Acetaminophen

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Acetaminophen, also labeled as paracetamol or APAP, is a non-prescription analgesic (pain reliever), and antipyretic (fever reducer). It alters pain perception and lowers temperature. Acetaminophen is considered safe for adults and children when taken according to instructions, and is the only pain reliever recommended for infants under the age of six months.^{[1] [2]} Acetaminophen is available in over-the-counter and prescription formulas, and is also used in combination with many other medications.^[1]

In cases where a user takes excessive amounts of acetaminophen, severe liver damage can occur. Occasionally the liver is so badly damaged that the patient requires a transplant. That is why users are instructed to only take one acetaminophen product at a time, and to never take more than the recommended dosage.^[1]

Contents 1 Acetaminophen Overview 2 Prescription Drugs 3 Acetaminophen Abuse 4 Acetaminophen Side Effects 5 References

Acetaminophen Overview

Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in many over the counter pain relievers, such as Tylenol, Anacin, Excedrin, and Midol, and is found in many cold, flu, and allergy medicines like Actifed, Comtrex, Contac, Dristan, Vicks Dayquil and Nyquil, Drixoral, Theraflu, Sudafed, Robitussin, and Coricidin, as well as some formulations of Triaminic and Vicks Formula 44. Acetaminophen is also in some children's cough, cold and flu medications like Tylenol, Lemsip, and Dimetapp.^[1]

Acetaminophen is also used in combination with several prescription pain relievers, including hydrocodone (Lortab, Polygesic, and Vicodin, among others), oxycodone (including Endocet, Narvox, Percocet, and Roxicet), and tramadol (Ultracet). Use of these prescription pain relievers with over-the counter-medications containing acetaminophen is associated with liver failure.^[7]

Acetaminophen helps relieve aches and mild-to-moderate pain, including headaches, backaches, toothaches, muscle aches, and menstrual pain. It may be taken in combination with aspirin and caffeine to relieve migraines. Osteoarthritis pain is also often treated with acetaminophen. Those suffering from flus and other infections may take acetaminophen to help reduce fevers, as it has a cooling effect.^[1]

Prescription Drugs

Acetaminophen Abuse

Acetaminophen abuse is usually unintentional. It is widely found in many prescription and over-the counter-medications, and may be labeled as acetaminophen, paracetamol, or APAP. For these reasons, patients may take different medications to treat different conditions and accidentally consume a dose over the recommended maximum of 4 grams per day. Taking too much acetaminophen, or taking acetaminophen and drinking alcohol, may cause severe liver failure.^[6]

Acetaminophen Side Effects

Acetaminophen may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. While allergies are not at all common, they can be serious or even fatal among those who are highly sensitive to it. Therefore, users who experience the following signs of allergic reaction are instructed to seek prompt medical attention:^[8]

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of the face, throat, or or oral areas, which may be accompanied by itching
• Breakout of rash or hives

While patients who overdose on acetaminophen should seek medical treatment, an overdose of acetaminophen may not cause obvious symptoms. However, some of the possible symptoms of acetaminophen overdose include:

• Bleeding or bruising
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

In the United States, possible overdose victims can call the Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance and help identifying symptoms.

If acetaminophen users on a specific treatment schedule miss a dose of the medication, they are directed not to double up on the drug to make up for the missed dosage. Taking multiple doses of acetaminophen simultaneously can cause irreparable liver harm.^[8]

Also See: Prescription Drugs, Drug Side Effects, Controlled Substances and Illegal Drugs, Patient Assistance Programs, Drugs and Pregnancy, Oxycodone Side Effects, Vicodin Side Effects, Percocet Side Effects, Darvocet Side Effects, Tylenol Coupons, Excedrin Coupons, Nyquil Coupons, Tylenol and Pregnancy, Tylenol Recall

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8} http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000521/
2. ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/antibiotic-use/symptom-relief.html
3. ↑ http://www.tylenol.com/
4. ↑ http://www.excedrin.com/frequently-asked-questions.shtml
5. ↑ http://www.anacin.com/
6. ↑ ^{6.0 6.1} http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm239821.htm
7. ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a681004.html
8. ↑ ^{8.0 8.1} http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-362-Acetaminophen+Oral.aspx?drugid=362&drugname=Acetaminophen+Oral