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What is acetaminophen
 Acetaminophen
is a pain reliever and a fever reducer.
Acetaminophen
is used to treat many conditions such as headache, muscle
aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds, and fevers.
Acetaminophen
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about acetaminophen
Use
acetaminophen for up to 3 days for fever or up to 10 days
for pain (or up to 5 days to treat a child's pain). If the
symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse, stop using
acetaminophen and see a doctor.
Avoid alcohol
during treatment with acetaminophen. Together, alcohol and
acetaminophen can be damaging to the liver.
Be aware
of the acetaminophen content of other over-the-counter and
prescription products. Care should be taken to avoid taking
more than the recommended amount of acetaminophen per dose
or per day.
What you should find out before taking acetaminophen Do not take acetaminophen without first talking to
your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages
per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease. You
may not be able to take acetaminophen, or you may require
a lower dose or special monitoring.
Before taking
acetaminophen, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver
disease. You may not be able to take acetaminophen, or you
may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during
treatment if you have either of these conditions.
Acetaminophen is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means
that it is unlikely to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do
not take acetaminophen without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant.
Acetaminophen passes into breast
milk. It appears to be safe for use during breast-feeding
but should be avoided if possible. Talk to your doctor before
taking acetaminophen if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are treating a child, read the package carefully
and use a pediatric form of the medication if possible.
Talk to a doctor first if the child is younger than 2 years
of age.
How should take acetaminophen Take acetaminophen exactly as directed by your doctor
or follow the instructions on the package. If you do not
understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse,
or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each oral
dose with a full glass of water.
Acetaminophen can
be taken with or without food.
Wash your hands before
and after using the rectal suppositories. Run the suppository
under cold water or put it in the refrigerator for a few
minutes before using it. Remove any wrapping from the suppository
and moisten the suppository with cold water. Squat, stand,
or lie down with one leg straight and the other bent, in
a comfortable position that allows access to the rectal
area. Use your finger, or the applicator if one is provided,
to deposit the suppository as far as it will comfortably
go into the rectum. Insert the narrow end first. Close your
legs and lie still for a few minutes. If the applicator
will be reused, take it apart and wash it with warm water
and mild soap, then dry it completely. Avoid having a bowel
movement for at least 1 hour after inserting the suppository.
To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the
liquid forms of acetaminophen with a special dose-measuring
spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do
not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Shake the liquid well before measuring.
Never take more acetaminophen than is directed. The
maximum amounts for adults are 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose
and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more acetaminophen
could be damaging to the liver. If you drink more than three
alcoholic beverages per day, talk to your doctor before
taking acetaminophen.
Use acetaminophen for up to
3 days for fever or up to 10 days for pain (or up to 5 days
to treat a child's pain). If the symptoms do not improve,
or if they get worse, stop using acetaminophen and see a
doctor.
If you are treating a child, read the package
carefully and use a pediatric form of the medication if
possible. Talk to a doctor first if the child is younger
than 2 years of age.
Store acetaminophen at room
temperature away from heat, moisture, and the reach of children.
The rectal suppositories can be stored at room temperature
or in the refrigerator.
If you miss a dose: If you are taking acetaminophen on a regular schedule,
take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Wait the prescribed
amount of time or as directed in the package labeling before
taking another dose. Do not take a double dose.
If
you are taking acetaminophen on an as-needed basis, missing
a dose is not usually a problem. Take the dose as soon as
you remember, and do not take another dose for the amount
of time prescribed or as directed in the package labeling.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of an acetaminophen overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
abdominal pain, sweating, seizures, confusion, and an irregular
heartbeat.
Avoid while taking acetaminophen Avoid alcohol during treatment with acetaminophen.
Together, alcohol and acetaminophen can be damaging to the
liver.
Be aware of the acetaminophen content of other
over-the-counter and prescription products. Care should
be taken to avoid taking more than the recommended amount
of acetaminophen per dose or per day.
Possible side effects of acetaminophen If you experience any of the following rare but serious
side effects, stop taking acetaminophen and seek emergency
medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the
throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea,
abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising,
severe fatigue);
- blood problems (easy or unusual
bleeding or bruising).
Other, less serious side effects
are not known to occur.
Side effects other than those
listed here may occur. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect acetaminophen Be aware of the acetaminophen content of other over-the-counter
and prescription products. Care should be taken to avoid
taking more than the recommended amount of acetaminophen
per dose or per day.
Acetaminophen may cause false
urine glucose test results. Talk to your doctor if you have
diabetes and you notice changes in your glucose levels while
taking acetaminophen.
Other medications may interact
with acetaminophen. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before
taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including
herbal products while taking acetaminophen.
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