How much?

Tachipirina® 250 mg suppositories is available in pharmacies or parapharmacies in packs of 10 units at the price of 5.00 euros. A prescription is not required to purchase it as it is a common over-the-counter drug.

How does it work?

Tachipirina® 250 belongs to the family of analgesic and antipyretic drugs thanks to the presence of paracetamol which has a direct action on the Central Nervous System with inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Paracetamol also has an antipyretic activity, i.e. it manages to lower the body temperature.

Paracetamol is rapidly absorbed and the maximum plasma concentration is reached between half an hour and one hour after ingestion of the drug dose.

It is metabolized in the liver and eliminated in the urine. It is a very safe drug in children as it can be metabolized and eliminated without particular problems.

Dosage and method of use

Respecting the dosage indicated in the package leaflet or recommended by the doctor, especially with regard to children where the dose must be evaluated according to body weight is the first step to avoid the appearance of dangerous side effects .

In children with a body weight between 11 and 12 kg of approximate age from 18 to 24 months: 1 suppository which can be administered if necessary after approximately 8 hours, without exceeding 3 drug administrations per day.

In children with a body weight ranging from 13 to 20 kg with an age between 2 and 7 years the dose is 1 suppository to be repeated if necessary after 6 hours, without exceeding 4 drug administrations per day.

For children weighing more than 20 kg it is recommended to switch to the 500 mg dosage.

Overdose

With Tachipirina® 250 there is a possible risk of overdose and also of intoxication as the suppositories can be accidentally ingested by the child. In these cases it is essential to promptly consult a doctor to implement a series of measures.

The symptoms of a paracetamol overdose can cause nausea and vomiting and you can also notice a dangerous decline in the general health of the child. Paracetamol, in excessive doses, causes hepatic cytolysis, irreversible massive necrosis, bilirubinemia with reduction of prothrombin levels, hepatocellular insufficiency and lactate dehydrogenase.

Contraindications

The drug is absolutely contraindicated if the child has shown hypersensitivity to the active ingredient paracetamol , or to any of the excipients contained in the drug. The excipients contained in the suppositories are: solid semi-synthetic glycerides.

The drug is contraindicated if the child has been diagnosed with renal insufficiency, liver failure or hepatitis.

The drug is also contraindicated in children suffering from glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, suffering from hemolytic anemia or abusing alcohol. For any doubts on the use of the drug and on any contraindications, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

What are the side effects?

Tachipirina® 250 causes some side effects for the patient, even serious ones which must be taken into account before taking the drug. There are currently not enough data to report the frequency of side effects.

The drug can cause: leukopenia, immune system disorders, agranulocytosis, anemia, hypersensitivity, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, abnormal liver function, erythema, rash, anuria, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, hepatitis, kidney problems, hematuria.

If you notice one or some side effects in your child not indicated on the leaflet, you should consult your pediatrician promptly to bring the situation back to normal.