This drug is used to treat mild to moderate pain (from
headaches, menstrual periods, toothaches, backaches, osteoarthritis, or
cold/flu aches and pains) and to reduce fever.
Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all
directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your
doctor or pharmacist.
There are many brands and forms of acetaminophen
available. Read the dosing instructions carefully for each product because
the amount of acetaminophen may be different between products. Do not take
more acetaminophen than recommended. (See also Warning
section.)
If you are giving acetaminophen to a child, be sure you
use a product that is meant for children. Use your child's weight to find
the right dose on the product package. If you don't know your child's
weight, you can use their age.
For suspensions, shake the medication well before each
dose. Some liquids do not need to be shaken before use. Follow all
directions on the product package. Measure the liquid medication with the
provided dose-measuring spoon/dropper/syringe to make sure you have the
correct dose. Do not use a household spoon.
For rapidly-dissolving tablets, chew or allow to
dissolve on the tongue, then swallow with or without water. For chewable
tablets, chew thoroughly before swallowing.
Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so
can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
Swallow the tablets whole.
For effervescent tablets, dissolve the dose in the
recommended amount of water, then drink.
Pain medications work best if they are used as the first
signs of pain occur. If you wait until the symptoms have worsened, the
medication may not work as well.
Do not take this medication for fever for more than 3
days unless directed by your doctor. For adults, do not take this product
for pain for more than 10 days (5 days in children) unless directed by your
doctor. If the child has a sore throat (especially with high fever,
headache, or nausea/vomiting), consult the doctor promptly.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse
or if you develop new symptoms. If you think you may have a serious medical
problem, get medical help right away.
See also Warning section.
This drug usually has no side effects. If you have any
unusual effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not
have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
See also Warning section.
Before taking acetaminophen, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver disease
- regular use/abuse of alcohol
Liquid products, chewable tablets, or
dissolving/effervescent tablets and powders may contain sugar or aspartame.
Caution is advised if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any
other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your
diet. If you have any of these conditions, ask your doctor or pharmacist
about using these products safely.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this
medication.
Acetaminophen passes into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breastfeeding.
See also Warning section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- ketoconazole
- levoketoconazole
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests,
possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your
doctors know you use this drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain,
extreme tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine.
Acetaminophen does not cause the stomach and intestinal
ulcers that NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen may cause.
However, acetaminophen does not reduce swelling (inflammation) like the
NSAIDs do. Consult your doctor for more details and to see which medication
might be right for you.
If you are taking this medication on a regular schedule
and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of
the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular
time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.