PARACETAMOL
Liver damage is possible in adults who have taken 10 g or more of paracetamol. Ingestion of 5 g or more of paracetamol may lead to liver damage if the patient has risk factors (see below).
Risk Factors
If the patient
a) is on long term treatment with carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rifampicin, St John's Wort or other drugs that induce liver enzymes.
or
b) Regularly consumes ethanol in excess of recommended amounts.
or
c) Is likely to be glutathione deplete e.g. eating disorders, cystic fibrosis, HIV infection, starvation, cachexia.
Symptoms
Symptoms of paracetamol overdosage in the first 24 hours are pallor, nausea, vomiting, anorexia and abdominal pain. Liver damage may become apparent 12 to 48 hours after ingestion. Abnormalities of glucose metabolism and metabolic acidosis may occur. In severe poisoning, hepatic failure may progress to encephalopathy, haemorrhage, hypoglycaemia, cerebral oedema, and death. Acute renal failure with acute tubular necrosis, strongly suggested by loin pain, haematuria and proteinuria, may develop even in the absence of severe liver damage. Cardiac arrhythmias and pancreatitis have been reported.
Management
Immediate treatment is essential in the management of paracetamol overdose. Despite a lack of significant early symptoms, patients should be referred to hospital urgently for immediate medical attention. Symptoms may be limited to nausea or vomiting and may not reflect the severity of overdose or the risk of organ damage. Management should be accordance with established treatment guidelines, see British National Formulary (BNF) overdose section.
Treatment with activated charcoal should be considered if the overdose has been taken within one hour. Plasma paracetamol concentration should be measured at four hours or later after ingestion (earlier concentrations are unreliable). Treatment with N-acetylcysteine, may be used up to 24 hours after ingestion of paracetamol, however, the maximum protective effect is obtained up to eight hours post-ingestion.
The effectiveness of the antidote declines sharply after this time. If required the patient should be given intravenous N-acetylcysteine, in line with the established dosage schedule. If vomiting is not a problem, oral methionine may be a suitable alternative for remote areas, outside hospital. Management of patients who present with serious hepatic dysfunction beyond 24 hours from ingestion should be discussed with the National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) or a liver unit.
GUAIFENESIN
Very large doses of guaifenesin can cause nausea and vomiting. Vomiting should be treated by fluid replacement and monitoring of electrolytes.
PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Severe overdosage may produce hypertension and associated reflex bradycardia. Treatment measures include early gastric lavage and symptomatic and supportive measures. The hypertensive effects may be treated with an alpha-receptor blocking agent (such as phentolamine mesylate 6 - 10 mg) given intravenously, and the bradycardia treated with atropine, preferably only after the pressure has been controlled.
24 months in Low density polyethylene 30 gm-2/aluminium foil 15 micron/low density polyethylene 12 gm-2/paper 40 gm-2 (outer layer).
36 months in 'Surlyn' 25 gm-2 (product contact layer)/aluminium foil 12 microns/low density polyethylene 12 gm-2 /bleached paper 40 gm-2 (outer layer).
Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.
Severe heart disease and cardiovascular disorders. Hypertension. Hyperthyroidism. Contraindicated in patients currently receiving or within two weeks of stopping therapy with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
Use in patients with glaucoma or urinary retention.
Use in patients who are currently receiving other sympathomimetic drugs.
None known.
Sucrose
Citric acid
Tartaric acid
Sodium citrate
Acesulfame potassium E950
Aspartame E951
Powdered menthol flavour
Lemon flavour
Quinoline yellow E104
Powder for oral solution.
Sachets containing the drug product, an off-white powder.
The active ingredients are usually well tolerated in normal use.
PARACETAMOL
Adverse effects of paracetamol are rare but hypersensitivity including skin rashes may occur. There have been reports of blood dyscrasias including thrombocytopenia and agranulocytosis, but these were not necessarily causally related to paracetamol.
GUAIFENESIN
Gastrointestinal discomfort has occasionally been reported with guaifenesin.
PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Phenylephrine hydrochloride may elevate blood pressure with headache, vomiting and rarely palpitations, tachycardia or reflex bradycardia, tingling and coolness of the skin. There have been rare reports of allergic reactions.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
There are no preclinical data of relevance to the prescriber additional to that already covered in other sections of the SPC.
For the relief of symptoms associated with colds and flu and the pain and congestion of sinusitis, including aches and pains, headache, blocked nose and sore throat, chills, lowering of temperature, and to loosen stubborn mucous and provide relief from chesty coughs.
|
Pharmacotherapeutic Group: ATC code: |
Paracetamol, combination excluding psycholeptics. N02BE51 |
PARACETAMOL
Analgesic:
The mechanism of analgesic action has not been fully determined. Paracetamol may act predominantly by inhibiting a 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 sensitise pain receptors to mechanical or chemical stimulation.
Antipyretic:
Paracetamol probably produces antipyresis by acting on the hypothalamic heat-regulating centre 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.
GUAIFENESIN
Guaifenesin is a well known expectorant. Such expectorants are known to increase the volume of secretions in the respiratory tract and therefore to facilitate their removal by cilary action and coughing.
PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Sympathomimetic amines, such as phenylephrine, act on alpha-adrenergic receptors of the respiratory tract to produce vasoconstriction, which temporarily reduces the swelling associated with inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nasal and sinus passages. This allows the free drainage of the sinusoidal fluid from the sinuses.
In addition to reducing mucosal lining swelling, decongestants also suppress the production of mucous, therefore preventing a build up of fluid within the cavities which could otherwise lead to pressure and pain.
PARACETAMOL
Absorption and Fate
Paracetamol is rapidly absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract with peak plasma concentrations occurring between 10 and 120 minutes after oral administration. It is metabolised in the liver and excreted in the urine mainly as the glucuronide and sulphate conjugates. Less than 5% is excreted as unchanged paracetamol. The elimination half-life varies from about 1 to 4 hours.
Plasma-protein binding is negligible at usual therapeutic concentrations but increases with increasing concentrations.
A minor hydroxylated metabolite which is usually produced in very small amounts by mixed-function oxidases in the liver and which is usually detoxified by conjugation with liver glutathione may accumulate following paracetamol overdose and cause liver damage.
GUAIFENESIN
Guaifenesin is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. It is rapidly metabolised by oxidation to β-(2 methoxy-phenoxy)lactic acid, which is excreted in the urine.
PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Phenylephrine hydrochloride is irregularly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and undergoes first-pass metabolism by monoamine oxidase in the gut and liver; orally administered phenylephrine thus has reduced bioavailability. It is excreted in the urine almost entirely as the sulphate conjugate.
23 September 2014
Beechams Max Strength All in One Hot Lemon Menthol Flavour powder for oral solution
Wrafton Laboratories Limited (T/A Perrigo)
Braunton
Devon
EX33 2DL
Do not store above 25°C.
Pack sizes of five and ten sachets are available.
The sachet laminate comprises either:
Low density polyethylene 30 gm-2/aluminium foil 15 micron/low density polyethylene 12 gm-2/paper 40 gm-2 (outer layer).
or
'Surlyn' 25 gm-2 (product contact layer)/aluminium foil 12 microns/low density polyethylene 12 gm-2 /bleached paper 40 gm-2 (outer layer).
PL 12063/0104.
|
Active Ingredient Paracetamol Guaifenesin Phenylephrine hydrochloride |
mg/Sachet 1000 200 12.2 |
The physician or pharmacist should check that sympathomimetic-containing preparations are not simultaneously administered by several routes i.e. orally and topically (nasal, aural and eye preparations).
Care is advised in the administration of paracetamol to patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment. The hazards of overdose are greater in those with non-cirrhotic alcoholic liver disease.
Use with caution in patients with Raynaud's Phenomenon and diabetes mellitus.
Patients with prostatic hypertrophy may have increased difficulty with micturition.
Sympathomimetic-containing products should be used with great care in patients suffering from angina.
Sympathomimetic-containing products may act as cerebral stimulants giving rise to insomnia, nervousness, hyperpyrexia, tremor and epileptiform convulsions.
Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicine.
Contains a source of phenylalanine equivalent to 17 mg per sachet. May be harmful to people with phenylketonuria.
This medicinal product contains 117 mg of sodium per dose. To be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet.
Long term use of the product is not recommended.
Do not take with alcohol.
Special label warnings
If you are taking medication or are under medical care, consult your doctor before using this medicine. Do not take with other cold, flu or decongestant products.
Do not exceed the stated dose.
If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor.
Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Contains paracetamol. Do not take with any other paracetamol-containing products. Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose, even if you feel well.
Special leaflet warnings
Contains paracetamol. Do not take with any other paracetamol-containing products.
Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose, even if you feel well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage.
If you are taking medication or are under medical care, consult your doctor before using this medicine. Do not take with other cold, flu or decongestant products.
None known.
For oral use after dissolving the contents of the sachet in a standard mug of hot, but not boiling water (250 ml). Allow to cool to a drinkable temperature.
Adults, the elderly and children aged 12 years and over:
One sachet every four hours as required. Do not take more than 4 sachets (4 doses) in any 24 hour period.
Do not give to children under 12 years old.
None.
17/06/2010
