How to use paracetamol

Key words: Paracetamol, Acetaminophen, Fever, Pain, Hepatotoxicity

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is one of the most popular and widely used drug for the treatment of pain and fever in children. Despite its frequent prescription, a full knowledge of many aspects regarding the mechanism of action is lacking. There are different paracetamol dosages not only for different route of administration, but also for different indications (fever and pain treatment); for example the rectal route, even if efficacious as antipyretic, should be avoided in pain management. This review takes into consideration aspects dealing with pharmacology, toxicity and therapeutic prescription of paracetamol; the latest paracetamol toxicity management indications and the guidelines for fever and pain treatment are reported in order to help physicians to use this drug correctly.