Medicines of Comman use

From DrugPedia: A Wikipedia for Drug discovery

There are many medicines that we use in day to day life, without knowing complete information about them. Here are some examples of Drugs that we use in our daily life whenever we feel some discomfort like cold, mild fever etc. The information given here is just for general knowledge and must not consider as medical prescription. please consult your doctor in case of any severe illness.

Paracitamol

( N-Acetyl-p-Aminophenol ; APAP ) Pronouncation: (a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen) Class: Analgesic, Antipyretic

Pharmacology

Inhibits prostaglandins in CNS, but lacks anti-inflammatory effects in periphery; reduces fever through direct action on hypothalamic heat-regulating center. Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Rapid and complete from the GI tract. T max is 0.5 to 2 h; 4 h after overdosage.

Distribution

Distributed throughout most body fluids. Binding to plasma proteins is variable.

Metabolism

Primarily metabolized by hepatic conjugation (94%), and about 4% is metabolized by CYP-450 oxidase to toxic metabolite.

Elimination

The t ½ is about 2 h. 90% to 100% is recovered in the urine within the first day, primarily as inactive metabolites. 5% is excreted as unchanged drug.

Special Populations

Hepatic Function Impairment

The half-life may increase 2-fold or more in patients with liver disease.

Neonates and cirrhotic patients

The t ½ is slightly prolonged.

Indications and Usage

Temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to common cold or flu, backache, headache, arthritis, menstrual and premenstrual cramps, muscular aches, sore throat, toothache; temporarily reduces fever. Unlabeled Uses

Pain and fever prophylaxis after vaccination.

Side-effects of Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. When used in small doses, no COMMON side effects have been reported with Acetaminophen. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Acetaminophen:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); dark urine or pale stools; unusual fatigue; yellowing of the skin or eyes.