ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL (Panadol, Tylenol) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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acetaminophen - oral, Panadol, Tylenol

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GENERIC NAME: ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL (a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen)

BRAND NAME(S): Panadol, Tylenol

USES: 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.

HOW TO USE: Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult 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 Side Effects and Precautions sections.)For suspensions, shake the medication well before each dose. 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. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.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 persists or worsens or if you develop new symptoms. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

SIDE EFFECTS: 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 he or she 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.If you do not have liver problems, the maximum dose of acetaminophen for adults is 4 grams per day (4000 milligrams). The maximum dose of acetaminophen for children is based on age/weight (check product package for details). Taking more than the maximum daily amount may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver damage. Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage: persistent nausea/vomiting, extreme tiredness, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine.If you have liver problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist for a safe dosage of this medication.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.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.