CETAL: Your Trusted Analgesic and Antipyretic Solution

Are you seeking relief from pain and fever? Look no further than CETAL! Whether you’re experiencing a headache, toothache, or common cold, CETAL offers effective analgesic and antipyretic properties to alleviate your symptoms. In this blog post, we’ll explore the composition, properties, indications, dosage, precautions, and more about this reliable medication. Let’s dive in and discover how CETAL can help you manage your discomfort and get back to feeling your best.

Composition and Forms of Issue

CETAL is available in various forms to suit your preference and needs:

  • Tablets: Each tablet contains 500 mg of paracetamol.
  • Drops: Each milliliter (ml) of CETAL drops contains 100 mg of paracetamol.
  • Syrup: Each 5 ml of CETAL syrup contains 120 mg of paracetamol.
  • Suspension: Each 5 ml of CETAL suspension contains 250 mg of paracetamol.
  • Suppositories: Each suppository contains 120 mg of paracetamol.

Properties and Effects

CETAL, also known as paracetamol, is an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer) medication. It is comparable in efficacy to aspirin but does not inhibit platelet aggregation or cause gastrointestinal (GI) ulceration. This makes CETAL an excellent choice for individuals who are unable to take salicylates or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The primary actions of CETAL include:

  • Analgesic: CETAL blocks pain impulses, most likely by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins or other substances that sensitize pain receptors.
  • Antipyretic: CETAL affects the hypothalamic heat-regulating center, promoting vasodilation and sweating to dissipate body heat and reduce fever.

Pharmacokinetics

When taken orally, paracetamol is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The peak plasma concentrations are reached within 1-2 hours, with liquid preparations being absorbed slightly faster. Paracetamol is distributed throughout the body tissues, and approximately 25% of it binds to plasma proteins. The half-life in plasma is about 2 hours, slightly longer in neonates and individuals with liver cirrhosis. Paracetamol is extensively metabolized in the liver and primarily excreted in urine as inactive glucuronate and sulfate conjugates (around 94%). Less than 5% of the paracetamol is excreted unchanged.

Indications

CETAL is commonly used for the following purposes:

  • Analgesic-Antipyretic: CETAL is effective in relieving mild-to-moderate pain and reducing fever associated with various conditions, including:
  • Aspirin allergy
  • Blood coagulation disorders treated with anticoagulants
  • Bleeding diatheses (e.g., hemophilia)
  • Upper GI diseases (e.g., ulcer, gastritis, hiatus hernia)
  • Gouty arthritis
  • Arthritic, Rheumatic, and Muscular Pain: CETAL provides relief from pain associated with arthritis, rheumatism, and muscle discomfort.
  • Headache, Earache, Toothache, and Common Colds: CETAL helps alleviate pain caused by headaches, earaches, toothaches, and common colds.
  • Sore Throat, Tonsillectomy, and Migraine: CETAL is beneficial in reducing pain related to sore throat, tonsillectomy, and migraines.
  • Prophylactic Use in Children Receiving DTP Vaccination: CETAL can be used to decrease fever and injection site pain in children following DTP vaccination. It is recommended to administer a dose immediately after vaccination and continue with additional doses every 4-6 hours for 2-3 days.

Dosage and Administration

The dosage of CETAL varies based on age and the form of the medication. Here are the recommended dosages:

  • Adults: Take 500 mg to 1 gram (1-2 tablets) every 4-6 hours, up to a maximum of 4 grams daily.
  • Children: Administer the following dosages every 4-6 hours, as needed, with a maximum of 4 doses within 24 hours:
  • < 3 months: 10 mg/kg body weight (reduce to 5 mg/kg if jaundiced).
  • 3 months – 1 year: 60 – 120 mg.
  • 1-6 years: 120 mg – 250 mg.
  • 6-12 years: 250 mg – 500 mg.

Drug Interactions

It’s important to be aware of potential drug interactions when using CETAL:

  • High doses or long-term use of barbiturates, carbamazepine, hydantoins, rifampin, sulfinpyrazone, and isoniazid may reduce the therapeutic effects of CETAL and enhance its liver effects. Avoid using these medications together.
  • Co-administration of warfarin may increase the hypoprothrombinemic effects of CETAL, particularly with long-term use or high doses.
  • Zidovudine may increase the risk of bone marrow suppression due to impaired metabolism of zidovudine.
  • Caffeine may enhance the analgesic effect of CETAL.
  • Metoclopramide may accelerate the absorption of paracetamol.
  • Alcohol consumption while using CETAL may increase the risk of hepatotoxicity. It is advisable to avoid combining them.

Precautions and Side Effects

Before using CETAL, consider the following precautions:

  • Use CETAL with caution in individuals with severe hepatic or renal dysfunction, those with alcohol dependence, and during pregnancy or lactation.
  • CETAL should only be used for the prescribed duration. Consult a physician if administering to children for more than 5 days, adults for more than 10 days, or if fever persists for more than 3 days in both children and adults.
  • High doses or unsupervised long-term use of CETAL can lead to hepatic damage.
  • Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages while taking CETAL may increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
  • Do not exceed the total recommended dose of CETAL per day.

In rare cases, allergic reactions and skin rashes have been reported with the use of CETAL, but overall, it is well-tolerated when used at recommended doses.

Storage and Packaging

To ensure the quality and effectiveness of CETAL, store it below 30°C and protect it from moisture. CETAL is available in different packaging options, including:

  • Tablets: Box of 2 blisters, each containing 10 tablets; or box of 1000 tablets.
  • Drops: Bottle containing 15 ml.
  • Syrup: Bottles available in 50 ml, 60 ml, 100 ml, and 120 ml sizes.
  • Suspension: Bottle containing 60 ml.
  • Suppositories for Children: Box of 1 strip, containing 5 suppositories.

Remember, when it comes to your health, it’s important to follow the instructions and recommendations provided by healthcare professionals. The

doctor and pharmacist are experts in medicine and can guide you through the proper use of CETAL.

Always keep medicines, including CETAL, out of the reach of children to ensure their safety.

In conclusion, CETAL is a trusted analgesic and antipyretic medication that provides effective relief from pain and fever. Whether you’re dealing with headaches, toothaches, or other discomforts, CETAL’s analgesic and antipyretic properties make it a reliable choice. Just remember to follow the recommended dosages and precautions, and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions.

Egyptian International Pharmaceutical Industries Co. (E.I.P.I. Co.) manufactures CETAL, a product designed to improve your well-being. It’s important to note that medicine should always be consumed according to instructions and guidelines provided by medical professionals. Your health is important, and using medications correctly plays a crucial role in maintaining it.

So, the next time you find yourself in need of an analgesic or antipyretic, reach for CETAL and experience the relief it provides.