Oral paracetamol vs intravenous paracetamol for pain relief

A recent audit of our emergency department found that in 40% of cases, intravenous paracetamol (paracetamol given directly into a vein via a drip) was given to people who could have had oral paracetamol (paracetamol taken by mouth) instead.

What are the benefits of oral paracetamol compared to intravenous paracetamol?

• Research has shown that oral paracetamol and intravenous paracetamol are as effective as each other at providing pain relief.
• Our Trust is trying to limit its impact on the environment. Oral paracetamol releases approximately eight times less carbon dioxide per dose compared to intravenous paracetamol. Carbon dioxide is considered a ‘greenhouse gas’ which contributes to global warming. Each dose of intravenous paracetamol creates the same amount of carbon dioxide as it does to make eight plastic bottles.
• Cost-wise, oral paracetamol also comes out on top. It is 26 times more expensive to give intravenous paracetamol than it is to give oral paracetamol (this statistic doesn’t include the cost of the other equipment needed to administer an intravenous dose).

There are medical reasons why some people cannot have oral paracetamol. Your doctor or nurse will be able to go through this with you if you have any further questions.

Thank you for your support in trying to make our Trust more sustainable.