Acetaminophen (By mouth)

Introduction:

Acetaminophen (a-seet-a-MIN-oh-fen)

Treats minor pain and reduces fever.

Brand Name(s):

Tylenol, Tylenol Children's, Tylenol Extra Strength, Tylenol Infants' Original, Tylenol Infants', Tylenol Arthritis, Pain-Eze +/Rheu-Thritis, T-Painol, Tycolene, APAP, Cetafen, Non-Aspirin Regular Strength, Aminofen, Mapap, Medi-First Non-Aspirin

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Capsule, Liquid, Chewable Tablet, Dissolving Tablet, Fizzy Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Powder, Liquid Filled Capsule

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to. It is not safe to take more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).
  • If you are taking this medicine without the advice of your doctor, follow the label directions on the medicine package. Do not take this medicine longer than 10 days in a row, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
  • You may take this medicine with or without food.
  • The chewable tablet should be chewed or crushed before you swallow it.
  • Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
  • Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.
  • Drink a full glass of water when taking this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you are taking this medicine on a regular schedule and you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children, and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen can damage your liver and drinking alcohol can increase this risk. If you regularly drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, do not take acetaminophen without asking your doctor.
  • Do not also use other medicines that contain acetaminophen, or you may be getting more than a safe amount of this medicine.
  • Many combination medicines contain acetaminophen, including products with brand names such as Alka-Seltzer Plus®, Comtrex®, Drixoral®, Excedrin Migraine®, Midol®, Sinutab®, Sudafed®, Theraflu®, and Vanquish®. Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using to be sure they do not contain acetaminophen.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or kidney disease.
  • Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if you develop new symptoms such as redness or swelling. If you have been using this medicine for a fever and the fever lasts longer than 3 days, stop using the medicine and call your doctor.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen may affect the results of certain laboratory tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
  • Blood in stools or black, tarry stools
  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools
  • Lightheadedness, fainting, weakness, sweating
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, severe stomach pain
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
  • Yellow skin or eyes
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