Introduction and audit of intravenous paracetamol at a tertiary paediatric teaching hospital

Abstract

Although intravenous (IV) paracetamol is an attractive analgesic, there is little information on its paediatric use. During an introduction phase with limited prescribing rights, an audit was performed to assess its use and cost impact at a tertiary paediatric centre. Patients receiving IV paracetamol prescribed by two pain specialists for restricted indications had their medical records retrospectively reviewed for age, weight, diagnosis, indications/dose for IV (and other route) paracetamol I other analgesics/antiemetics, vomiting/oral intake and liver function tests if performed. One-hundred-and- twenty-one children and five neonates received 1216 (median 8 each) doses of paracetamol IV. Audited expenditure for IV paracetamol was 3.9 times the rectal alternative ($3435 vs. $875). Indications were appropriate, with 97% of patients nil oral, 41% vomiting, 17% having rectal route replaced and 3% avoiding parenteral morphine. Only five patients received incorrect dosing: three through prescription errors and two as guideline deviations; none were considered dangerous. No liver function test derangements could be directly attributed to paracetamol. This data facilitated our application to extend prescribing rights for IV paracetamol within our institution. As there is limited information or local experience with the use of IV paracetamol in paediatric settings in Australia, our data may be of use to other centres considering the introduction of the IV form of this agent.