Non-opioid analgesic / antipyretic
🧴IV Acetaminophen
Brand: Ofirmev
The most underused opioid-sparing drug in the recovery room.
Why it works
Central COX inhibition and descending serotonergic modulation reduce pain perception without sedation, respiratory depression, or platelet effects — which makes it safe to schedule around the clock.
Quick dosing reference
- ›50 kg and over: 1000 mg IV q6 hrs (max 4 g/24 hrs from all sources)
- ›Under 50 kg: 15 mg/kg IV q6 hrs
- ›Infuse over 15 min
5–10 min · peak 1 hr · duration 4–6 hrs
What you monitor
- •Total 24-hour acetaminophen from every route
- •LFTs in liver disease or chronic alcohol use
- •Pain score at 30 min
Watch out
Add up the Percocet, the Norco, and the suppository. Combination products are how patients reach 4 g without anyone noticing.
Baddie pearl
Scheduled, not PRN. It works best when it never wears off.