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Acetaminophen

(a set a mee' noe fen)

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Why is this medication prescribed?   Return to top

Acetaminophen is used to relieve mild to moderate pain from headaches, muscle aches, menstrual periods, colds and sore throats, toothaches, backaches, and reactions to vaccinations (shots), and to reduce fever. Acetaminophen may also be used to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by the breakdown of the lining of the joints). Acetaminophen is in a class of medications called analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers). It works by changing the way the body senses pain and by cooling the body.

How should this medicine be used?   Return to top

Acetaminophen comes as a tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, suspension or solution (liquid), drops (concentrated liquid), extended-release (long-acting) tablet, and orally disintegrating tablet (tablet that dissolves quickly in the mouth), to take by mouth, with or without food. Acetaminophen also comes as a suppository to use rectally. Acetaminophen is available without a prescription, but your doctor may prescribe acetaminophen to treat certain conditions. 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 directed on the package label or prescribed by your doctor. Taking more than the recommended amount may cause damage to your liver.

If you are giving acetaminophen to your child, read the package label carefully to make sure that it is the right product for the age of the child. Do not give children acetaminophen products that are made for adults. Some products for adults and older children may contain too much acetaminophen for a younger child. Drops made for infants are more concentrated (much more medication in each drop) than liquids made for older children. Check the package label to find out how much medication the child needs. If you know how much your child weighs, give the dose that matches that weight on the chart. If you don't know your child's weight, give the dose that matches your child's age. Ask your child's doctor if you don't know how much medication to give your child.

Acetaminophen comes in combination with other medications to treat cough and cold symptoms. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on which product is best for your symptoms. Check nonprescription cough and cold product labels carefully before using two or more products at the same time. These products may contain the same active ingredient(s) and taking them together could cause you to receive an overdose. This is especially important if you will be giving cough and cold medications to a child.

Swallow the extended-release tablets whole; do not split, chew, crush, or dissolve them.

Place the orally disintegrating tablet ('Meltaways') in your mouth and allow to dissolve or chew it before swallowing.

Shake the suspension and drops well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Use the measuring cup provided by the manufacturer to measure each dose of the solution or suspension, and use the dosing device provided to measure each dose of the drops. Use the dosing device to slowly release the drops directly into the child's mouth near the inner cheek. Do not mix the drops with baby formula.

To insert an acetaminophen suppository into the rectum, follow these steps:

Stop taking acetaminophen and call your doctor if your symptoms get worse, you develop new or unexpected symptoms, including redness or swelling, your pain lasts for more than 10 days, or your fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days. Also stop giving acetaminophen to your child and call your child's doctor if your child develops new symptoms, including redness or swelling, or your child's pain lasts for longer than 5 days, or fever get worse or lasts longer than 3 days.

Do not give acetaminophen to a child who has a sore throat that is severe or does not go away, or that occurs along with fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting. Call the child's doctor right away, because these symptoms may be signs of a more serious condition.

Other uses for this medicine   Return to top

Acetaminophen may also be used in combination with aspirin and caffeine to relieve the pain associated with migraine headache.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?   Return to top

Before taking acetaminophen,

What special dietary instructions should I follow?   Return to top

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?   Return to top

This medication is usually taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take acetaminophen regularly, 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.

What side effects can this medication cause?   Return to top

Acetaminophen may cause side effects.

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

Acetaminophen may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?   Return to top

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose   Return to top

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

If someone takes more than the recommended dose of acetaminophen, get medical help immediately, even if the person does not have any symptoms. Symptoms of overdose may include:

What other information should I know?   Return to top

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking acetaminophen.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about acetaminophen.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names   Return to top

  • Acephen®
  • Anacin® Aspirin Free Maximum Strength Tablets®
  • Capital® and Codeine
  • Endocet®
  • Excedrin P.M.® Caplets®
  • Excedrin P.M.® Geltabs®
  • Excedrin P.M.® Tablets
  • Excedrin® Extra-Strength Caplets®
  • Excedrin® Extra-Strength Tablets
  • Excedrin® Migraine Caplets®
  • Excedrin® Migraine Geltabs
  • Excedrin® Migraine Tablets
  • FeverAll® Children's
  • FeverAll® Infants'
  • FeverAll® Junior Strength
  • Gelpirin®
  • Genapap®
  • Genapap® Children's
  • Genapap® Drops Infant's
  • Genapap® Extra Strength Caplets®
  • Genapap® Extra Strength Tablets
  • Genapap® Gel-Coat Caplets®
  • Genebs®
  • Genebs® Extra Strength Caplets®
  • Genebs® Extra Strength Tablets
  • Goody's® Extra Strength Tablets
  • Goody's® Fast Pain Relief Tablets
  • Goody's® Headache Powders
  • Liquiprin® Drops
  • Roxicet®
  • Supac®
  • Tylenol®
  • Tylenol® Arthritis Pain Extended Relief Caplets®
  • Tylenol® Meltaways Children's
  • Tylenol® Concentrated Drops Infant's
  • Tylenol® Extra Strength Adult
  • Tylenol® Extra Strength Caplets®
  • Tylenol® Extra Strength Gelcaps®
  • Tylenol® Extra Strength Geltabs®
  • Tylenol® Extra Strength Tablets
  • Tylenol® Meltaways Junior Strength
  • Tylenol® Suspension Children's
  • Tylenol® with Codeine Elixir
  • Tylenol® with Codeine No. 3
  • Tylenol® with Codeine No. 4
  • Tylox®
  • Vanquish® Caplets®
  • Wygesic®

Brand names of combination products   Return to top

  • Allerest® No Drowsiness containing Acetaminophen and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
  • Axocet® containing Acetaminophen and Butalbital
  • Benadryl® Severe Allergy and Sinus Headache Maximum Strength Caplets® containing Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
  • Bupap® containing Acetaminophen and Butalbital
  • Dristan® Cold No Drowsiness Formula Maximum Strength Caplets® containing Acetaminophen and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
  • Duradrin® containing Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, and Isometheptene Mucate
  • Excedrin® Aspirin-Free Caplets® containing Acetaminophen and Caffeine
  • Excedrin® Aspirin-Free Geltabs® containing Acetaminophen and Caffeine
  • Excedrin® Quicktabs® containing Acetaminophen and Caffeine
  • I.D.A.® containing Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, and Isometheptene Mucate
  • Midol® Menstrual Formula Maximum Strength Caplets® containing Acetaminophen, Caffeine, and Pyrilamine Maleate
  • Midol® Menstrual Formula Maximum Strength Gelcaps® containing Acetaminophen, Caffeine, and Pyrilamine Maleate
  • Midol® PMS Maximum Strength Caplets® containing Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, and Pyrilamine Maleate
  • Midol® PMS Maximum Strength Gelcaps® containing Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, and Pyrilamine Maleate
  • Midol® Teen Menstrual Formula Caplets® containing Acetaminophen and Pamabrom
  • Midrin® containing Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, and Isometheptene Mucate
  • Ornex® Caplets® containing Acetaminophen and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
  • Ornex® Maximum Strength Caplets® containing Acetaminophen and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
  • Pamprin® Maximum Pain Relief Caplets® containing Acetaminophen, Magnesium Salicylate, and Pamabrom
  • Pamprin® Multi-Symptom containing Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, and Pyrilamine Maleate
  • Percogesic® containing Acetaminophen and Phenyltoloxamine Citrate
  • Percogesic® Extra Strength Caplets® containing Acetaminophen and Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride
  • Phrenilin® containing Acetaminophen and Butalbital
  • Phrenilin® Forte containing Acetaminophen and Butalbital
  • Premsyn PMS® Caplets® containing Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, and Pyrilamine Maleate
  • Sedapap® containing Acetaminophen and Butalbital
  • Sinarest® No Drowsiness Tablets containing Acetaminophen and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
  • Sine-Off® Maximum Strength No Drowsiness Formula Caplets® containing Acetaminophen and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
  • Sinutab® containing Acetaminophen and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
  • Sinutab® Sinus Medication Maximum Strength Without Drowsiness Tablets containing Acetaminophen and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
  • Sominex® Pain Relief Formula containing Acetaminophen and Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride
  • St. Joseph® Cold Tablets for Children containing Acetaminophen and Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride
  • Sudafed® Sinus & Headache Caplets® containing Acetaminophen and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
  • Sudafed® Sinus & Headache Maximum Strength Tablets containing Acetaminophen and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
  • Tylenol® Allergy Sinus NightTime Maximum Strength Caplets® containing Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
  • Tylenol® Flu NightTime Maximum Strength Gelcaps® containing Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
  • Tylenol® PM Extra Strength Caplets® containing Acetaminophen and Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride
  • Tylenol® PM Extra Strength Gelcaps® containing Acetaminophen and Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride
  • Tylenol® PM Extra Strength Geltabs® containing Acetaminophen and Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride
  • Tylenol® Sinus Geltabs® Maximum Strength Tablets containing Acetaminophen and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
  • Tylenol® Sinus Medication Maximum Strength Geltabs® containing Acetaminophen and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
  • Tylenol® Sinus Medication Maximum-Strength Caplets® containing Acetaminophen and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
  • Tylenol® Sinus Medication Maximum-Strength Gelcaps® containing Acetaminophen and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
  • Tylenol® Women's Caplets® containing Acetaminophen and Pamabrom
  • Ultracet® containing Acetaminophen and Tramadol Hydrochloride
  • Women's Tylenol® Menstrual Relief Caplets® containing Acetaminophen and Pamabrom

Last Revised - 03/01/2008


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