Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen

(a seet a MIN oh fen)

U.S. Brand Names

Acephen™ [OTC]; APAP 500 [OTC]; Apra [OTC] [DSC]; Aspirin Free Anacin® Extra Strength [OTC]; Cetafen® Extra [OTC]; Cetafen® [OTC]; Excedrin® Tension Headache [OTC]; FeverALL® [OTC]; Genapap™ Children [OTC]; Genapap™ Extra Strength [OTC]; Genapap™ Infant [OTC] [DSC]; Genapap™ [OTC] [DSC]; Genebs Extra Strength [OTC]; Genebs [OTC] [DSC]; Infantaire [OTC]; Little Fevers™ [OTC]; Mapap Children's [OTC]; Mapap Extra Strength [OTC]; Mapap Infants [OTC]; Mapap Jr. Strength [OTC]; Mapap [OTC]; Nortemp Children's [OTC]; Pain Eze [OTC]; Silapap Children's [OTC]; Silapap Infant's [OTC]; Tycolene Maximum Strength [OTC]; Tycolene [OTC] [DSC]; Tylenol® 8 Hour [OTC]; Tylenol® Arthritis Pain Extended Relief [OTC]; Tylenol® Children's Meltaways [OTC]; Tylenol® Children's with Flavor Creator [OTC]; Tylenol® Children's [OTC]; Tylenol® Extra Strength [OTC]; Tylenol® Infant's Concentrated [OTC]; Tylenol® Jr. Meltaways [OTC]; Tylenol® [OTC]; Valorin Extra [OTC]; Valorin [OTC]

Canadian Brand Names

Abenol®; Apo-Acetaminophen®; Atasol®; Novo-Gesic; Pediatrix; Tempra®; Tylenol®

Mexican Brand Names

Adinol; Analphen; Dismifen; Doluvital ; Dolviran; Filanc; Mejoralito Junior; Mejoralito Pediátrico; Nordinet Infantil; Pharmacen-M; Sedalito; Sinedol; Tempra; Tylenol; Tylex; XL-Dol Infantil

Pharmacologic Category

Analgesic, Miscellaneous

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to acetaminophen or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to relieve pain and fever.

How does it work?

• Acetaminophen blocks production and release of chemicals that cause pain.

• It reduces fever by adjusting the body's thermostat in the brain.

How is it best taken?

• Do not take more than prescribed amount. Liver damage can occur.

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Eat regularly. May decrease risk of liver damage.

• Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

• You may sprinkle contents of capsule on soft food or liquid. Do not chew.

• A liquid (elixir, suspension, solution, syrup) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake suspension well before use.

• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

• Use suppository rectally.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Avoid other sources of acetaminophen. An overdose may cause dangerous problems.

• If you are taking a blood thinner, you will require more frequent monitoring.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Avoid or limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor) to less than 3 drinks a day. Drinking too much alcohol may increase the risk of liver disease.

• If you have PKU, talk with healthcare provider. Some products do contain phenylalanine.

• Be careful if you have G6PD deficiency. Anemia may occur.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Liver damage can rarely occur.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.

• Severe belly pain.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Yellow skin or eyes.

• Not hungry.

• Feeling extremely tired or weak.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• Do not freeze suppositories.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 10:19:21.0

Modified: 2009-06-25 08:43:42.0

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