IV paracetamol product launched
Patients with moderate post-operative pain may be offered a new treatment option from May with the launch of the first ready-to-use intravenous form of paracetamol.
Perfalgan (paracetamol 10mg/ml, Bristol-Myers Squibb) is indicated for
the short-term treatment of moderate pain and for the short-term treatment
of fever when urgency is a factor or when other routes of administration
are not possible.
Studies have shown that Perfalgan 1g displays comparable efficacy to
10mg intra-muscular morphine, 75mg intramuscular diclofenac or 30mg intravenous
ketorolac.
Mohamed Rahman, principal pharmacist, surgical services at the Royal
Liverpool University Hospital, told The Journal: “If the benefits
and safety profile of Perfalgan claimed by the manufacturer are demonstrated
during post-marketing surveillance, it will undoubtedly be considered
for post-operative use either alone or in combination with other analgesics.
It will potentially reduce dose-related side effects that occur when
using single agents, such as the adverse effects of high opiate doses.”
He added that Perfalgan would be a useful additional analgesic choice
for patients who have a prolonged nil-by-mouth status, those who are
unable to receive non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or those in whom
opiate doses should be kept to a minimum or avoided in the peri-operative
period.
Perfalgan is administered as a 15-minute intravenous infusion. It is
manufactured by a process in which paracetamol is rendered soluble and
stable in aqueous solution.
Notice-board p503 |
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