Acetaminophen

Generic name: Acetaminophen
Brand names: Tylenol, Aspirin Free Anacin

Why is Acetaminophen prescribed?

Tylenol is a fever- and pain-reducing medication that is widely used to relieve simple headaches and muscle aches; the minor aches and pains associated with the common cold; backache; toothache; minor pain of arthritis; and menstrual cramps.

Most important fact about Acetaminophen

Do not use Tylenol to relieve pain for more than 10 days, or to reduce fever for more than 3 days unless your doctor has specifically told you to do so.

How should you take Acetaminophen?

Follow the dosing instructions on the label. Do not take more Tylenol than is recommended.

--If you miss a dose...

Take Acetaminophen only as needed.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature. Protect extra strength gelcaps and geltabs from high humidity and excessive heat. Keep the extended relief caplets away from high heat.

What side effects may occur?

Tylenol is relatively free of side effects. Rarely, an allergic reaction may occur. If you develop any allergic symptoms such as rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing, stop taking Tylenol immediately and notify your doctor.

Special warnings about Acetaminophen

Stop taking Tylenol and check with your doctor if you develop new symptoms, if redness or swelling are present, if pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days, or if fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days. Children's and Junior Strength Tylenol should not be used for more than 5 days for pain, or 3 days for fever.

If you generally drink 3 or more alcoholic beverages per day, check with your doctor about using Tylenol and other acetaminophen-containing products, and never take more than the recommended dosage. There is a possibility of damage to the liver when large amounts of alcohol and acetaminophen are combined.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Acetaminophen

If Tylenol is taken with certain other drugs the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Tylenol with the following:

Alcohol
Cholestyramine (Questran)
Isoniazid (Nydrazid)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Dolobid and Motrin
Oral Contraceptives
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Zidovudine (Retrovir)

Tylenol should not be used with other products containing acetaminophen.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

As with all medications, ask your doctor or health care professional whether it is safe for you to use Tylenol while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS AND CHILDREN 12 YEARS AND OLDER

Tylenol Regular Strength

The usual dose is 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours. Do not take more than 12 caplets or tablets in 24 hours.

Tylenol Extra Strength

The usual dose is 2 pills or tablespoonfuls every 4 to 6 hours. Do not take more than 8 pills or tablespoonfuls in 24 hours.

Tylenol Extended Relief

The usual dose is 2 caplets every 8 hours, not to exceed 6 caplets in any 24 hour period. Swallow each caplet whole. Do not crush, chew, or dissolve the caplets.

CHILDREN 6 TO 12 YEARS OLD

Tylenol Regular Strength

One-half to 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours. Children in this age group should not be given more than 5 doses in 24 hours.

Junior Strength Tylenol

All doses of Junior Strength Tylenol chewable tablets may be repeated every 4 hours, up to 5 times a day. The usual dose for children 6 to 8 years of age is 2 tablets; 9 to 10 years, 2-1/2 tablets; 11 years, 3 tablets; 12 years, 4 tablets

Children's Tylenol

All doses of Children's Tylenol may be repeated every 4 hours, but not more than 5 times daily. Chewable tablets: The usual dose for children 6 to 8 years of age is 4 tablets; 9 to 10 years, 5 tablets; 11 to 12 years, 6 tablets. Suspension liquid: (A special cup for measuring dosage is provided.) The usual dose for children 6 to 8 years of age is 2 teaspoons; 9 to 10 years, 2-1/2 teaspoons; 11 to 12 years, 3 teaspoons.

CHILDREN UNDER 6 YEARS OLD

Children's Tylenol

All doses of Children's Tylenol may be repeated every 4 hours, but not more than 5 times daily. Children under 2 years old should be given Children's Tylenol only on the advice of a physician. Chewable tablets: The usual dose for children 2 to 3 years of age is 2 tablets; 4 to 5 years, 3 tablets. Suspension liquid: (A special cup for measuring dosage is provided.) The usual dose for children 4 to 11 months of age is 1/2 teaspoon; 12 to 23 months, 3/4 teaspoon; 2 to 3 years, 1 teaspoon; 4 to 5 years, 1-1/2 teaspoons.

Infants' Tylenol Concentrated Drops

The usual dose for children 0 to 3 months of age is 0.4 milliliter; 4 to 11 months, 0.8 milliliter; 12 to 23 months, 1.2 milliliters; 2 to 3 years, 1.6 milliliters.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Massive doses of Tylenol may cause liver damage.

Symptoms of Tylenol overdose may include:
Excessive perspiration, exhaustion, general discomfort, nausea, vomiting


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