• What is paracetamol’s mechanism of action?  How does it differ from that of aspirin?

Paracetamol is a weak COX-1 and COX-2 inhibtor and has no anti-inflammtory action, where Aspririn does. It is used in mild to moderate pain when an anti-inflammatory effects if not neccersary.

• Name the indications for paracetamol.  Under which circumstances is it a drug of choice for the treatment of mild pain and fever?

Used as antipyretic and analgesic agent. It doesn’t affect uric acid levels is not a platelet inhibitor. Used for headache, myalgia, potspartum pain. It is safe to use in pregnancy, children, patients with asthma, gout and patients who have a tendency to bleed easily.

• Name side-effects that can occur with paracetamol use.  Concentrate only on general side effects and not on acute paracetamol overdose.

Patients can develop a rash and urticaria.

• Compile a report in which you discuss acute paracetamol toxicity, stressing the dose, signs and symptoms and treatment

Within 1-2 days : The patient can become nauseas and vomit, abdominal pain and decreased appetite can occur as well as feeling fatigued.

After 1-2 days : The patient may experience right subcostal pain, jaundice can appear, tar liver and can develop renal insufficiency, liver necrosis and even death.

Treating acute toxicity:

• Supplementation of -SH group to supplement glutathione in liver
• N-acetylcysteine​​ (Parvolex®) administered within 8-12 hours via IV
• Oral Treatment: acetylcysteine​ ​(Solmucol®, ACC®),140mg/kg or carboscistein (Mucosirop®, Flemex®) 150mg / kg.