Tag Archives: Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen

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Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer medication. It is used to treat mild to severe pain in conjunction with opiates or to reduce fever. Acetaminophen reduces pain and fever quickly caused by a headache, osteoarthritis, muscle ache, backache, toothache, cold and fever. It may also be used for the purposes as determined by the physician. This drug belongs to the analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretics (forever reducer) group of drugs. Unlike other ASA or acetylsalicylic acid, this drug inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins that transmit pain signals to the brain. It only blocks the signaling of pain but it does not have an anti-inflammatory action. Acetaminophen is available over-the-counter and as a prescription drug in various dosages.

How To Use Acetaminophen?

Use this medication as directed on the label or as prescribed by your physician. The recommended doses are as follow:

  • For an adult and teenagers weighing at least 100 pounds should not exceed more than 1000 mg at a time or more than 4000 mg in a day.
  • Children below 12 years of age should not take more than 5 doses in 24 hours. Use Acetaminophen exactly as directed. Do not take more than what is prescribed or written on the label.
  • For children less than 2 years of age, use the pediatric dose with the special dose-measuring dropper. Follow the dosing instructions carefully.
  • There is also Acetaminophen available for an infant which comes with its own oral syringe or medicine dropper.

For liquid suspension, shake the bottle first before using. For chewable tablets, chew the tablet first before swallowing.

What are the side effects of Acetaminophen?

Common side effects are:

  • Stomach pain
  • Rash
  • Dark urine
  • Headache

Serious side effects are:

  • Liver damage with signs like jaundice, loss of appetite, unusual bleeding and bruising and clay-colored stools
  • Severe dizziness
  • Allergic reaction
  • Trouble breathing
  • Itching, swelling

Seek medical attention right away if you will experience any of the serious side effects listed.

Important Information

  • Stop using the medication if
    • You still have pain after 7 days of treatment for an adult or 5 days of treatment for a child
    • You have skin rashes, on-going headache
    • Your symptoms get worse
    • You still have a fever after 3 days of use
  • Use this product with caution  in patients with G6PD and chronic malnutrition
  • Do not take this drug if you are allergic to its active ingredient

Acetaminophen, Codeine and Caffeine

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It’s a combination pain reliever medication. It is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate pain associated with conditions like:

  • Dental pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Painful menstruation
  • Headache
  • Pain after operation, accident

Acetaminophen belongs to the non-opioid group of medication known as an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretics or fever reducer. Codeine belongs to the narcotics analgesics or opioid group of medication while caffeine belongs to the stimulant group of medication. Codeine works in the brain. It changes how the body feels and responds to pain. Caffeine works by increasing pain relief from certain types of headache while acetaminophen works by reducing the pain and fever. The combined action of the three active ingredients helps relieve pain.

How to use Acetaminophen, Codeine and Caffeine?

The usual dose is one tablet every 4 to 6 hours. If one tablet is not effective, take two tablets at the next dose. The total daily dose should not exceed 12 tablets in a day. Take this drug by mouth with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food. Your dose is based on your medical condition and how you respond to the treatment.

Take this drug as directed. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Taking more than the required dose in a day may increase your risk of liver damage and could be fatal. This drug works best if they are used at the first sign of pain. This medication won’t work well if you wait for the pain to become worse.

What are the side effects of Acetaminophen, Codeine and Caffeine?

Some of the side effects are:

  • Headache
  • Itching
  • Abdominal pain
  • Signs of breathing problems like wheezing, and trouble breathing
  • Skin rash
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach upset

Serious side effects are:

  • Hallucinations
  • Confusions
  • Signs of serious allergic reactions

Inform your doctor if the side effects mentioned are bothersome. Stop taking this medication and seek medical assistance right away if you will experience any of the serious side effects mentioned.

Important Information

  • Do not take this medication longer than 5 days to relieve pain nor longer than 3 days to reduce fever.
  • Do not take this drug if you are intoxicated by alcohol
  • Children younger than 12 years of age should not use this medication
  • This drug should be avoided by patients experiencing acute asthma and acute respiratory depression
  • Do not take this drug if you have a seizure, severely reduced kidney and liver function, heart problems, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis and intestinal problems
  • This medication is not suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding mother
  • If you are using any other medications, tell your doctor right away before you use this drug.