This drug is used to treat mild to moderate pain and to
reduce fever. It is also used in combination with opioid pain medications
to help relieve moderate to severe pain.
See also Warning section.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using acetaminophen and each time you get
a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection into a vein as
directed by your doctor, usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain
relief or to reduce fever. Each dose is usually given over 15
minutes.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, age,
weight, and response to treatment. For children 12 years of age and
younger, and for adults and teenagers weighing less than 110 pounds (50
kilograms), the dosage is based on weight and the maximum daily dosage is
less than 4000 milligrams of acetaminophen. Consult your doctor or
pharmacist for more details.
If you are using this medication at home, learn all
preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional.
Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either
is present, do not use the liquid.
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.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
See also Warning section.
Pain at the injection site may occur. Other side effects
are uncommon. If you have any unusual side effects, contact your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because 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 using 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:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- regular use/abuse of alcohol
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this form of acetaminophen passes into
breast milk. However, acetaminophen taken by mouth 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.
Lab and/or medical tests may be done while you are using
this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor
for more details.
If you are using this medication at home, consult the
product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. 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.
