Pharmaceutical forms present on the market

There is only one formulation of the product on the market, namely Tachipirina drops® at 10% in a 30 mL bottle at the price of 3.70 euros.

How does it work?

Tachipirina drops® is a drug belonging to the category of analgesics and antipyretics. Paracetamol has an analgesic effect attributable to the direct action on the central nervous system and a marked antipyretic activity.

Maximum concentrations in the blood are reached 30-60 minutes after intake. The metabolization of paracetamol is mainly hepatic and the metabolites are eliminated mainly in the urine.

90% of the ingested drug dose is eliminated by the kidneys in approximately one day. The elimination half-life of the drug is approximately 2 hours. In the case of renal insufficiency, the elimination of paracetamol and its metabolites occurs with a delay.

Posology and Method of Use

The methods and quantities of intake recommended for Tachipirina Gocce® are as follows. In children up to 10 years of age it is necessary to follow the dosage based on body weight, therefore not based on the child’s age .

It is advisable to consult the doctor before administering the drug to a child. The dosage is:

• From 3.2 kg (about 0-30 days) 8 drops up to 4 times every 6 hours;
• From 4.3 kg (about 1 month) 10 drops up to 4 times every 6 hours;
• From 5.3 kg (about 2 months) 13 drops up to 4 times every 6 hours;
• From 6.1 kg (about 3 months) 22 drops up to 4 times every 6 hours;
• From 6.7 kg (about 4 months) 25 drops up to 4 times every 6 hours;
• From 7.2 kg (about 5-6 months) 27 drops up to 4 times every 6 hours;
• From 8 kg (about 7-10 months) 30 drops up to 4 times every 6 hours;
• From 9 kg (about 11-14 months) 33 drops up to 4 times every 6 hours;
• From 10 kg (about 15-19 months) 36 drops up to 4 times every 6 hours;
• From 11 kg (about 20-23 months) 39 drops up to 4 times every 6 hours.

For children weighing more than or equal to 12 kg it is necessary to use other specific formulations of Tachipirina® such as: suppositories, syrup, effervescent granules and tablets if the child is able to swallow them. In case of renal insufficiency, the dosing interval should be increased and should be at least 8 hours.

Do not administer the drug for more than 3 consecutive days without first consulting your doctor. Do not take more than one drug containing paracetamol as if taken in large doses it can cause even serious adverse reactions.

The package of Tachipirina drops® has a childproof cap so to open the package it is necessary to press the cap down and unscrew it at the same time.

What to do in case of overdose?

An overdose is manifested by nausea and vomiting with a serious deterioration of the general conditions. Symptoms typically begin to appear within 24 hours of taking it. Paracetamol overdose can cause hepatic cytolysis and cause massive and irreversible necrosis with metabolic acidosis, hepatocellular insufficiency and encephalopathy. These symptoms can lead to coma and ultimately death.

An overdose can cause increased levels of biliburin, hepatic transaminases and lactate dehydrogenase and cause a decrease in prothrombin levels.

In case of overdose, gastric emptying must be performed during hospitalization, N-acetylcysteine ​​must be administered as an antidote. For any doubts on the use of the drug and on the symptoms of a possible overdose, it is advisable to seek the advice of your general practitioner or trusted pharmacist.

Contraindications

The use of paracetamol is not recommended in cases of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient, as well as in cases of hypersensitivity to the excipients contained in the drug. The excipients contained in Tachipirina drops® are propylene glycol, sorbitol, macrogol 6000, sodium saccharin, propyl gallate, caramel E150a, vanilla citrus flavour, sodium edetate and purified water.

The drug is contraindicated in patients with severe hemolytic anemia and severe hepatocellular insufficiency.

Side effects

This section describes the side effects of paracetamol. There is currently insufficient data to report the frequency with which individual effects occur.

The side effects that may appear following a paracetamol-based therapy are: thrombocytopenia, anemia, agranulocytosis, leucopenia, hypersensitivity, stomach pain, dizziness, hepatitis, erythema, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, acute renal failure, interstitial nephritis, necrolysis epidermal, hematuria and anuria.