Why it is Prescribed
Acetaminophen is used to relieve mild to moderate pain from headaches, muscle aches, menstrual periods, colds and sore throats, toothaches, backaches, 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 it Works
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 ...
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Why it is Prescribed
Acetaminophen is used to relieve mild to moderate pain from headaches, muscle aches, menstrual periods, colds and sore throats, toothaches, backaches, 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.
Brand Names
Acephen ® Allerest ® No Drowsiness as a combination product containing Acetaminophen and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride Anacin ® Aspirin Free Maximum Strength Tablets ® Axocet ® as a combination product containing Acetaminophen and Butalbital Benadryl ® Severe Allergy and Sinus Headache Maximum Strength Caplets ® as a combination product containing Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride Bupap ® as a combination product containing Acetaminophen and Butalbital Capital ® and Codeine Dristan ® Cold No Drowsiness Formula Maximum Strength Caplets ® as a combination product containing Acetaminophen and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride Duradrin ® as a combination product containing Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, and Isometheptene Mucate Endocet
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How it Works
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.
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Other Uses
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.
Overdose
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:
nausea
vomiting
loss of appetite
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Precautions
Before taking acetaminophen,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to acetaminophen, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in the product. Ask your pharmacist or check the label on the package for a list of ingredients.
do not take two or more products that contain acetaminophen at the same time. Many prescription and nonprescription medications contain acetaminophen in combination with other medications. Read the package labels or ask your doctor or pharmacist to be sure that you do not take more than one product that contains acetaminophen at a time.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, or herbal products you ...
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Possible Side Effects
Acetaminophen may cause side effects.
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
rash
hives
itching
swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
hoarseness
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Special Dietary Concerns
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Storage Conditions
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.
