ODOBGYNDECODED

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Paracetamol (acetaminophen)

Pregnancy & gynaecology-specific. Every dose row is source-referenced; verify against institutional protocols.

Paracetamol (acetaminophen)Analgesic / antipyretic

Regimens checked: 2026-10-18. Each indication has its own preparation, limits and safety checks.

Paracetamol (acetaminophen): indication-specific regimens
IndicationDoseRouteFrequencyDuration / preparationMaximumMonitoring / cautions
Short-term maternal postoperative/postpartum pain or other mild pain after assessment; adult ≥50 kg
1 g (two 500 mg tablets) per dose
Oral
Every 6–8 hours when needed; maximum 4 doses in 24 hours
According to clinical response: reduce/stop as pain improves. Record the prescribed supply and review date; persistent or increasing pain needs reassessment rather than an automatic repeat course. · Check tablet strength: two 500 mg tablets = 1 g. Count paracetamol in every combination/OTC product towards the total; this is not an IV preparation.
  • MSF oral monograph: no pregnancy or breastfeeding contraindication. The dose does not replace assessment of the cause of pain.
4 g in 24 hours for the stated adult population. Lower weight, hepatic impairment or other risk factors require an individual reduced prescription; do not automatically use this maximum.
Monitor
  • Pain and functional recovery; investigate increasing pain, fever or other warning symptoms.
  • Check all prescribed/OTC paracetamol, weight and hepatic risk; suspected excess dosing requires urgent assessment.
Contraindications / cautions
  • Paracetamol allergy; avoid duplicate paracetamol-containing products.
  • Hepatic impairment needs caution and a clinician-adjusted regimen. This adult ≥50 kg card is not a weight-based prescription for smaller adults or children.
Pregnancy safety
No pregnancy contraindication in the MSF oral monograph; use the appropriate dose.
Lactation
Compatible with indicated short-term maternal use.
Adverse effects
Hepatotoxicity in overdose; check duplicate products.
Médecins Sans Frontières · Current online monographcheckedIN REVIEW