Brand Names of Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) in India
In India, acetaminophen is commonly marketed under the brand name Calpol, Paracip, Dolo, Pacimol, and Febrex.
While the evidence provided doesn't specifically list the brand names of acetaminophen in India, we can identify that acetaminophen is known globally as paracetamol, particularly outside the United States. The medication is widely available in India under various brand names.
Key Information About Acetaminophen/Paracetamol
Mechanism and Uses
- Acetaminophen is an analgesic and antipyretic medication with minimal anti-inflammatory activity 1
- Works primarily through inhibition of prostaglandin production in the central nervous system 1
- Used for mild to moderate pain management and fever reduction 2
Dosage Guidelines
- Standard dosing is up to 3-4g daily in divided doses 1
- Maximum daily dose should not exceed 4g to avoid hepatotoxicity 3, 2
- For patients with severe hepatic impairment, the maximum daily dose should be reduced to 3g or less 1
Safety Profile
- Generally well-tolerated at recommended doses in healthy adults 4
- Preferred over NSAIDs for patients with gastrointestinal, renal, or cardiovascular concerns 4
- Can cause severe liver injury at high doses due to toxic metabolite formation 1
- No evidence supports routine dose reduction for older people, though individualized dosing may be appropriate for certain conditions 4
Clinical Applications
- First-line choice for mild to moderate pain management 2
- Suitable for various patient populations including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with osteoarthritis 5
- Can be effectively combined with opioids for management of more severe pain 2
Important Considerations
- Acetaminophen is included in many combination products, which increases the risk of accidental overdose 3
- The FDA has limited the amount of acetaminophen in prescription combination products to 325 mg per dosage unit 3
- Hepatotoxicity is rare among adults who use acetaminophen as directed, including people with cirrhotic liver disease 4
- Overdose can be treated with N-acetylcysteine if administered early 6
Acetaminophen remains a valuable first-line agent in pain management when used appropriately and within recommended dosage limits.