Intravenous paracetamol in patients with renal colic.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids have been the mainstay of pain relief in patients with renal colic, but both have side effects. Research on the efficacy of intravenous (IV) paracetamol shows that it is comparable to morphine, diclofenac and ketoralac. This article discusses the role of IV paracetamol for patients with this condition. It examines the effectiveness, mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics of IV paracetamol, and suggests that non-clinical prescribers can use the method to relieve patients' pain quickly.