechanism of Action
Paracetamol exhibits analgesic action by peripheral blockage of pain impulse generation. It produces antipyresis by inhibiting the hypothalamic heat-regulating centre. Its weak anti-inflammatory activity is related to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the CNS.
Caffeine, a methylxanthine, is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. It has an antagonistic effect at central adenosine receptors. It is a CNS and resp stimulant. It has bronchodilating and diuretic properties and it facilitates the performance of muscular work.