Efferalgan suppositories – indications, dosage, contraindications, side effects

Efferalgan suppositories for children and infants is a drug used in pain of various origins: fever, symptomatic treatment of flu-like conditions and colds. The preparation contains a substance in the form of paracetamol, which has an analgesic and antipyretic effect. Efferalgan suppositories are an over-the-counter medicine. After rectal administration, they are adequately absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Efferalgan (Bristol-Myers Squibb Polska/Ozone Laboratories)

Efferalgan suppositories – action

Efferalgan is a non-opioid drug with analgesic and antipyretic properties. The active substance of the drug is paracetamol, which is designed to block the action of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in the brain and in the spinal cord – an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of prostaglandins. The paracetamol contained in the drug does not have an anti-inflammatory effect and does not damage the gastric mucosa. The rectal effect of paracetamol is slower than that of oral administration.

Indications for use of Efferalgan suppositories and dosage

Efferalgan suppositories are intended for people struggling with:

1. fever,
2. flu-like conditions,
3. colds.

The preparation is in the form of rectal suppositories and their recommended daily dose should not be exceeded. ATTENTION! Children up to 2 years of age may take them only after prior consultation with a doctor. The dosage of suppositories in children depends on their body weight.

1. The recommended daily dose is 60 mg / kg body weight in 4 divided doses (i.e. 15 mg / kg body weight every 6 hours).
2. 1-4 month of life (4-6 kg bw) 80 mg 1-4 times / day;
3. 6-24 month of life (8-12 kg bw) 150 mg 1-4 times / day;
4. 4-9 years of age (15-24 kg bw) 300 mg 1-4 times / day,
5. in adults and children weighing more than 50 kg, doses higher than 4 g of paracetamol per day must not be used.

Nie the drug should be used more often than every 4 hours, and in case of renal failure every 8 hours.

Efferalgan – contraindications to use

Efferalgan suppositories should not be taken when:

1. allergy to any component of the preparation,
2. liver or kidney failure
3. alcoholism
4. glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency,
5. taking MAO inhibitors in parallel or within the last 2 weeks,
6. concomitant use of opioid analgesics with agonist-antagonist action (e.g. buprenorphine, nalbuphine, pentazocine),
7. recent inflammation of the anus, rectum,
8. rectal bleeding.

Efferalgan – warnings

1. Other paracetamol-containing medicines should not be used at the same time due to the risk of overdose.
2. Children up to 2 years of age may use the drug only after consulting a doctor.
3. Do not use in children with diarrhea.
4. When used in children, it is recommended to refer to body weight.
5. When administering a dose of 60 mg / kg b.w./d to children, taking other antipyretic drugs is a last resort and insufficient effect.
6. Do not use higher doses than recommended (risk of liver damage occurring 2 days after administration, worsening after 4-6 days).
7. In case of liver damage, contact your doctor immediately.
8. Too long and frequent use of suppositories causes local irritation.
9. Patients allergic to acetylsalicylic acid should be careful as an allergic reaction may occur.
10. People with malnutrition, kidney and / or liver disease, alcoholism, dehydration – should be careful.
11. It is forbidden to consume alcohol during treatment with suppositories.
12. Pregnant and lactating women may use the drug only after medical consultation.

Efferalgan and drug interactions

1. The paracetamol contained in the drug increases the effect of coumarin anticoagulants.
2. The use of salicylamide increases the time of paracetamol excretion.
3. It should not be taken simultaneously with MAO inhibitors or within 2 weeks of stopping treatment with these preparations, due to the possibility of agitation and high fever.
4. The use of drugs that increase hepatic metabolism, such as rifampicin, antiepileptic drugs, sleeping pills (barbiturates) or the consumption of alcohol can cause toxic damage to the liver, even when using the recommended doses of paracetamol.
5. The use of paracetamol and NSAIDs increases the risk of renal dysfunction.
6. The use of phenytoin may reduce the effectiveness of paracetamol and increase the risk of liver toxicity.
7. The use of probenecid may reduce the excretion of paracetamol.
8. Caution should be exercised when co-administering isoniazid or zidovudine.
9. Taking paracetamol may affect the results of laboratory tests, for example, blood glucose or uric acid tests.

Efferalgan suppositories side effects

Rarely, the following may occur:

1. bad mood,
2. lowering blood pressure,
3. allergic reactions (itching, urticaria, rash, erythema, angioedema),
4. increased heart rate
5. nausea,
6. vomiting,
7. diarrhea,
8. impaired liver and kidney function (up to kidney and liver failure),
9. increased levels of liver transaminases,
10. thrombocytopenia,
11. leukopenia,
12. neutropenia.
13. very rarely symptoms of anaphylactic shock.