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Analgesia in cirrhosis — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardRenal and Hepatic ImpairmentAnalgesia in cirrhosisGPhC CRA

A man with alcoholic cirrhosis and ascites asks to buy paracetamol for dental pain. He drinks intermittently and is also prescribed spironolactone and lactulose. What would you advise the patient?

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Correct answer: B — Use reduced-dose paracetamol only after pharmacist assessment and seek dental care

Paracetamol may be used cautiously at reduced dose in chronic liver disease depending on individual risk, but prolonged high-dose use is unsafe. NSAIDs are problematic in cirrhosis because of renal, bleeding and ascites risks. Dental pain also needs definitive dental assessment rather than repeated analgesic use.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS