Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL (ah-seet-ah-MIN-oh-fen)
BRAND NAME(S): APAP, Liquiprin, Panadol, Tylenol
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This drug is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to reduce fever.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication as directed. Do not take more acetaminophen than recommended (see Side Effects section). Do not use for more than 10 days without consulting your doctor. This medication is not to be given to children under 3 years of age without your doctor's approval.
SIDE EFFECTS: When taken as directed, most people experience little or no side effects with this medication. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat or other signs of infection. If you do not have liver problems, the adult maximum dose of acetaminophen is 4 grams per day (4000 milligrams). If you take more than the maximum daily amount, it may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage: severe nausea, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach pain, extreme fatigue. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking acetaminophen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, alcohol dependency, any allergies. Acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with acetaminophen, may increase your risk for liver damage. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Acetaminophen is often used instead of aspirin. They are equally effective in relieving pain; however, acetaminophen does not reduce swelling and inflammation like aspirin does. There are many brands and forms of acetaminophen on the market. Read the dosing instructions carefully as the amount of acetaminophen may vary among products. Acetaminophen appears to be safe for use during pregnancy. Use only if clearly needed. Acetaminophen is found in breast milk, but side effects in nursing infants have not been reported. Consult you doctor if you are breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Liver Blood Tests - Learn about liver blood tests used to detect liver damage disease such as fatty liver, cirrhosis, hepatitis, Tylenol liver damage, and more. This includes measuring the aminotransferases enzymes (AST and ALT levels)
- Infectious Mononucleosis - Read about mono treatment, symptoms, signs, risks and diagnosis. "The kissing disease" is a contagious sickness caused by the Epstein Barr virus transmitted in saliva.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
