Abstract
Abstract Introduction One of the most often used OTC antipyretic and
analgesic is paracetamol or acetaminophen. Though widely used, the
mechanism by which it reduces fever and pain remains unknown. Although
paracetamol is available in a variety of formulations, there are no set
guidelines for the various formulations of paracetamol alone or in
combination. Materials and Methods In Department of Pharmacology at
Government Doon Medical College, the study was planned as an
observational cross-sectional study. Data regarding different
paracetamol dosages and dosages of paracetamol in fixed dose
combinations (FDCs) with various ingredients were gathered and evaluated
from the editions of Drug Today, Current Index Of Medical Specialties
(CIMS), Monthly Index Of Medical Specialties (MIMS), and India
2021/2022. Results Analysing Drug Today, CIMS and MIMS, it was found,
810 formulations of paracetamol tablets are available in the Indian
market, of which, 77 formulations contain only paracetamol, rest being
fixed dose combinations (FDCs). Among all the available FDCs with
paracetamol having 2or 3 drug formulation, among the 2 constituent FDCs
group containing paracetamol, 47% drugs have paracetamol in 325 mg or
less dose, whereas, 53% drugs are in clear violation of the notice by
CDSCO, by containing more than 325 mg paracetamol. Conclusion In spite
of widespread use there is ambiguity in paracetamol doses, as well as
absence of data for few constituents in the FDCs. Thus, further research
into paracetamol dosing, as well as strict regulation is the need of the
hour for one of the most widely used drug.