Emcap
Emcap Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Emcap exhibits analgesic action by peripheral blockage of pain impulse generation. It produces antipyresis by inhibiting the hypothalamic heat-regulating centre. Its weak anti-inflammatory activity is related to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the CNS.
Emcap (Acetaminophen) is thought to act primarily in the CNS, increasing the pain threshold by inhibiting both isoforms of cyclooxygenase, COX-1, COX-2, and COX-3 enzymes involved in prostaglandin (PG) synthesis. Unlike NSAIDs, acetaminophen does not inhibit cyclooxygenase in peripheral tissues and, thus, has no peripheral anti-inflammatory affects. While aspirin acts as an irreversible inhibitor of COX and directly blocks the enzyme's active site, studies have found that acetaminophen indirectly blocks COX, and that this blockade is ineffective in the presence of peroxides. This might explain why acetaminophen is effective in the central nervous system and in endothelial cells but not in platelets and immune cells which have high levels of peroxides. Studies also report data suggesting that acetaminophen selectively blocks a variant of the COX enzyme that is different from the known variants COX-1 and COX-2. This enzyme is now referred to as COX-3. Its exact mechanism of action is still poorly understood, but future research may provide further insight into how it works. The antipyretic properties of acetaminophen are likely due to direct effects on the heat-regulating centres of the hypothalamus resulting in peripheral vasodilation, sweating and hence heat dissipation.
| Trade Name | Emcap |
| Generic | Paracetamol |
| Paracetamol Other Names | Acenol, Acetaminofén, Acetaminophen, Acétaminophène, APAP, Paracetamol, Paracétamol, Paracetamolum |
| Weight | 500mg |
| Type | Caplet |
| Formula | C8H9NO2 |
| Weight | Average: 151.1626 Monoisotopic: 151.063328537 |
| Protein binding | The binding of acetaminophen to plasma proteins is low (ranging from 10% to 25%), when given at therapeutic doses. |
| Therapeutic Class | Non opioid analgesics |
| Manufacturer | Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited |
| Available Country | Nigeria |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Emcap IV is used for the management of mild to moderate pain, the management of moderate to severe pain with adjunctive opioid analgesics, the reduction of fever.
Emcap is a non-salicylate antipyretic and non-opioid analgesic agent. Emcap IV injection is a sterile, clear, colorless, non pyrogenic, isotonic formulation of Emcap intended for intravenous infusion.
Emcap is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acute Gouty Arthritis, Acute Musculoskeletal Pain, Allergies, Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Arthritis, Chills, Cold, Cold Symptoms, Common Cold, Common Cold/Flu, Cough, Cough caused by Common Cold, Coughing caused by Flu caused by Influenza, Dyskinesia of the Biliary Tract, Dyskinesia of the Urinary Tract, Febrile Convulsions, Febrile Illness Acute, Fever, Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Flu caused by Influenza, Headache, Joint dislocations, Menstrual Distress (Dysmenorrhea), Mild pain, Muscle Inflammation, Muscle Injuries, Muscle Spasms, Musculoskeletal Pain, Nasal Congestion, Neuralgia, Osteoarthritis (OA), Pain, Pollen Allergy, Postoperative pain, Premenstrual cramps, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rhinopharyngitis, Rhinorrhoea, Severe Pain, Sinusitis, Soreness, Muscle, Spasms, Spastic Pain of the Gastrointestinal Tract, Sprains, Tension Headache, Toothache, Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, Whiplash Syndrome, Acute Torticollis, Mild to moderate pain, Minor aches and pains, Minor pain, Moderate Pain, Airway secretion clearance therapy, Antispasmodic, Bronchodilation
Dosage
Emcap dosage
Adults and adolescents weighing 50 kg and over: the recommended dosage of Emcap IV is 1000 mg every 6 hours or 650 mg every 4 hours, with a maximum single dose of Emcap IV of 1000 mg, a minimum dosing interval of 4 hours, and a maximum daily dose of Emcap of 4000 mg per day.
Adults and adolescents weighing under 50 kg: the recommended dosage of Emcap IV is 15 mg/kg every 6 hours or 12.5 mg/kg every 4 hours, with a maximum single dose of Emcap IV of 15 mg/kg, a minimum dosing interval of 4 hours, and a maximum daily dose of Emcap of 75 mg/kg per day.
Children >2 to 12 years of age: the recommended dosage of Emcap IV is 15 mg/kg every 6 hours or 12.5 mg/kg every 4 hours, with a maximum single dose of Emcap IV of 15 mg/kg, a minimum dosing interval of 4 hours, and a maximum daily dose of Emcap of 75 mg/kg per day.
Side Effects
As all paracetamol products, adverse drug reactions are rare (>1/10000, <1/1000) or very rare (<1/10000). Frequent adverse reactions at injection site have been reported during clinical trials (pain and burning sensation). Very rare cases of hypersensitivity reactions ranging from simple skin rash or urticaria to anaphylactic shock have been reported and require discontinuation of treatment. Cases of erythema, flushing, pruritus and tachycardia have been reported.
Precaution
Administration of Emcap in doses higher than recommended may result in hepatic injury, including the risk of severe hepatotoxicity and death. Do not exceed the maximum recommended daily dose of Emcap. Use caution when administering Emcap in patients with the following conditions: hepatic impairment or active hepatic disease, alcoholism, chronic malnutrition, severe hypovolemia (e.g., due to dehydration or blood loss), or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min). There were infrequent reports of life-threatening anaphylaxis requiring emergent medical attention. Discontinue Emcap IV immediately if symptoms associated with allergy or hypersensitivity occurs. Do not use Emcap IV in patients with Emcap allergy.
Food Interaction
- Avoid alcohol. Alcohol may increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Volume of Distribution
Volume of distribution is about 0.9L/kg. 10 to 20% of the drug is bound to red blood cells. Acetaminophen appears to be widely distributed throughout most body tissues except in fat.
Half Life
The half-life for adults is 2.5 h after an intravenous dose of 15 mg/kg. After an overdose, the half-life can range from 4 to 8 hours depending on the severity of injury to the liver, as it heavily metabolizes acetaminophen.
Clearance
Adults: 0.27 L/h/kg following a 15 mg/kg intravenous (IV) dose. Children: 0.34 L/h/kg following a 15 mg/kg intravenous (IV dose).
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Pregnancy Category C. There are no studies of intravenous Emcap in pregnant women; however, epidemiological data on oral Emcap use in pregnant women show no increased risk of major congenital malformations. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with IV Emcap and it is not known whether Emcap IV can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Emcap IV should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with Emcap IV during labor and delivery; therefore, it should be used in such settings only after a careful benefit-risk assessment. While studies with Emcap IV have not been conducted, Emcap is secreted in human milk in small quantities after oral administration.
Contraindication
Emcap is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to its active ingredient or to any of the excipients in the intravenous formulation. Also contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease
Special Warning
Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of Emcap IV for the treatment of acute pain and fever in pediatric patients ages 2 years and older is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of Emcap IV in adults.
Geriatric use: No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment: Emcap is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease and should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment or active liver disease. A reduced total daily dose of Emcap may be warranted.
Patients with Renal Impairment: In cases of severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min), longer dosing intervals and a reduced total daily dose of Emcap may be warranted.
Storage Condition
Store in a cool & dry place & away from children. For single use only. The product should be used within 6 hours after opening. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Emcap
FAQ
What is Emcap?
Emcap is a common painkiller used to treat aches and pain. It can also be used to reduce a high temperature. It's available combined with other painkillers and anti-sickness medicines. It's also an ingredient in a wide range of cold and flu remedies.
What are side effects of Emcap?
- Skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin.
- Wheezing.
- Tightness in the chest or throat.
- Trouble breathing or talking.
- Mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling.
How safe is Emcap?
Emcap is known to cause liver failure in overdose, but it also causes liver failure in people taking standard doses for pain relief. The risk is only about one in a million, but it is a risk. All these different risks stack up.
What are the types of Emcap?
Types of Emcap
- tablets or caplets.
- capsules.
- liquid – usually for children.
- soluble tablets (tablets that dissolve in water to make a drink)
- suppositories (capsules inserted into the back passage)
- an injection given into a vein – normally only used in hospital.
What happens if I take Emcap without any reason?
Even taking one or two more tablets than recommended can cause serious liver damage and possibly death. Emcap overdose is one of the leading causes of liver failure.
Why is Emcap bad for our liver?
Emcap itself is not toxic, but in large amounts it overwhelms the body's ability to process it safely. This can lead to build up of a toxic metabolite (or break-down product), which binds to liver cells, causing these cells to die.
What are the indications of Emcap?
This Emcap is used to treat mild to moderate pain (from headaches, menstrual periods, toothaches, backaches, osteoarthritis, or cold/flu aches and pains) and to reduce fever.
What happens if I take Emcap on an empty stomach?
Ibuprofen, aspirin and other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can irritate the stomach lining, so it is best to take them with food, or a glass of milk. Emcap doesn't irritate the stomach lining so it won't matter if you haven't eaten.
Can Emcap help I sleep?
A successful result is one where the pain is reduced by half or more, or where they have no or only mild pain. That result delivers not just on pain, but also improves sleep, depression, quality of life, work, and the ability to get on with life.
How is Emcap eliminated from the body?
Emcap is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract with peak plasma concentrations occurring about 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingestion. It is metabolised in the liver (90-95%) and excreted in the urine mainly as the glucuronide and sulphate conjugates. Less than 5% is excreted as unchanged Emcap.
Is Emcap is safe during pregnancy?
Emcap is the first choice of painkiller if you're pregnant. Emcap been taken by many pregnant women with no harmful effects in the mother or baby.
Is Emcap safe during breastfeeding?
Emcap is the first choice of painkiller if you're breastfeeding women. It's been taken by many breastfeeding women with no harmful effects in the mother or baby.
How does Emcap work?
Emcap seems to work by blocking chemical messengers in the brain that tell us we have pain. It also reduces fever by affecting the chemical messengers in an area of the brain that regulates body temperature.
When will I feel better after taking Emcap?
Emcap takes up to an hour to work. It keeps on working for about 5 hours.
Can I take Emcap for a long time?
It's safe to take Emcap regularly for many years as long as you don't take more than the recommended dosage.
Will Emcap affect my fertility?
There's no firm evidence to suggest that taking Emcap will reduce fertility in either men or women.
Will Emcap affect my contraception?
Emcap doesn't affect any type of contraception including the contraceptive pill or emergency contraception.
Can I drink alcohol with Emcap?
Drinking a small amount of alcohol while taking Emcap is usually safe. Try to keep to the recommended guidelines of no more than 14 units of alcohol a week. A standard glass of wine (175ml) is 2 units. A pint of lager or beer is usually 2 to 3 units of alcohol.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid when taking Emcap?
You can eat and drink normally while taking Emcap. You can safely take Emcap (but not ibuprofen) on an empty stomach.
