ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL (uh-seet-uh-MEE-no-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 TAKE THIS MEDICATION:
Take this medication as directed. Do not take more than recommended. Do not use for more than 10 days without consulting your doctor. This medication is not to be given to children under 3 years of age without your doctor’s approval.

SIDE EFFECTS:
When taken as directed, most people experience little or no side effects with this medication. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur:
easy bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat or other signs of infection. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction 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 listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking nonprescription pain relievers or cold, cough and allergy products, read their labels to be sure they do not contain acetaminophen. An overdose of acetaminophen can be harmful. Acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with acetaminophen, may increase your risk for liver damage. Check with your doctor or pharmacist 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 during pregnancy. Use only if clearly needed. Acetaminophen is found in breast milk, but side effects in nursing infants have not been reported. Consult 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. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison 8ontrol center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, and exhaustion.

NOTES:
Acetaminophen does not cause the stomach and intestinal 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 catch up.

STORAGE:
Store 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.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.