Question

what the family member will need to be aware of in regards to acetaminophen, and how they can best keep their infant or child safe?

Answer 1

Acetaminophen is an analgesic group of drug. It has anti inflamatory actions. It reduces synthesis of prostaglandins in CNS and reduces the actions of inflammation like as swelling, redness, increased temperature etc. But excess and over the counter use of this drug can cause various side effects like as nausea, vomiting, headache, GI pain, clay colour stool etc. In case of children also it causes various side effects like diarrhoea, stomach pain, gastric ulcer etc.

To reduce this side effects on children the family members has to be aware about the use of this drug.

Family education =

- consult to the physician if any signs of inflammation, fever, swelling arise.

- do not use the drug without the physician's prescription.

- do not provide the drug in a empty stomach.

- if any signs of diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting arise after the use of drug then consult to the physician as early as possible.

- drink adequate amount of water and balance diet.