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Postoperative pain management with acetaminophen
Acetaminophen reduces pain and fever by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system.
Acetaminophen reduces pain and fever by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system. Used for Postoperative pain management, Fever reduction, Mild to moderate pain.
At a glance
| Generic name | Postoperative pain management with acetaminophen |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University Hospital Sestre Milosrdnice |
| Drug class | Analgesic and antipyretic |
| Target | Cyclooxygenase (COX), primarily central nervous system isoforms |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Pain Management |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Acetaminophen works primarily through inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the production of prostaglandins that mediate pain and fever signaling. Unlike NSAIDs, it has minimal peripheral anti-inflammatory effects. The exact mechanism remains incompletely understood, but central nervous system effects predominate, making it effective for mild to moderate pain without significant gastrointestinal or cardiovascular side effects at therapeutic doses.
Approved indications
- Postoperative pain management
- Fever reduction
- Mild to moderate pain
Common side effects
- Hepatotoxicity (at overdose)
- Nausea
- Rash
- Allergic reactions
Key clinical trials
- Jaw Muscle Pain Post Wisdom Molar Surgery (PHASE2)
- Continous Infusion of Nefopam for Patients Undergoing Pancreatoduodenectomy (PHASE4)
- Opioid Free and Opioid Based Anesthesia in Elective Lumbar Spine Surgery
- The Efficiency of Periarticular Multimodal Drug Injection in Pain Management Following Primary Unilateral TKA (NA)
- The Efficacy and Safety of Liposomal Bupivacaine for Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Relieving Postoperative Pain After Laparoscopic Surgery (NA)
- The Efficacy and Safety of Liposomal Bupivacaine for Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Relieving Postoperative Pain After Laparoscopic Surgery in Gynecologic Oncology (NA)
- The Efficacy and Safety of Liposomal Bupivacaine in Relieving Postoperative Pain After Laparoscopic Surgery (NA)
- Preoperative High-Dose Oral Paracetamol for Postoperative Analgesia in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy" (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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