Aceto Tablet 500 mg

Aceto Tablet is a widely used analgesic containing Paracetamol (500 mg) manufactured by Reliance Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Priced at ৳1.20 per unit (100’s pack: ৳120), this tablet effectively treats fever, headaches, dental pain, and post-vaccination discomfort in children. Its rapid action and minimal side effects make it a preferred choice for acute pain management.

The tablet works by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis via COX enzymes in the CNS. Suitable for osteoarthritis and menstrual pain, it offers mild anti-inflammatory effects. Dosage varies: adults can take 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours (max 8/day), while children (6-12 years) require half to one tablet 3-4 times daily.

Storage: Store in a dry place away from light/heat. Avoid alcohol during treatment to prevent liver damage. Common side effects include skin rashes or pancreatic inflammation. Pregnant/lactating women should consult doctors before use despite its safety profile.

Overdose (>10g) may cause liver failure. Symptoms like nausea or abdominal pain require immediate medical attention. N-acetylcysteine is the antidote. Ensure proper dosage adherence to avoid toxicity, especially with enzyme-inducing drugs like rifampicin.

Adults: 1-2 tablets (500 mg) every 4-6 hours (Max 4g/day). Children (6-12 years): 250-500 mg every 4-6 hours. Dose reduction needed in renal/hepatic impairment. Can be taken with/without food. Use for 3-5 days based on symptom severity.

Side effects of Aceto 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. Excreted minimally in breast milk.

Monitor LFT with prolonged use. Avoid concomitant alcohol. Do not exceed 4g/day. Check for tablet formulations in combination products.

Pediatrics: Avoid under 3 months. Geriatric: Dose adjustment may needed. Hepatic impairment: Max 3g/day. Renal failure: Extend dosing intervals.

Liver damage is possible in adults who have taken 10 g or more of Aceto. Ingestion of 5 g or more of Aceto 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 Aceto 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 Aceto overdose. Treatment with activated charcoal should be considered if the overdose has been taken within 1 hour. Plasma Aceto 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 Aceto. 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.