Ace 120 mg/5 ml

Description

Indications
Ace is indicated for the relief of fever, common cold, and influenza. It is also effective in managing headache, toothache, earache, body ache, myalgia, neuralgia, dysmenorrhea, sprains, colic pain, back pain, post-operative and postpartum pain, inflammatory pain, and post-vaccination pain in children. Additionally, Ace is used for the treatment of rheumatic and osteoarthritic pain and stiffness of joints.

Pharmacology
Paracetamol exerts its analgesic action by blocking peripheral pain impulse generation. It has antipyretic effects through inhibition of the hypothalamic heat-regulating center. Unlike NSAIDs, Paracetamol does not inhibit cyclooxygenase in peripheral tissues, making it free from peripheral anti-inflammatory effects. It selectively inhibits COX-3, a variant of the cyclooxygenase enzyme, contributing to its mechanism of action. The exact process is still under research. Its antipyretic effects result from direct action on the hypothalamus, promoting vasodilation and sweating to reduce fever.

Dosage & Administration

Tablet:

• Adults: 1-2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours, not exceeding 4 g (8 tablets) per day.
• Children (6-12 years): ½ to 1 tablet, 3 to 4 times daily (maximum of 2.6 g/day for long-term use).

Extended Release Tablet:

• Adults & children over 12 years: Two tablets swallowed whole every 6-8 hours (maximum of 6 tablets per 24 hours). Do not crush the tablet.

Syrup/Suspension:

• Children under 3 months: 10 mg/kg body weight (reduce to 5 mg/kg if jaundiced) 3-4 times daily.
• 3 months to below 1 year: ½ to 1 teaspoonful 3-4 times daily.
• 1-5 years: 1-2 teaspoonfuls 3-4 times daily.
• 6-12 years: 2-4 teaspoonfuls 3-4 times daily.
• Adults: 4-8 teaspoonfuls 3-4 times daily.

Suppository:

• Children (3-12 months): 60-120 mg, 4 times daily.
• Children (1-5 years): 125-250 mg, 4 times daily.
• Children (6-12 years): 250-500 mg, 4 times daily.
• Adults & children over 12 years: 0.5-1 g, 4 times daily.

Paediatric Drops:

• Up to 3 months: 0.5 ml (40 mg).
• 4 to 11 months: 1.0 ml (80 mg).
• 1-2 years: 1.5 ml (120 mg).
• Do not exceed more than 5 doses daily for a maximum of 5 days.

IV Infusion:

• Adults & adolescents (≥50 kg): 1000 mg every 6 hours or 650 mg every 4 hours (maximum 4 g/day).
• Adults & adolescents (<50 kg): 15 mg/kg every 6 hours or 12.5 mg/kg every 4 hours (maximum 75 mg/kg/day).
• Children (2-12 years): 15 mg/kg every 6 hours or 12.5 mg/kg every 4 hours (maximum 75 mg/kg/day).

Interactions

• Reduced metabolism in patients taking barbiturates, tricyclic antidepressants, and alcohol.
• Increased hepatotoxicity risk with alcohol consumption.
• Anticonvulsants and oral contraceptives may decrease therapeutic levels due to enhanced metabolism.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to Paracetamol.

Side Effects

• Generally mild, but may include thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, pancytopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis, pancreatitis, skin rashes, and allergic reactions.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Safe within the recommended dosage during pregnancy.
• Excreted in breast milk in minimal amounts, making it safe for lactating mothers.

Precautions & Warnings

• Use with caution in severe hepatic or renal impairment.
• Overdose risk is higher in patients with non-cirrhotic alcoholic liver disease.
• Do not exceed the stated dose or take multiple Paracetamol-containing products concurrently.
• Severe hepatotoxicity and death can result from overdose.

Use in Special Populations

• Pediatric: Safe for children over 2 years.
• Geriatric: No significant difference in response between elderly and younger patients.
• Hepatic impairment: Contraindicated in severe liver disease. A lower dose may be required.
• Renal impairment: Longer dosing intervals and reduced total daily dose required in severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 ml/min).

Overdose Effects

• Liver damage may occur at doses ≥10 g in adults or ≥5 g in at-risk patients.
• Symptoms include pallor, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, abdominal pain, and metabolic disturbances.
• Severe cases may result in hepatic failure, encephalopathy, hypoglycemia, and death.
• Treatment includes activated charcoal (if within 1 hour) and N-acetylcysteine (preferably within 8 hours).

Therapeutic Class

• Non-opioid analgesic.

Storage Conditions

• Store in a dry place, away from heat and light.
• Keep out of the reach of children.

Chemical Information

• Molecular Formula: C8H9NO2

Common Questions

• What is Ace 120 mg/5 ml Suspension?
  A medication that blocks pain and fever-causing chemical messengers.
• What are its uses?
  Used to treat fever, post-immunization pyrexia, menstrual cramps, and pain relief.
• What are the side effects?
  Allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, gastric ulcers, anemia, and fatigue.
• Storage instructions?
  Store at room temperature, away from heat and light.
• Should it be taken with food?
  Taking it with food enhances effectiveness.
• Can it be taken with antibiotics?
  Consult a doctor before combining with antibiotics.
• Is Ace an NSAID?
  No, it is a miscellaneous analgesic, not an NSAID.

Quick Tips

• Take with food or milk to prevent stomach upset.
• Do not exceed prescribed doses to avoid complications.
• Avoid antacids within two hours of taking Ace.
• Refrain from alcohol consumption while on this medication.
• Inform the doctor if you have liver disease.
• Long-term users may require kidney, liver, and blood monitoring.

For best results, always use under medical supervision.