Neonatal Intensive Care Drug Manual

Paracetamol

Revision Date : 18-2-2021

TC, KOH

Alert	Intravenous paracetamol should be considered a high-risk medicine when administered to infants and young children. Use of paracetamol should always be preceded by a comprehensive risk assessment and reviewed every 24 hours. Safety data for paracetamol in extreme preterm infants (< 28 weeks) is limited. It should be used with caution, particularly in the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus.
Indication	Analgesia Antipyretic Adjunct to post-operative analgesia Treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
Action	Centrally acting analgesic and antipyretic with minimal anti-inflammatory properties. The mechanism of action of paracetamol in reducing pain is not completely defined. Potential mechanisms include inhibition of central prostaglandin synthesis and inhibition of the cyclooxygenase (COX) isoenzyme, particularly the COX-2 isoform.