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DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM
Acetaminophen belongs to a class of drugs called analgesics
(pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers). The exact
mechanism of action of acetaminophen is not known. Acetaminophen
relieves pain by elevating the pain threshold, that is, by
requiring a greater amount of pain to develop before a person
feels it. It reduces fever through its action on the
heat-regulating center of the brain. Specifically, it tells the
center to lower the body's temperature when the temperature is
elevated. The FDA approved acetaminophen in 1951.
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.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist
of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may
use, especially of: isoniazid, phenobarbital, phenytoin,
zidovudine, sulfinpyrazone. Acetaminophen is an ingredient in many
over-the-counter products and in some combination prescription
medications. Read the labels carefully before taking other pain
relievers or cold products to see if they also contain
acetaminophen. Consult your pharmacist if you are uncertain if
your other prescription or over-the-counter products contain
acetaminophen. (Also see adult maximum dose information in Side
Effects section).
OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US
national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents
should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms
of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, excessive
sweating, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach pain, and
extreme fatigue.
NOTES
Acetaminophen does not cause the stomach and intestinal ulcers
that aspirin and aspirin-like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, ketoprofen)
may cause.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it
is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose
and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose
to catch up.
STORAGE
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15
and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in
the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms.
Presentation
Taj Pharma (Acetaminophen
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Tablets
Blister of 10 Tablets
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