GENERIC NAME: acetaminophen
BRAND NAME: Tylenol and others
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.
It may reduce the production of prostaglandins in the brain.
Prostaglandins are chemicals that cause inflammation and swelling.
Acetaminophen relieves pain by elevating the pain threshold, that is, by
requiring a greater amount of pain to develop before a person feels it.
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. The FDA approved
acetaminophen in 1951.
PRESCRIPTION: No.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes.
PREPARATIONS: Solution/suspension: 160 mg/5 ml; Liquid: 500
mg/ml; Chewable tablets: 80, 160 mg; Tablet (disintegrating): 80, 160
mg; Caplets: 325, 500, 650 mg; Caplet (extended release): 650 mg;
Gelcaps: 500 mg; Geltabs: 500 mg
STORAGE: Tablets and solutions should be stored at room
temperature 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 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. Unless directed by a physician, acetaminophen should not be used for longer than 10 days.
DOSING:
- The dose for adults is 325 to 650 mg every 4 hours or 500 mg every 8 hours when using immediate release formulations.
- The dose for extended release caplet is 1300 mg every 8 hours.
- The maximum daily dose is 4 grams.
- The oral dose for a child is based on the child's age and weight.
- If less than 12 years old the dosing is 10-15 mg/kg every 6-8 hours not to exceed 2.6 g/day (5 doses).
- If older than 12 years of age the dose is 40-60 mg/kg/day every 6 hours not to exceed 3.75 g/day (5 doses).
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, for example, carbamazepine
(Tegretol), isoniazid, rifampin (Rifamate, Rifadin, and Rimactane),
reduce the levels of acetaminophen and may decrease the effectiveness of
acetaminophen. Doses of acetaminophen greater than the recommended
doses are toxic to the liver and may result in severe liver damage. The
potential for acetaminophen to harm the liver is increased when it is
combined with alcohol or drugs that also harm the liver.
Cholestyramine
(Questran) reduces the effect of acetaminophen by decreasing its
absorption into the body from the intestine. Therefore, acetaminophen
should be administered 3 to 4 hours after cholestyramine or one hour
before cholestyramine.
Acetaminophen doses greater than 2275 mg per day may increase the blood thinning effect of warfarin
(Coumadin) by an unknown mechanism. Therefore, prolonged administration
or large doses of acetaminophen should be avoided during warfarin
therapy.
PREGNANCY: Acetaminophen is used in all stages of pregnancy and is the drug of choice for short-term treatment of fever and minor pain
during 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 with
acetaminophen are not common. 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. Chronic alcohol use may also
increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 3/22/2013
_______
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