Paracetamol course

This session describes the pharmacology of paracetamol and its clinical uses as an analgesic.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Outline potential mechanisms of action of paracetamol
• Identify common side-effects associated with paracetamol
• Describe the mechanisms of paracetamol overdose and its treatment
• List common routes of administration

Paracetamol was first introduced to the UK in 1956 as a prescription medicine. By the late 1960s, it had gained popularity as an over-the-counter analgesic. It is widely available, from pharmacies to corner-shops, in a host of preparations, on its own and in combination with other analgesics, decongestants and adjunctives.