Acetaminophen – MDtodate

Name of the generic: acetaminophen
The class of drug: Miscellaneous analgesics

Brand name in US

Acephen
Actamin Maximum Strength
Altenol
Aminofen
Anacin Aspirin Free
Apra
Arthritis Pain Relief
Cetafen
Children’s Mapap
Children’s Nortemp
Comtrex Sore Throat Relief
Dolono
Febrol
Feverall
Genapap
Genebs
Infantaire
Mapap
Mapap Arthritis Pain
Pain-Eze +/Rheu-Thritis
Pyrecot
Pyregesic
Q-Pap
Redutemp
Silapap
T-Painol
Tycolene
Tylenol

Available Dosage Forms:

Suspension
Capsule, Liquid Filled
Solution
Powder
Tablet, Chewable
Suppository
Liquid
Elixir
Tablet
Capsule
Tablet, Extended Release
Tablet, Disintegrating

Acetaminophen is used in a variety of ways.

Acetaminophen can be used to help with minor aches and pains and reduce fever. It is also a treatment option for the pain caused by mild forms of arthritis.

Acetaminophen can be bought without a prescription.

Before taking acetaminophen, consult your doctor.

When deciding whether to take a medication, the potential risks of using the medication must be considered against the benefits it can bring. It is a choice you and your physician will take. When taking acetaminophen, these are to be considered

Allergies

Inform your doctor whether you’ve had an unusual or unrelated reaction to acetaminophen, or any other medication. Inform your health care specialist if you suffer from any other allergies, like dyes, foods or preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription medications, review the label or the ingredients on the package carefully.

Pediatric

Studies that are appropriate so far have not revealed issues that are specific to children, which could hinder the efficacy of acetaminophen children. But, you should not offer over-the-counter products to children younger than two years old, unless directed to give them the medication by your doctor.

Geriatric

The studies that have been conducted up to now haven’t revealed the existence of geriatric-specific issues that hinder the effectiveness of acetaminophen among the elderly.

Breastfeeding

Women’s studies indicate the medication poses no risk to babies when it is used during breastfeeding.

Interactions between medicines

While certain medications should not be combined in any way, however, there are instances where two medicines can be combined even though interactions could occur. In these situations, your doctor might decide to adjust the dose or take other precautions as required. If you’re taking acetaminophen, it’s crucial that you let your physician know they are using any of these drugs that are listed below. These interactions have been chosen based on their potential impact and may not be all-inclusive.

Utilizing acetaminophen in conjunction together with any of these drugs is not usually recommended, however, it is possible to do so in certain circumstances. If both medications are prescribed and your doctor recommends a change in the dosage or frequency you take either of the drugs.

Imatinib
Isoniazid
Pixantrone
Pneumococcal 13-Valent Vaccine, Diphtheria Conjugate

Acetaminophen when combined with one of the following medications could result in an increased chance of experiencing certain adverse effects, however, having both medicines in combination could be the most effective treatment for you. If you are prescribed both medicines by your doctor, they might alter the dosage or frequency of use of either or both drugs.

Acenocoumarol
Carbamazepine
Fosphenytoin
Lixisenatide
Phenytoin
Warfarin
Zidovudine

Interactions with alcohol/food/tobacco/food

Certain medications shouldn’t be used during or in conjunction with taking food, or eating specific kinds of food, as interactions can happen. Smoking or drinking alcohol in conjunction together with certain medications can create interactions. The below interactions were selected in light of their potential impact and may not be all-inclusive.

Utilizing acetaminophen in conjunction in conjunction with any of the following is not advised, however, it may be necessary for certain situations. If you take them together the doctor may alter the dosage or the frequency you take acetaminophen or provide you with specific instructions regarding the consumption of food, tobacco, alcohol.

Ethanol
Tobacco

If you take acetaminophen along together with any of the following can result in an increased risk of some negative effects, however, they are not a choice in certain situations. If you take them together with other medications, your doctor could alter the dosage or frequency you take acetaminophen. They may also provide you with specific instructions regarding the consumption of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

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Other medical issues

The presence of medical issues can impact the usage of Acetaminophen. It is important to inform your physician if you suffer from any other medical conditions particularly:

The history of or a history of or
Kidney disease, whether severe or
The liver disease (including hepatitis)–May cause the side effects to get more serious.

Phenylketonuria (PKU)–Some Acetaminophen brands include aspartame which may make the disease more severe.

The proper use of Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen should be taken only as prescribed by your physician. Don’t take more of it, don’t take it for longer periods of time, and do not use it for a longer period than what your doctor has ordered. Liver damage can happen if excessive amounts of acetaminophen are used for long periods of time.

If you’re using acetaminophen in defiance of the guidance of your physician, carefully read the label on the package and follow the instructions for dosing. Speak to your doctor for any concerns.

Be sure to read the labels of any other medications you take as they could contain acetaminophen too. It is not recommended to take over 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen per daily period (24 hours) because this could increase the risk of serious liver issues. When it comes to Tylenol(r) Extra Strength the maximum dosage is 3,000 milligrams for 24 hours.

Acetaminophen is a medicine that can be taken in combination with or without eating.

For patients who use the oral liquid using the syringe (e.g. Little Fevers(r)):

Shake the bottle well prior to every use.
Does the dose use the dose Syringe (e.g., AccuSafe(tm)) which is included in the package? Don’t utilize any other syringes or spoon, dropper or dosing device while giving acetaminophen to your child.
Take off the cap, connect the syringe to the flow restrictor and then invert the bottle.
Then, pull the syringe back until it’s filled to the exact amount recommended by your physician.
Slowly, slowly pour the medicine into the mouth of your child (towards the inside of the cheek).
Replace the cap and tighten it.

For patients who are using orally administered oral liquid using a dropper

Shake the bottle thoroughly prior to every use.
Take the dosage using the dropper that comes with the package. Don’t make use of any other syringe or spoon, dropper, or another dosing device while administering acetaminophen to your child.
The cap is removed, you can insert the dropper and take the dosage prescribed by your physician.
Then slowly introduce the medicine into the mouth of your child (towards the inside of the cheek).
Replace the cap and seal it with a tight fit.

For patients taking Acetaminophen oral Granules (e.g. Snaplets-FR):

Before the medicine is taken, take a look at the quantity of packets required for one dose.
Mix the granules contained in the packets using a small portion of soft foods like applesauce, jam, or ice cream.
Take the acetaminophen capsules with your food.

For patients taking Acetaminophen powders for oral use (e.g., Feverall(r) Sprinkle Caps [Children’s or Junior Strength[Junior Strength or Child’s Strength]):

The capsules aren’t designed to be swallowed in whole. Instead, prior to when the medication is consumed, break open the capsules required for a single dose.
Take the powder out of every capsule and pour 1 tablespoonful (5 milliliters) from water or any other liquid.
Drink the medicine in conjunction alongside the fluid. You can drink more liquid following the use of the medicine.
You can also combine the powder and a small amount of soft food such as applesauce, frozen ice cream, or jam. Take the acetaminophen capsule with your food.

Patients who take Acetaminophen Suppléments:

If the suppository becomes too soft to be inserted, cool it in the fridge for 30 minutes, or pour cold water on it before taking it off from the wrapper of foil.
For the infusion of the suppository
- The foil wrapper should be removed and wet the suppository with cold water.
- Relax on your side and use your thumb to pull the supp to the back of your rectum.

Dosing

Acetaminophen dosage will differ in different people. Follow the doctor’s instructions or the instructions in the prescription. This information is only the doses that are typical of Acetaminophen. If your dosage differs, don’t alter it unless your physician recommends it.

The amount of medicine you are taking is determined by how strong the drug is. Additionally, the amount of doses that you are taking each day, the interval between doses, and the duration of time that you are taking the medication will depend on the medical condition for which you’re taking the medication.

To treat fever or pain:
- For rectal and oral dosage forms (capsules or powders solutions, suppositories, tablets or suspensions):
  - Adults and teenagers – 650 to 1000 milligrams (mg) every 4 to 6 hours, as required. The dose is determined by its form and strength. Follow the label’s instructions for the dosage that is recommended daily.
  - Children–Dose is determined based on weight or age. Be sure to follow the label directions for the dosage that is recommended daily.
    - Children aged 11-12 years old between 320 and 480 mg once every four to six hours, as required.
    - Children aged 9-11 years old Ages 9 to 11: 320-400 mg daily for 4 to 6 hours, as required.
    - Children aged 6-9 years old 5 mg every between 4 and 6 hours, as required.
    - Children between 4 and 6 years old • 240 mg once every 6 to 8 hours, when needed.
    - Children aged 2 to 4 years old 170 mg once every four to six hours, as required.
    - Children who are younger than 2 years age: Doses and dosage should be determined by your physician.

Missed dose

If you are missing an acetaminophen dose, make sure to take it as soon as you are able. But, if it’s nearing the time to take your next dose, avoid the missed dose, and go back to your usual dosage schedule. Don’t double dose.

Storage

Place the medication in a sealed bottle at room temperatures, and away from moisture, heat and sunlight. Avoid getting frozen.

Make sure the bottle is closed when you’re not making use of it. It should be kept at room temperature in a dark, secure area away from temperatures. Don’t freeze it.

The suppositories can be stored inside the refrigerator. However, you should not put them in a freezer.

Keep your items out of children’s reach.

Don’t keep old medicine or medications that are no longer needed.

Consult your physician about what you can do with any medication you don’t make use of.

Acetaminophen is a prescription drug.

It is crucial to have your doctor examine the development of your child or yourself when you take Acetaminophen. This will enable your doctor to assess whether the medicine is functioning correctly and determine whether you should continue to use it.

In the event that your symptoms and fever don’t improve after a few days, or if they get worse, consult your physician.

Many combination medications include acetaminophen. These include brands like Alka-Seltzer Plus(r), Comtrex(r), Drixoral(r), Excedrin Migraine(r), Midol(r), Sinutab(r), Sudafed(r), Theraflu(r), and Vanquish(r). The addition of these medicines to your current medication could result in you getting more than the recommended amount of Acetaminophen. Discuss with your doctor prior to you taking more than one medication that contains acetaminophen.

Consult your physician right immediately If the child or you experience discomfort or tenderness in the stomach area; light stools, dark urine or loss of appetite, nausea; unusual tiredness, weakness, or yellow eyes or skin. These may be signs of a more serious liver condition.

If you plan to take more frequently than one or 2 doses of acetaminophen avoid drinking alcohol. Doing so could increase the risk to suffer liver harm, particularly in the event that you consume large amounts of alcohol regularly if you consume more acetaminophen that is listed on the label or if you are taking it often for a long period of time.

Acetaminophen can affect the results of certain medical tests. Prior to taking any medical tests, you should inform the person responsible for your test if you’ve had acetaminophen taken within the last three or four days. You can also contact the laboratory before time to inquire if Acetaminophen could cause a problem.

Acetaminophen could cause false results in certain tests of blood glucose. If you’re affected by diabetes and notice changes in the results of your tests, or if you have doubts, talk to your physician.

If you think that you’ve consumed too much acetaminophen seek emergency assistance immediately even if you have no indications of poisoning. Treatment for liver damage should be initiated promptly.

Acetaminophen side effects

Alongside its necessary effects, medicines can result in unwanted negative effects. While not all adverse effects can be present, if they do occur, they might require medical attention.

Talk to your doctor immediately If any of these negative side effects occur:

Rare

Black or bloody or black stool with tarry stools
Bloody or cloudy urine
Chills or fever (not present prior to treatment and not triggered by the illness being treated)
Pain from the lower back or side (severe or sharp)
Red spots that are specific on the skin
itching, hives, or itching
Sore throat (not present prior to treatment and not due to treatment for the condition)
ulcers, sores, and white marks on your lips or inside the mouth
rapid diminution in the amount of urine
unusual bleeding or bleeding that isn’t normal or
unusual fatigue or weakness
Skin or eyes with yellow eyes

Seek emergency assistance immediately in the event that any of the following signs of an overdose develop:

Signs of an overdose

Diarrhea
Increased sweating
Loss of appetite
nausea or vomiting
stomach pain or cramps
swelling, pain, and tenderness that can be felt in your upper abdominal, or the stomach region

Other adverse side effects that are not listed could also be present in certain patients. If you observe any other side effects, you should consult with your doctor.

Additional details

Always consult your physician to confirm that the information provided on this site is appropriate to your particular situation.

SRC: NLM .

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