What is Acetaminophen? What Are the Precautions You Need to Take While Using It?
By: Seomul Evans
Submitted: 2010-02-20 11:19:51 | Word Count: 709
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer.
Acetaminophen is used to treat a lot of conditions such as muscle aches, headache, backache, arthritis, toothaches, fevers and colds.
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Acetaminophen might also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Significant information about acetaminophen
Don t use a lot of acetaminophen than is recommended. An overdose could cause serious harm. The maximum amount of acetaminophen for adults is one gram (1000 mg) per dose and four grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more acetaminophen may cause damage to your liver. If you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine and never use more than two grams (2000 mg) per day.
Don t use acetaminophen without 1st talking to your doctor if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day or if you ve had alcoholic liver disease. You might not be able to use this medication.
Before using acetaminophen tell your doctor if you ve liver disease or a history of alcoholism.
Avoid drinking alcohol when you re using this medication. Alcohol might increase your risk of liver damage while taking acetaminophen.
How should I use acetaminophen?
Use acetaminophen precisely as directed on the label or as prescribed by your doctor.
Don t use more of this medication other than recommended. An overdose could cause serious harm. The maximum amount for adults is one gram (1000 mg) per dose and four grams (4000 mg) per day. Using more acetaminophen could cause damage to your liver. If you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day talk to your doctor before taking this medicine and never use more than two grams (2000 mg) per day. If you re treating a child use a pediatric form of acetaminophen. Carefully follow the dosing directions on the medicine label. Don t give the medication to a child younger than two years old without the advice of a doctor.
Measure the liquid form of acetaminophen with a special dose measuring cup or spoon, not a regular table spoon. If you don t have a dose measuring device ask your pharmacist for one. You might need to shake the liquid before each use. Follow the directions on the medicine label.
The acetaminophen chewable tablet must be chewed thoroughly before you swallow it.
Be sure your hands are dry when handling the acetaminophen disintegrating tablet. Place the tablet on your tongue. It will begin to dissolve right away. Don t swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
To use the acetaminophen effervescent granules dissolve one packet of the granules in at least four ounces of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it directly. To be sure you get the full dose add a bit more water to the same glass swirl lightly and drink directly.
Don t take a acetaminophen rectal suppository by mouth. It s for use only in your rectum. Wash your hands before and after inserting the suppository.
Try to empty your bowel and bladder just before using the acetaminophen suppository. Remove the outer wrapper from the suppository before inserting it. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt in your hands.
What should I avoid while taking acetaminophen?
Don t use any other over the counter cold, cough, allergy or pain medication without 1st asking your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen sometimes abbreviated as APAP is contained many cold and pain medicines available over the counter. If you use certain products together you might accidentally use too much acetaminophen. Read the label of any other medicine you re using to see if it contains acetaminophen or APAP. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol might increase your risk of liver damage while taking acetaminophen.
Acetaminophen side effects
Get emergency medical help if you ve any of these signs of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of your face, tongue, lips or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
Low fever with stomach pain, nausea, and loss of appetite:
Dark urine, clay colored stools or
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
This isn t a complete list of side effects and others might occur.
