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


Image : Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen, Oxycodone hydrochloride

Generic name: Acetaminophen, Oxycodone hydrochloride
Brand names: Endocet, Roxicet, Tylox, Percocet

Why is Acetaminophen, Oxycodone hydrochloride prescribed?

Percocet, a narcotic analgesic, is used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It contains two drugs--acetaminophen and oxycodone. Acetaminophen is used to reduce both pain and fever. Oxycodone, a narcotic analgesic, is used for its calming effect and for pain.

Most important fact about Acetaminophen, Oxycodone hydrochloride

Percocet contains a narcotic and, even if taken only in prescribed amounts, can cause physical and psychological dependence when taken for a long time.

How should you take Acetaminophen, Oxycodone hydrochloride?

Percocet may be taken with meals or with milk.

--If you miss a dose...

If you take Percocet on a regular schedule, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Percocet.

More common side effects may include:
Dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, sedation, vomiting

You may be able to alleviate some of these side effects by lying down.

Why should Acetaminophen, Oxycodone hydrochloride not be prescribed?

You should not use Percocet if you are sensitive to either acetaminophen or oxycodone.

Special warnings about Acetaminophen, Oxycodone hydrochloride

You should take Percocet cautiously and according to your doctor's instructions, as you would take any medication containing a narcotic. If you have ever had a problem with alcohol addiction, make sure your doctor is aware of it.

If you have experienced a head injury, consult your doctor before taking Percocet. The effects of Percocet may be stronger for people with head injuries, and using it may delay recovery.

If you have stomach problems, such as an ulcer, check with your doctor before taking Percocet. Percocet may hide the symptoms of stomach problems, making them difficult to diagnose and treat.

If you have ever had liver, kidney, thyroid gland, or Addison's disease (a disease of the adrenal glands), difficulty urinating, or an enlarged prostate, consult your doctor before taking Percocet.

Elderly people or those in a weakened condition should take Percocet cautiously.

This drug may impair your ability to drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery. Do not participate in any activities that require full alertness if you are unsure about the drug's effect on you.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Acetaminophen, Oxycodone hydrochloride

Alcohol may increase the sedative effects of Percocet. You should not take Percocet with alcohol.

If Percocet 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 Percocet with the following:

Antispasmodic drugs such as Cogentin, Bentyl, and Donnatal
Major tranquilizers such as Thorazine and Mellaril
Other narcotic painkillers such as Darvon and Demerol
Sedatives such as phenobarbital and Seconal
Tranquilizers such as Xanax and Valium

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

It is not known whether Percocet can injure a developing baby or affect a woman's reproductive capacity. Using any medication that contains a narcotic during pregnancy may cause physical addiction for your newborn baby. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. As with other narcotic painkillers, taking Percocet shortly before delivery (especially at higher dosages) may cause some degree of impaired breathing in the mother and newborn. It is not known whether Percocet appears in breast milk, possibly harming a nursing infant. If you are breastfeeding use Percocet only under a doctor's directions.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

The usual dose is 1 to 2 tablets of the lowest strength (2.5 milligrams oxycodone/325 milligrams acetaminophen) every 6 hours. Doctors sometimes prescribe a higher dose if necessary. The total daily dose of acetaminophen should not exceed 4 grams. The maximum daily dose recommended for each strength of Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen) is as follows:

2.5 milligrams/325 milligrams: 12 tablets
5 milligrams/325 milligrams: 12 tablets
7.5 milligrams/500 milligrams: 8 tablets
10 milligrams/650 milligrams: 6 tablets

CHILDREN

The safety and effectiveness of Percocet have not been established in children.

Overdosage

A severe overdose of Percocet can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.

Symptoms of Percocet overdose may include:
Bluish skin, eyes or skin with yellow tone, cold and clammy skin, decreased or irregular breathing (ceasing in severe overdose), extreme sleepiness progressing to stupor or coma, heart attack, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, nausea, slow heartbeat, sweating, vague bodily discomfort, vomiting


Image : Acetaminophen, Oxycodone hydrochloride

Acetaminophen, Codeine phosphate

Generic name: Acetaminophen, Codeine phosphate
Brand names: Phenaphen with Codeine, Tylenol with Codeine

Why is Acetaminophen, Codeine phosphate prescribed?

Tylenol with Codeine, a narcotic analgesic, is used to treat mild to moderately severe pain. It contains two drugs--acetaminophen and codeine. Acetaminophen, an antipyretic (fever-reducing) analgesic, is used to reduce pain and fever. Codeine, a narcotic analgesic, is used to treat pain that is moderate to severe.

People who are allergic to aspirin can take Tylenol with Codeine.

Most important fact about Acetaminophen, Codeine phosphate

Tylenol with Codeine contains a narcotic (codeine) and, even if taken in prescribed amounts, can cause physical and psychological addiction if taken for a long enough time.

Addiction may be more of a risk for a person who has been addicted to alcohol or drugs. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking Tylenol with Codeine (or any other drugs that contain a narcotic).

How should you take Acetaminophen, Codeine phosphate?

Tylenol with Codeine may be taken with meals or with milk (but not with alcohol).

--If you miss a dose...

If you take Acetaminophen, Codeine phosphate on a regular schedule, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store away from heat, light, and moisture. Keep the liquid from freezing.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Tylenol with Codeine.

More common side effects may include:
Dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, sedation, shortness of breath, vomiting

Why should Acetaminophen, Codeine phosphate not be prescribed?

You should not use Tylenol with Codeine if you are sensitive to either acetaminophen (Tylenol) or codeine.

Special warnings about Acetaminophen, Codeine phosphate

You should take Tylenol with Codeine cautiously and only according to your doctor's instructions, as you would take any medication containing a narcotic. Make sure your doctor is aware of any problems you have had with drug or alcohol addiction.

Tylenol with Codeine tablets contain a sulfite that may cause allergic reactions in some people. These reactions may include shock and severe, possibly life-threatening, asthma attacks. People with asthma are more likely to be sensitive to sulfites.

If you have experienced a head injury, consult your doctor before taking Tylenol with Codeine.

If you have stomach problems, such as an ulcer, check with your doctor before taking Tylenol with Codeine. Tylenol with Codeine may obscure the symptoms of stomach problems, making them difficult to diagnose and treat.

If you have ever had liver, kidney, thyroid, or adrenal disease, difficulty urinating, or an enlarged prostate, consult your doctor before taking Tylenol with Codeine.

If you generally drink 3 or more alcoholic beverages per day, check with your doctor before using Tylenol with Codeine 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.

This drug may cause drowsiness and impair your ability to drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery. Do not participate in any activities that require full attention when using Acetaminophen, Codeine phosphate until you are sure of its effect on you.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Acetaminophen, Codeine phosphate

Alcohol may increase the sedative effects of Tylenol with Codeine. Therefore, do not drink alcohol while you are taking Acetaminophen, Codeine phosphate.

If Tylenol with Codeine 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 Codeine with the following:

Antidepressants such as Elavil, Nardil, Parnate, and Tofranil
Drugs that control spasms, such as Cogentin
Major tranquilizers such as Clozaril and Thorazine
Other narcotic painkillers such as Darvon
Tranquilizers such as Xanax and Valium

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

It is not known if Tylenol with Codeine could injure a baby, or if it could affect a woman's reproductive capacity. Using any medication that contains a narcotic during pregnancy may cause babies to be born with a physical addiction to the narcotic. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, you should not take Tylenol with Codeine unless the potential benefits clearly outweigh the possible dangers. As with other narcotic painkillers, taking Tylenol with Codeine shortly before delivery (especially at higher dosages) may cause some degree of breathing difficulty in the mother and newborn.

Some studies (but not all) have reported that codeine appears in breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Therefore, nursing mothers should use Tylenol with Codeine only if the potential gains are greater than the potential hazards.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

Dosage will depend on how severe your pain is and how you respond to the drug.

To Relieve Pain

A single dose may contain from 15 milligrams to 60 milligrams of codeine phosphate and from 300 to 1,000 milligrams of acetaminophen. The maximum dose in a 24-hour period should be 360 milligrams of codeine phosphate and 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen. Your doctor will determine the amounts of codeine phosphate and acetaminophen taken in each dose. Doses may be repeated up to every 4 hours.

Single doses above 60 milligrams of codeine do not give enough pain relief to balance the increased number of side effects.

Adults may also take Tylenol with Codeine elixir (liquid). Tylenol with Codeine elixir contains 120 milligrams of acetaminophen and 12 milligrams of codeine phosphate per teaspoonful.

The usual adult dose is 1 tablespoonful every 4 hours as needed.

CHILDREN

The safety of Tylenol with Codeine elixir has not been established in children under 3 years old.

Children 3 to 6 years old may take 1 teaspoonful 3 or 4 times daily.

Children 7 to 12 years old may take 2 teaspoonsful 3 or 4 times daily.

OLDER ADULTS

Older people and anyone in a weakened or rundown condition should use Tylenol with Codeine cautiously.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can cause symptoms of overdose. Severe overdosage of Tylenol with Codeine can cause death. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of Tylenol with Codeine overdose may include:
Bluish skin, cold and clammy skin, coma due to low blood sugar, decreased, irregular, or stopped breathing, extreme sleepiness progressing to stupor or coma, general bodily discomfort, heart attack, kidney failure, liver failure, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, nausea, slow heartbeat, sweating, vomiting


Image : Acetaminophen, Codeine phosphate