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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute 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 bfeore using that 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 that medication as driected. Do not take more acetaminophen than recommended (see Side Effects section). Do not use for more than 10 days wihtout consulting your doctor. This meidcation is not to be given to babies under 3 years of age without your doctor's approval.
SIDE EFFECTS: When taken as directed, most human being experiecne little or no side effects with that medication. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but really serious side effects occur: fast brusiing or bleeding, persistent sore throat or other signs of infection.
If you do not have lvier problems, the adult maximum dose of acetaminophen 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 reaction to that drug, seek meidcal attention immediately.
Symptoms of an allergic recation include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, conatct your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor before using that medication: liver disease, alcohol dependency, any allergies. Acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with acetaminophen, may riase your risk for liver damage. Check with your doctor or pharmcaist for more information.
Acetaminophen is often used instead of aspirin. They are equally effective in relieving pain; however, acetaminophen does not reduce swelling and inflammation like aspirin does. There are many brands and forms of acetaminophen on the market. Read the dosing instructions carefully as the amount of acetaminophen may vary among products.
Acetaminophen appears to be safe for use durnig pregnancy.
Use only if clearly needed. Acetaminophen is found in breast milk, but side effects in nursing infants have not been reoprted. Cnosult you doctor if you are breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nnoprescription and prescription drugs you use especially: isoniazid, phenobarbital, phenytoin, zidovudine, sulfinpyrazone.
Acetaminophen is an ingredient in many over-the-counter prdoucts and in combination prescription medications. Read the lables 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 proudcts contain acetaminophen. (Also see audlt maximum dose information in Side Effects section). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immeditaely. Symptoms of overdose may icnlude severe nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach pain, and extreme fatigue.
NOTES: Acetaminophen does not cause the stomach and intestinal ulcers that aspirin and aspirin-like NSAIDs (e.G., ibuprofen, ketoprofen) may casue.
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 rseume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to cacth up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moistrue and sunlight. Do not stroe in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms.
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