Acetaminophen



Acephen™[OTC]; Apra Children's [OTC]; Aspirin Free Anacin® Maximum Strength [OTC]; Cetafen®[OTC]; Cetafen Extra®[OTC]; Comtrex® Sore Throat Maximum Strength [OTC]; ElixSure™ Fever/Pain [OTC] [DSC]; FeverALL®[OTC]; Genapap™[OTC]; Genapap™ Children [OTC]; Genapap™ Extra Strength [OTC]; Genapap™ Infant [OTC]; Genebs [OTC]; Genebs Extra Strength [OTC]; Infantaire [OTC]; Mapap [OTC]; Mapap Children's [OTC]; Mapap Extra Strength [OTC]; Mapap Infants [OTC]; Nortemp Children's [OTC]; Pain Eze [OTC]; Silapap® Children's [OTC]; Silapap® Infants [OTC]; Tycolene [OTC]; Tycolene Maximum Strength [OTC]; Tylenol®[OTC]; Tylenol® 8 Hour [OTC]; Tylenol® Arthritis Pain [OTC]; Tylenol® Children's [OTC]; Tylenol® Children's with Flavor Creator [OTC]; Tylenol® Extra Strength [OTC]; Tylenol® Infants [OTC]; Tylenol® Junior [OTC]; Valorin [OTC]; Valorin Extra [OTC]







Acetaminophen

(a seet a MIN oh fen)

U.S. Brand Names
Acephen™[OTC]; Apra Children's [OTC]; Aspirin Free Anacin® Maximum Strength [OTC]; Cetafen®[OTC]; Cetafen Extra®[OTC]; Comtrex® Sore Throat Maximum Strength [OTC]; ElixSure™ Fever/Pain [OTC] [DSC]; FeverALL®[OTC]; Genapap™[OTC]; Genapap™ Children [OTC]; Genapap™ Extra Strength [OTC]; Genapap™ Infant [OTC]; Genebs [OTC]; Genebs Extra Strength [OTC]; Infantaire [OTC]; Mapap [OTC]; Mapap Children's [OTC]; Mapap Extra Strength [OTC]; Mapap Infants [OTC]; Nortemp Children's [OTC]; Pain Eze [OTC]; Silapap® Children's [OTC]; Silapap® Infants [OTC]; Tycolene [OTC]; Tycolene Maximum Strength [OTC]; Tylenol®[OTC]; Tylenol® 8 Hour [OTC]; Tylenol® Arthritis Pain [OTC]; Tylenol® Children's [OTC]; Tylenol® Children's with Flavor Creator [OTC]; Tylenol® Extra Strength [OTC]; Tylenol® Infants [OTC]; Tylenol® Junior [OTC]; Valorin [OTC]; Valorin Extra [OTC]
Canadian Brand Names
Abenol®; Apo-Acetaminophen®; Atasol®; Novo-Gesic; Pediatrix; Tempra®; Tylenol®
Mexican Brand Names
Acetafen®; Andox®; Datril®; Magnidol®; Neodol®; Neodolito®; Sedalito®; Sinedol®; Temperal®; Tempra®; Tylex®
Pharmacologic Category
Analgesic, Miscellaneous
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to acetaminophen or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to relieve pain and fever.
How does it work?
  • Acetaminophen blocks production and release of chemicals that cause pain.
  • It reduces fever by adjusting the body's thermostat in the brain.
How is it best taken?
  • Do not take more than prescribed amount. Liver damage can occur.
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Eat regularly. May decrease risk of liver damage.
  • Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
  • You may sprinkle contents of capsule on soft food or liquid.
  • A liquid (elixir, suspension, solution, syrup) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake suspension well before use.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
  • Use suppository rectally.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than every 4 hours, unless instructed by healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Avoid other sources of acetaminophen. An overdose may cause dangerous problems.
  • If you are taking a blood thinner, you will require more frequent monitoring.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Avoid or limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor) to less than 3 drinks a day. Drinking too much alcohol may increase the risk of liver disease.
  • If you have PKU, talk with healthcare provider. Some products do contain phenylalanine.
  • Be careful if you have G6PD deficiency. Anemia may occur.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Liver damage can rarely occur.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Yellow skin or eyes.
  • Not hungry.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Do not freeze suppositories.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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