Aceta Oral Suspension 120 mg/5 ml

Aceta Oral Suspension is a trusted oral suspension containing Paracetamol 120 mg/5 ml, manufactured by Biopharma Limited. Priced at ৳35.00 per unit, it offers effective relief from fever, headaches, dental pain, post-vaccination discomfort in children, and various inflammatory conditions. This liquid formulation ensures easy dosing for pediatric patients and adults with swallowing difficulties.

As a Paracetamol-based medication, Aceta works by inhibiting COX enzymes in the central nervous system, reducing prostaglandin synthesis. Its rapid action and minimal gastrointestinal side effects make it preferable to NSAIDs for long-term pain management. The suspension form allows precise dosing adjustments across age groups.

Key indications include:

• Fever management (viral, bacterial, post-immunization)
• Musculoskeletal pain (osteoarthritis, sprains)
• Postoperative and postpartum pain relief
• Menstrual cramp management

Dosage varies by age:
Adults: 4-8 teaspoons (960-1920 mg) every 4-6 hours
Children (1-5 years): 1-2 teaspoons (120-240 mg) 3-4 times daily. Always use the provided measuring cup for accuracy.

Store in a cool, dry place (below 30°C) and discard after 30 days of opening. While generally safe, exceeding 4 grams/day may cause liver toxicity. Avoid concurrent alcohol use and consult doctors when taking anticonvulsants or TB medications. Rare side effects include skin rashes (0.1% cases) and blood disorders.

Oral Suspension: 1-5 years 1-2 teaspoons, 6-12 years 2-4 teaspoons, adults 4-8 teaspoons every 4-6 hours. Reduce dose in renal/hepatic impairment. May take with/without food. Use for 3-5 days unless symptomatic relief occurs.

Side effects of Aceta are usually mild, though haematological reactions including thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, pancytopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis have been reported. Pancreatitis, skin rashes, and other allergic reactions occur occasionally.

Pregnancy Category B. Safe during lactation in therapeutic doses. Consult physician for prolonged use.

Monitor liver function during prolonged use. Caution in alcoholics/malnourished patients. Avoid concurrent use with other paracetamol-containing products.

Pediatric: Medical supervision required under 3 months. Geriatric: No dose adjustment. Hepatic/Renal: Reduce dose by 50%.

Liver damage is possible in adults who have taken 10 g or more of Aceta. Ingestion of 5 g or more of Aceta may lead to liver damage if the patient has following risk factors: If the patient is on long term treatment with Carbamazepine, Phenobarbitone, Phenytoin, Primidone, Rifampicin, St John’s Wort or other drugs that induce liver enzymes, or regularly consumes Ethanol in excess of recommended amounts, or is likely to be Glutathione deplete e.g. eating disorders, cystic fibrosis, HIV infection, starvation, cachexia.

Symptoms: Symptoms of Aceta overdose in the first 24 hours are pallor, nausea, vomiting, anorexia and abdominal pain. Liver damage may become apparent 12 to 48 hours after ingestion. Abnormalities of glucose metabolism and metabolic acidosis may occur. In severe poisoning, hepatic failure may progress to encephalopathy, haemorrhage, hypoglycaemia, cerebral oedema and death. Acute renal failure with acute tubular necrosis, strongly suggested by loin pain, haematuria and proteinuria, may develop even in the absence of severe liver damage. Cardiac arrhythmias and pancreatitis have been reported. Immediate treatment is essential in the management of Aceta overdose. Treatment with activated charcoal should be considered if the overdose has been taken within 1 hour. Plasma Aceta concentration should be measured at 4 hours or later after ingestion (earlier concentrations are unreliable). Treatment with N-acetylcysteine may be used up to 24 hours after ingestion of Aceta. However, the maximum protective effect is obtained up to 8 hours post-ingestion. The effectiveness of the antidote declines sharply after this time. If required the patient should be given intravenous N-acetylcysteine, in line with the established dosage schedule. If vomiting is not a problem, oral Methionine may be a suitable alternative for remote areas, outside hospital. Management of patients who present with serious hepatic dysfunction beyond 24 hours from ingestion should be discussed with the NPIS or a liver unit.