Efferalgan
Drug name: Efferalgan pediatric
Other names used:
- Apacet Infants®
- FeverAll Children's®
- FeverAll Infant's®
- Genapap Children's®
- Panadol Junior Strength Caplets®
- Tempra Infants®
Active Ingredients:
Acetaminophen(paracetamol)
Therapeutic actions: The mechanism of analgesic action has not been fully determined. Acetaminophen may act predominantly by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system (CNS) and, to a lesser extent, through a peripheral action by blocking pain-impulse generation. The peripheral action may also be due to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis or to inhibition of the synthesis or actions of other substances that sensitize pain receptors to mechanical or chemical stimulation.
Acetaminophen probably produces antipyresis by acting centrally on the hypothalamic heat-regulating center to produce peripheral vasodilation resulting in increased blood flow through the skin, sweating, and heat loss. The central action probably involves inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the hypothalamus.
Indications: Efferalgan is prescribed for i children till 12 years old.
Efferalgan is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. It is the preferred treatment for patients with aspirin allergy, ulcers, or clotting (bleeding) disorders. Patients who are taking medicines to treat gout can safely take acetaminophen.
Contraindications and cautions:
You should tell your healthcare provider prior to taking Efferalgan if your children have any of these conditions:
- anemia
- infection
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- hepatitis
- phenylketonuria
- an unusual or allergic reaction to acetaminophen, aspirin, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
Important.
Do not treat for pain for more than 5 days for children without checking with your prescriber or health care professional. If you are treating a fever, check with your prescriber or health care professional if the fever lasts for more than 3 days.
Report any possible overdose promptly to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible. The effects of excessive doses may not be obvious for several days.
Many non-prescription medicines contain acetaminophen as an ingredient. Always read the labels carefully to avoid taking an accidental overdose, which can be dangerous.
Acetaminophen can affect the results from some blood-sugar tests used by diabetic patients. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
If you are receiving cancer chemotherapy or other immunosuppression medicine, do not take acetaminophen with out checking with your prescriber or health care professional. Acetaminophen may hide the signs of an infection such as fever or pain.
Adverse effects: Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- skin rash or hives
- unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin
- difficulty breathing, wheezing
- bloody or black, tarry stools
- decrease in amount of urine passed
- not willing to eat
- fever or sore throat
- nausea, vomiting
- stomach cramps and pain
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.
Especially pay attention to the following drug’s groups:
- anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); isoniazid (INH);
- certain medications for seizures including carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital, and phenytoin (Dilantin); medications for pain, fever, coughs, and colds;
- and phenothiazines (medications for mental illness and nausea).
- Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.
