DRUG STUDY

Drug Data Classification Mechanism of Action Indication Contraindications Side Effects Nursing Responsibilities
Generic Name: Pharmacologic Pharmacokinetics General Indications Contraindications Before
Paracetamol Class: Hematologic: 1. Assess patient’s temperature before therapy
Produce analgesic effect by Mild pain or fever Contraindicated in patients hemolytic anemia, 2. Asess patient’s drug history
Para- blocking impulses, by hypersensitive to drug. neutropenia, 3. Assess patient and family’s knowledge of drug
Brand Name:
aminophenol inhibiting prostaglandin or Osteoarthritis leucopenia, therapy
Biogesic derivative pain receptor sensitizers.
Use cautiously in patients with pancytopenia
Relieve fever by acting in
Dosage: hypothalamic heat- long term alcohol use
Adults and regulating center because therapeutic doses Hepatic: Jaundice
children 500- cause hepatotoxicity in these During
1000 mg orally patients. Metabolic: 1. Advise patient that drug is only for
every 4-6 hours Therapeutic Hypoglycemia short term use and to consult the
Class: physician if giving to adults for
Patient’s Dose: Skin: rash, longer than 10 days.
Nonopioid urticaria.
500 mg tab every 4 hours 2. ise patient or caregiver that
analgesic, anti-
for T= > 38 degrees many over the counter products
pyretic
Celsius contain acetaminophen; be aware
Drug interactions
of this when calculating total daily
Barbiturates : enhance dose.
Patients Actual hepatotoxic effects of
Indication paracetamol

Onset Fever, T= > 38 Lamotrigine : decrease

unknown degrees Celsius lamotrigine level
After
Peak Zidovudine : impair zidovudine 1. Warn patient that high doses or
1-3 hours metabolism unsupervised long term use can
cause liver damage.
Duration Caffeine : enhance analgesic
2. Tell patient not to use for fever that’s
1-3 hours effect
above 39.5 degrees Celsius that lasts
longer than 3 days
Drug Half Life
1-4 hours

Source: Springhouse Nurse’s Drug Guide. 2007. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, page 9