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GENERIC
NAME: acetaminophen
BRAND NAME: Tylenol and many
other
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM:
Acetaminophen belongs to a class of drugs called
analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics
(fever reducers). The exact mechanism of action
of acetaminophen is not known. Acetaminophen
relieves pain by elevating the pain threshold,
that is, by requiring a greater amount of pain
to develop before it is felt by a person. It
reduces fever through its action on the
heat-regulating center of the brain.
Specifically, it tells the center to lower the
body's temperature when the temperature is
elevated. Acetaminophen was approved by the FDA
in 1951.
PRESCRIPTION:
no
GENERIC AVAILABLE:
yes
PREPARATIONS: Liquid
suspension, chewable tablets, coated caplets,
gelcaps, geltabs, and suppositories. Common
dosages are 325, 500 and 650
mg.
STORAGE: Store tablets and
solutions at room temperature 15-30°C (59-86°F).
Suppositories should be refrigerated below 27°C
(80°F ).
PRESCRIBED FOR:
Acetaminophen is used for the relief of fever as
well as aches and pains associated with many
conditions. Acetaminophen relieves pain in mild
arthritis but has no effect on the underlying
inflammation, redness and swelling of the joint.
If the pain is not due to inflammation,
acetaminophen is as effective as aspirin. It is
as effective as the non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen (Motrin) in
relieving the pain of osteoarthritis of the
knee.
DOSING: The oral dose for
adults is 325 to 650 mg every 4-6 hours. The
maximum daily dose is 4 grams. The oral dose for
a child is based on the child's age, and the
range is 40-650 mg every 4 hours.
When
administered as a suppository, the adult dose is
650 mg every 4-6 hours. For children, the dose
is 80-325 mg every 4-6 hours depending on
age.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Acetaminophen is metabolized (eliminated by
conversion to other chemicals) by the liver.
Therefore drugs that increase the action of
liver enzymes that metabolize acetaminophen
(e.g. carbamazepine, isoniazid, rifampin) may
decrease the action of acetaminophen. The
potential for acetaminophen to harm the liver is
increased when it is combined with alcohol or
drugs that also harm the liver.
PREGNANCY: Acetaminophen is
used in all stages of
pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS:
Acetaminophen is excreted in breast milk in
small quantities. However, acetaminophen use by
the nursing mother appears to be
safe.
SIDE EFFECTS: When used
appropriately, side effects are rare. The most
serious side effect is liver damage due to large
doses, chronic use or concomitant use with
alcohol or other drugs that also damage the
liver.
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