Lotemp Kids Mechanism of Action

Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Pharmacological actions: Acetaminophen is the active metabolic of phenacetin and has antipyretic and analgesic activities. In peripheral tissue, acetaminophen is a weak COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitor. Acetaminophen appears to an equivalent to aspirin as an analgesic and antipyretic agent. However, acetaminophen lacks antiinflammatory properties, does not affect uric acid levels and does not inhibit platelet function.
Pharmacokinetics: Absorption/Distribution: Immediate-release acetaminophen is absorbed rapidly, and peak plasma levels are reached in 30 to 60 minutes. Acetaminophen is distributed throughout most body fluids and is slightly bound to plasma proteins.
Metabolism/Distribution: Approximately 90% of acetaminophen usually undergoes hepatic conjugation with glucuronide (40% to 67%) and sulfate (20% to 46%) to from inactive metabolites that are excreted in the urine. A small amout (5% to 15%) of acetaminophen is metabolized to N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine (NAPQI), and the resulting complex is rendered harmless and excreted. After a large ingestion of acetaminophen, these pathways become satured, and glutathione stores become depleted. Therefore, NAPQI concentrations increase, which may cause hepatotoxicity. The elimination half-life of acetaminophen is about 2 to 3 hours. Less than 5% of acetaminophen is excreted unchanged.
Special populations: Hepatic function impairment: the half-life may increase 2 fold or more in patients with liver disease.