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.
See also Warning section.
Use this product rectally as directed. Follow all
directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your
doctor or pharmacist.
If you are giving acetaminophen to a child, be sure you
use a product that is meant for children. Use your child's age (or weight)
to find the right dose on the product package.
First, unwrap 1 suppository. Lie down on your left side
with right knee bent. If giving to a child, the child may lie on the side
or flat on the back. Gently push the suppository into the rectum with your
finger. After inserting the suppository, if necessary, hold the buttocks
together for 30 to 60 seconds to keep the suppository in place. Remain
lying down for a few minutes, and avoid having a bowel movement for an hour
or longer so the drug will be absorbed. The suppository is for rectal use
only.
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 use more than recommended. Do not use this
medication for fever for more than 3 days unless directed by your doctor.
For adults, do not use 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 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:
- liver disease
- regular use/abuse of alcohol
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.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. 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 using this medication on a regular basis and
miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the
next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do
not double the dose to catch up.
Store at room temperature away from heat. Certain brands
may also be stored in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Check the product
package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your
pharmacist. 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.