Medicine Information

Epicet

Name: Epicet
Brand: Epicet
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Injection500 mgAnalgesic, AntipyreticATC: N02BE01

Generic Name

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)

Manufacturer

Generic Pharmaceutical Company

Country

Bangladesh

Loading images...

Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
epicet 500 mg injection	৳ 40.00	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Epicet 500 mg Injection contains Paracetamol, a widely used analgesic and antipyretic. It is used for the short-term treatment of moderate pain, especially post-operative pain, and for the short-term treatment of fever.

Uses & Indications

Short-term treatment of moderate pain, especially post-operative pain.

Short-term treatment of fever.

When intravenous administration is clinically justified by an urgent need to treat pain or hyperthermia and/or when other routes of administration are not possible.

Dosage

Adults

500 mg - 1000 mg (1 g) every 4-6 hours as needed. Maximum 4 g (4000 mg) in 24 hours.

Elderly

No specific dose adjustment is required unless there is severe renal impairment.

Renal_impairment

CrCl 10-50 mL/min: Administer every 6 hours. CrCl <10 mL/min: Administer every 8 hours.

How to Take

Intravenous infusion over 15 minutes.

Mechanism of Action

Paracetamol is thought to act primarily in the central nervous system (CNS), increasing the pain threshold by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2, which are involved in prostaglandin synthesis. It also has antipyretic effects due to its action on the hypothalamus, leading to peripheral vasodilation and sweating.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Within 5-10 minutes (analgesic), within 30 minutes (antipyretic).

Excretion

Mainly renal as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates.

Half life

Approximately 2-3 hours in adults.

Absorption

Rapid and complete absorption after intravenous administration.

Metabolism

Primarily hepatic via glucuronidation and sulfation, with a small amount metabolized by cytochrome P450 to a toxic intermediate (NAPQI), which is detoxified by glutathione.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to paracetamol or propacetamol (a pro-drug of paracetamol) or to any of the excipients.
Severe hepatocellular insufficiency.

Drug Interactions

Warfarin

May increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and other coumarin anticoagulants with prolonged regular use, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Probenecid

Reduces paracetamol clearance by approximately 50% by inhibiting its conjugation with glucuronic acid. Dose reduction of paracetamol may be necessary.

Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine

Concurrent use may increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.

Storage

Store below 30°C, protect from light. Do not freeze.

Overdose

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, pallor, anorexia, and may progress to liver necrosis, hepatic encephalopathy, coma, and death. Treatment involves gastric lavage (if oral), activated charcoal (if oral), and immediate administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) intravenously or orally.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Can be used during pregnancy and lactation at recommended therapeutic doses, but caution is advised, and the lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest possible duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

50 mL vial containing 500 mg paracetamol100 mL vial/bag containing 1000 mg paracetamol

Shelf Life

Typically 2-3 years, as indicated on the packaging.

Availability

Hospitals, Pharmacies

Approval Status

Approved by DGDA

Patent Status

Generic

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Extensively studied for efficacy and safety in various pain and fever conditions, with numerous post-marketing surveillance studies.

Lab Monitoring

Liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin) in case of prolonged use or suspected overdose.
Renal function tests (Creatinine, BUN) in patients with renal impairment.

Doctor Notes

Monitor liver function in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment or those at risk of liver damage.
Ensure correct dilution and infusion rate for intravenous administration.

Patient Guidelines

Inform your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medicines you are taking.
Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Report any unusual symptoms or side effects immediately.

Missed Dose Advice

Since this medicine is usually given in a clinical setting by a healthcare professional, a missed dose is unlikely. If a dose is missed, contact your doctor or nurse immediately.

Driving Precautions

Generally safe, as paracetamol does not typically cause drowsiness. However, if dizziness occurs, avoid driving or operating machinery.

Lifestyle Advice

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption while on this medication.
Maintain good hydration.

Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh

Similar medicines available in the market

Napa Suppo (Beximco Pharma)Ace IV (Square Pharma)Fast IV (Opsonin Pharma)

Global Brand Names

International brand names for this medicine

Pharma Beximco

Tablet10 mg, 20 mg

View Details