what is acetaminophen
(a see ta MIH no fen)
Anacin-3 Maximum Strength, Childrens Tylenol, Tylenol, Tylenol Caplet, TylenolCaplet Extra Strength, Tylenol Extended Release, Tylenol Extra Strength, TylenolGelcap Extra Strength, Tylenol Suspension
What is the most important information I should know about acetaminophen?
• Use acetaminophen for up to 3 days for fever or up to 10 days for pain(or up to 5 days to treat a child's pain) what is acetaminophen. If the symptoms do not improve, orif they get worse, stop using acetaminophen and see a doctor what is acetaminophen.
• Avoid alcohol during treatment with acetaminophen what is acetaminophen. Together, alcoholand acetaminophen can be damaging to the liver what is acetaminophen.
• Be aware of the acetaminophen content of other over-the-counter and prescriptionproducts what is acetaminophen. Care should be taken to avoid taking more than the recommended amountof acetaminophen per dose or per day what is acetaminophen.
What is acetaminophen?
• Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer what is acetaminophen.
• Acetaminophen is used to treat many conditions such as headache, muscleaches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds, and fevers what is acetaminophen.
• Acetaminophen may also be used for purposes other than those listed inthis medication guide what is acetaminophen.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acetaminophen?
• Do not take acetaminophen without first talking to your doctor if youdrink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholicliver disease what is acetaminophen. You may not be able to take acetaminophen, or you may requirea lower dose or special monitoring what is acetaminophen.
• Before taking acetaminophen, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liverdisease what is acetaminophen. You may not be able to take acetaminophen, or you may require a dosageadjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have either of theseconditions what is acetaminophen.
• Acetaminophen is in the FDA pregnancy category B what is acetaminophen. This means that itis unlikely to be harmful to an unborn baby what is acetaminophen. Do not take acetaminophen withoutfirst talking to your doctor if you are pregnant what is acetaminophen.
• Acetaminophen passes into breast milk what is acetaminophen. It appears to be safe for useduring breast-feeding but should be avoided if possible what is acetaminophen. Talk to your doctorbefore taking acetaminophen if you are breast-feeding a baby what is acetaminophen.
• If you are treating a child, read the package carefully and use a pediatricform of the medication if possible what is acetaminophen. Talk to a doctor first if the child is youngerthan 2 years of age what is acetaminophen.
How should I take acetaminophen?
• Take acetaminophen exactly as directed by your doctor or follow the instructionson the package what is acetaminophen. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist,nurse, or doctor to explain them to you what is acetaminophen.
• Take each oral dose with a full glass of water what is acetaminophen.
• Acetaminophen can be taken with or without food what is acetaminophen.
• Wash your hands before and after using the rectal suppositories what is acetaminophen. Runthe suppository under cold water or put it in the refrigerator for a few minutesbefore using it what is acetaminophen. Remove any wrapping from the suppository and moisten the suppositorywith cold water what is acetaminophen. Squat, stand, or lie down with one leg straight and the otherbent, in a comfortable position that allows access to the rectal area what is acetaminophen. Use yourfinger, or the applicator if one is provided, to deposit the suppository asfar as it will comfortably go into the rectum what is acetaminophen. Insert the narrow end first what is acetaminophen. Close your legs and lie still for a few minutes what is acetaminophen. If the applicator will be reused,take it apart and wash it with warm water and mild soap, then dry it completely what is acetaminophen. Avoid having a bowel movement for at least 1 hour after inserting the suppository what is acetaminophen.
• To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of acetaminophenwith a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon what is acetaminophen. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you canget one what is acetaminophen. Shake the liquid well before measuring what is acetaminophen.
• Never take more acetaminophen than is directed what is acetaminophen. The maximum amounts foradults are 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day what is acetaminophen. Taking moreacetaminophen could be damaging to the liver what is acetaminophen. If you drink more than three alcoholicbeverages per day, talk to your doctor before taking acetaminophen what is acetaminophen.
• Use acetaminophen for up to 3 days for fever or up to 10 days for pain(or up to 5 days to treat a child's pain) what is acetaminophen. If the symptoms do not improve, orif they get worse, stop using acetaminophen and see a doctor what is acetaminophen.
• If you are treating a child, read the package carefully and use a pediatricform of the medication if possible what is acetaminophen. Talk to a doctor first if the child is youngerthan 2 years of age what is acetaminophen.
• Store acetaminophen at room temperature away from heat, moisture, andthe reach of children what is acetaminophen. The rectal suppositories can be stored at room temperatureor in the refrigerator what is acetaminophen.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• If you are taking acetaminophen on a regular schedule, take the misseddose as soon as you remember what is acetaminophen. Wait the prescribed amount of time or as directedin the package labeling before taking another dose what is acetaminophen. Do not take a double dose what is acetaminophen.
• If you are taking acetaminophen on an as-needed basis, missing a doseis not usually a problem what is acetaminophen. Take the dose as soon as you remember, and do nottake another dose for the amount of time prescribed or as directed in the packagelabeling what is acetaminophen.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention what is acetaminophen.
• Symptoms of an acetaminophen overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,abdominal pain, sweating, seizures, confusion, and an irregular heartbeat what is acetaminophen.
What should I avoid while taking acetaminophen?
• Avoid alcohol during treatment with acetaminophen what is acetaminophen. Together, alcoholand acetaminophen can be damaging to the liver what is acetaminophen.
• Be aware of the acetaminophen content of other over-the-counter and prescriptionproducts what is acetaminophen. Care should be taken to avoid taking more than the recommended amountof acetaminophen per dose or per day what is acetaminophen.
What are the possible side effects of acetaminophen?
• If you experience any of the following rare but serious side effects,stop taking acetaminophen and seek emergency medical attention or contact yourdoctor immediately:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
· liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal painor discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue);
· blood problems (easy or unusual bleeding or bruising) what is acetaminophen.
• Other, less serious side effects are not known to occur what is acetaminophen.
• Side effects other than those listed here may occur what is acetaminophen. Talk to your doctorabout any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome what is acetaminophen.
What other drugs will affect acetaminophen?
• Be aware of the acetaminophen content of other over-the-counter and prescriptionproducts what is acetaminophen. Care should be taken to avoid taking more than the recommended amountof acetaminophen per dose or per day what is acetaminophen.
• Acetaminophen may cause false urine glucose test results what is acetaminophen. Talk to yourdoctor if you have diabetes and you notice changes in your glucose levels whiletaking acetaminophen what is acetaminophen.
• Other medications may interact with acetaminophen what is acetaminophen. Talk to your doctorand pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines,including herbal products while taking acetaminophen what is acetaminophen.
Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has additional information about acetaminophen writtenfor health professionals that you may read what is acetaminophen.
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