MEDICATION

Generic Name:
• Paracetamol
Brand Name:
• Biogesic
Dosage:
• Adults and
children 500-
1000 mg orally
every 4-6 hours

INDICATION
• Symptomatic
relief of pain and
fever.

CLASSIFICATION
• Anti-pyretic

CONTRAINDICATION
AND ADVERSE EFFECT
• Contraindicated in patients
hypersensitive to drug.
• Use cautiously in patients with long
term alcohol use because therapeutic
doses cause hepatotoxicity in these
patients.
• Hematologic: hemolytic anemia,
neutropenia, leucopenia, pancytopenia.
• Hepatic: Jaundice
• Metabolic: Hypoglycemia
• Skin: rash, urticaria

NURSING RESPONSIBILITY
.
.
• Use liquid form for children and
patients who have difficulty
swallowing.
• In children, don’t exceed five doses
in 24 hours.
• Advise patient that drug is only for
short term use and to consult the
physician if giving to children for
longer than 5 days or adults for
longer than 10 days.
• Advise patient or caregiver that
many over the counter products
contain acetaminophen; be aware
of this when calculating total daily
dose.
• Warn patient that high doses or
unsupervised long term use can
cause liver damage.
Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid, has a wide range or use in the human body. It acts as an
oxidant, a cofactor in enzymatic reactions, and other metabolic reactions. Common brand
names are A-Cee, Ad-C, Alka-C, Cecon, Ceelin, Cenolate, Enervon, and Redoxon.
Vitamin C is classified as a vitamin.

Indication for Vitamin C

Vitamin C is used for prevention and treatment of scurvy, acidification of urine, dietary
supplement, prevention of and reduction in the severity of colds.

Routes and Dosage of Vitamin C

Dietary Supplement

PO: ADULTS, ELDERLY: 45-60 mg/day. CHILDREN >4 years: 30-40 mg/day.

Deficiency

PO: ADULTS, ELDERLY: 75-150 mg/day.

Scurvy

PO: ADULTS, ELDERLY: 300mg – 1g per day.

Burns

PO: ADULTS, ELDERLY: Up to 2g per day.

Enhance Wound Healing

PO: ADULTS, ELDERLY: 300-500 mg/day for 7-10 days.

Action of Vitamin C
Assists in collagen formation, tissue repair; involved in oxidation reduction reactions,
other metabolic reactions.

Vitamin C is involved in metabolism; carbohydrate utilization; synthesis of lipids,

proteins, carnitine. It also preserves blood vessel integrity.

Side Effects and Adverse Reactions of Vitamin C

Side Effects of Vitamin C

• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Increased urination with doses exceeding 1 gram
• Flushing
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Sleepiness or insomnia

Adverse Reactions of Vitamin C

• Urine acidification that may lead to crystalluria

Nursing Considerations for Clients Taking Vitamin C

• May give without regard to food.
• Assess for clinical improvement (improved sense of well-being and sleep
patterns).
• Observe for reversal of deficiency symptoms (gingivitis, bleeding gums, poor
wound healing, digestive difficulties, joint pain).

Patient Teachings for Clients Taking Vitamin C

• Abrupt vitamin C withdrawal may produce rebound deficiency.