| What
is ACETAMINOPHEN? |
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Acetaminophen is an OTC (over the counter) non-narcotic analgesic. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to reduce fever. It does not relieve the stiffness, redness, and swelling of arthritis. This medication may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. It’s also called paracetamol. Acetaminophen is produced as a tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, liquid, drops, and granules (to be dissolved in water) to take by mouth and a suppository to use rectally. |
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| How
should I use ACETAMINOPHEN? |
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Follow the directions on the package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take acetaminophen exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules; swallow them whole.
To insert an acetaminophen suppository into the rectum, first remove the wrapper, then dip the tip of the suppository in cold water, after that lie down on your side and using your finger insert the suppository into the rectum (about 1 to 2 cm in infants and children and 2 to 3 cm in adults).
Acetaminophen should not be taken for pain for more than 10 days (5 days for children) without talking to a doctor. Acetaminophen should not be taken by adults or children for high fever, fever lasting more than 3 days, or recurrent fever without a doctor's supervision. Do not give a child more than five doses in 24 hours unless prescribed so by a doctor. |
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| If
you miss a dose! |
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If you are taking acetaminophen on a regular basis, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. |
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| Dietary
instructions |
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Acetaminophen can be taken with or without food. If your stomach upsets taking the drug without food, take acetaminophen with meals or milk. |
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| Special
Precautions & Warnings |
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Tell your doctor if:
1. You are allergic to acetaminophen or any other drugs.
2. You are taking any other medications, specially carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, sulfinpyrazone, and vitamins.
3. You have liver disease or a history of liver disease or alcohol abuse.
4. You drink alcoholic beverages.
5. You are pregnant or you are breast-feeding a child.
6. If you are taking NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), aspirin or anticoagulants (like warfarin). |
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| Side
Effects |
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Although side effects from acetaminophen are not common, if you experience any of the following symptoms stop using it and call your doctor:
Yellow eyes or skin; diarrhea; loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting; stomachache; pain, swelling or tenderness in upper abdomen; black or tar-looking stool; dark or bloody urine or abrupt decrease of urine; bruising or unusual bleeding; skin rash or oral ulcers; fever or sore throat which was not present before treatment. |
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| Storage |
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Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from direct light, excess heat and moisture. Keep suppositories in a cool place, but do not freeze suppositories and liquid forms (drops or syrup) of acetaminophen. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. |
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| Emergency/Overdose |
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In case of overdose (even if the patient has no signs or symptoms of intoxication), seek help at the nearest emergency center. Treatment must be started as soon as possible. The first 24 hour is a critical time to prevent liver damage or even death. |
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| Drug
interactions |
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Taking alcohol with acetaminophen can increase the chance of liver damage. It is advised not to drink alcohol while taking this medication. Acetaminophen can decrease the effects of lamotrigine, loop diuretics (furosemide), and zidovudine. |
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| Children,
pregnant women & nursing mothers |
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This medicine is used during pregnancy and appears safe for short-term use at therapeutic doses. For nursing mothers, it is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. No adverse effects have been reported. |
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| More
information |
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Before taking other nonprescription pain relievers or cold, cough, and allergy products, read their labels to be sure that they do not contain acetaminophen. An overdose of acetaminophen can have serious, life-threatening consequences. |
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