ALCETA Tablets/Modified Release

What is ALCETA

ALCETA is a **modified-release (MR) oral tablet** containing 665 mg of paracetamol, designed to provide both immediate and sustained pain relief. The bilayer tablet features an **immediate-release layer (≈31%)** for rapid analgesia, and a **sustained-release layer (≈69%)** to maintain therapeutic levels over approximately 6–8 hours—reducing dosing frequency and improving compliance :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

• Class: Non-opioid analgesic/antipyretic.
• Dosing form: 665 mg MR tablet, supplied in blister packs (96 tablets = 8 × 12).
• Intended uses: Relief of mild to moderate pain (e.g., headache, menstrual cramps, musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis) and management of fever.
• Advantages: Delivers continuous pain control with fewer doses (typically three times daily) compared to immediate-release formulations :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
• Availability: Often sold OTC or by pharmacy supervision, depending on local regulations. Pack size reflects typical chronic pain use.

How to use ALCETA

Follow these guidelines for safe and effective use:

• Adult dose: One 665 mg tablet every 6–8 hours, not exceeding 3 g/day (4 tablets) or 4 g/day (~6 tablets) only under medical supervision :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Swallow whole: Do not chew, crush, or break—this preserves the MR mechanism.
• Missed dose: Take as soon as remembered unless the next dose is imminent. Do not double dose.
• Duration of use: Typically around-the-clock for up to 3 days. Reassess if pain or fever persist beyond this.
• Overdose risk: Seek immediate medical attention—N-acetylcysteine treatment is essential within 8–10 hours :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Usage note: Read all medication labels to avoid unintentional paracetamol duplication.

Mode of Action ALCETA

Paracetamol relieves pain and fever through central mechanisms:

• Prostaglandin inhibition in the CNS reduces pain and fever; minimal peripheral anti-inflammatory effects :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• AM404 metabolite enhances analgesia through cannabinoid and TRPV1 receptor modulation :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Bilateral dosage layers – immediate-release acts quickly, sustained-release maintains levels for consistent analgesia over 6–8 hours :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• No anti-platelet action, making it gentler on the stomach than NSAIDs.

ALCETA Interactions ALCETA

Though paracetamol is generally safe, certain drug interactions warrant attention:

• Enzyme inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampicin) increase hepatotoxic metabolite production :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Warfarin: Chronic high-dose paracetamol can increase bleeding risk—INR monitoring recommended :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Gastric motility modifiers: Drugs affecting gut transit (metoclopramide, opioids) may alter absorption rates :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Alcohol: Chronic use potentiates liver injury and raises toxicity even at therapeutic doses :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Other paracetamol products: Avoid duplication from cold or migraine combinations :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Phenylephrine: Paracetamol doubles its bioavailability—monitor blood pressure :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

Dosage of ALCETA

Proper dosing is essential for effectiveness and safety:

• Adults: 665 mg every 6–8 hours, up to 3 tablets/day (1.995 g/day) for standard use. Some sources allow 4 tablets (2.66 g/day); total should never exceed 4 g in 24 hrs :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Chronic pain: Up to 4 tablets/day (2.66 g) under medical supervision.
• Elderly/renal impairment: Consider lowering total dose to 2–3 g/day.
• Pediatric use: Not typical—use child-formulated liquid products.
• Hepatic impairment: Reduce dose and avoid alcohol; monitor liver function.
• Comparative dosing: Equivalent to Panadol Extend, 1.33 g TID (4 g/day). Up to 2 tablets TID achieve ~4 g/day while protecting safety :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

Possible side effects of ALCETA

Paracetamol is well-tolerated at recommended doses but carries some risks:

• Common: Rare gastrointestinal upset, mild rash, transient liver enzyme rise :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Serious:
  • Hepatotoxicity: Acute liver failure in overdose, chronic alcohol use, or enzyme induction :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
  • Allergic reactions: Rash, swelling, very rarely anaphylaxis :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
  • Renal impairment: Chronic use can contribute to renal issues :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
  • Cardiovascular risk: Long-term use may elevate blood pressure and risk of heart events :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
  • Hematologic effects: Rare blood dyscrasias (e.g., leukopenia, thrombocytopenia) :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• Overdose signs: Nausea, vomiting, right upper quadrant pain, jaundice—urgent care is essential within 8–10 hours :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.

ALCETA Contraindications ALCETA

• Absolute: Known allergy to paracetamol, severe hepatic dysfunction, active liver failure.
• Caution: Chronic alcoholism, long-term enzyme inducers, dehydration, malnutrition, concomitant warfarin, renal impairment, elderly.
• Pediatric use: Not for children; use appropriate pediatric paracetamol formulation.

Storage of ALCETA

• Temperature: Store at 15–25 °C; protect from heat and moisture.
• Blister packs: Keep tablets sealed until use.
• Expiry: Discard expired tablets.
• Child safety: Store out of children’s reach.
• Disposal: Return unused tablets to local pharmacy; do not flush or discard in household bins.