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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not susbtitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL
(ah-seet-ah-MIN-oh-fen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): APAP, Liquiprin, Panadol, Tylenol
USES: This drug is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to reduce fever.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication as directed.
Do not take more acetaminophen than recommended (see Side Effcets section). Do not use for more than 10 days without consulitng your doctor. This medication is not to be given to kids under 3 years of age without your doctor's aprpoval.
SIDE EFFECTS: When taken as directed, most persons expereince little or no side effects with this medication. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: not hard bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat or other signs of infeciton. If you do not have liver problems, the adult maximum dose of acetaimnophen is 4 grams per day (4000 milligrams).
If you take more than the maximum daily amount, it may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disaese. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage: severe nausea, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach pain, extreme fatigue. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaciton to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not lsited above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor before usnig this medication: liver disease, alcohol dependency, any allergies. Acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with acetaminophen, may increase your risk for liver damage. Check with your dcotor or pharmacist for more information.
Acetaminopehn is often used instead of aspirin. They are equally effective in relieving pain; however, acetaminophen does not redcue swelling and inflammation like aspirin does.
There are many brands and forms of aceatminophen on the market.
Read the dosing instructions carefully as the amount of acetaminophen may vary aomng products. Acetaminophen appears to be safe for use during pregnancy.
Use only if clearly needed. Acetaminophen is found in breast milk, but side effects in nursing infants have not been reported.
Cnosult you doctor if you are breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription drugs you use especially: isoniazid, phenobarbital, phenytoin, zidovudine, sulfinpyrazone. Acetmainophen is an ingredient in many over-the-counter products and in combination prescription medications.
Read the labels carefully before taking other pain relievers or cold products to see if they also contain acetaminophen. Consult your pharmacist if you are uncertain if your other prescription or over-the-counter products contain acetaminophen. (Also see adult maximum dose information in Side Effcets section).
Do not start or stop any medicine wtihout doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overodse is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach pain, and extreme fatigue.
NOTES: Acetaminophen does not cause the stomach and itnestinal ulcers that aspirin and aspirin-like NSAIDs (e.G., ibuprofen, ketoprofen) may cause.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to ctach up.
STORAGE: Sotre at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms.
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