acetaminophen (oral)

What is the most important information I should know about acetaminophen?

Avoid also using other medicines that contain acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as APAP), or you could have a fatal overdose.

What is acetaminophen?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. There are many brands and forms of acetaminophen available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Acetaminophen is used to treat pain or fever caused by many conditions such as headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, sore throat, colds, and flu.

Acetaminophen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acetaminophen?

Do not take acetaminophen without a doctor's advice if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis) or if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take acetaminophen?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

• Adults and teenagers who weigh at least 110 pounds (50 kilograms): Do not take more than 1000 milligrams (mg) at one time. Do not take more than 4000 mg in 24 hours.
• Children younger than 12 years old: Do not take more than 5 doses of acetaminophen in 24 hours. Use only the number of milligrams per dose that is recommended for the child's weight and age. Use exactly as directed on the label.
• Avoid also using other medicines that contain acetaminophen, or you could have a fatal overdose.

If you are treating a child, use a pediatric form of acetaminophen. Use only the special dose-measuring dropper or oral syringe that comes with the specific pediatric form you are using. Carefully follow the dosing directions on the medicine label.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Acetaminophen made for infants is available in two different dose concentrations, and each concentration comes with its own medicine dropper or oral syringe. Using the wrong device may cause you to give your child an overdose of acetaminophen. Never mix and match dosing devices between infant formulations of acetaminophen.

The chewable tablet must be chewed thoroughly before you swallow it.

The oral powder should be placed directly on the tongue and swallowed.

Make sure your hands are dry when handling a disintegrating tablet. Place the tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve, without chewing. Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.

To use the effervescent granules, dissolve one packet of the granules in at least 4 ounces of water. Stir and drink this mixture right away. Add a little more water to the glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

• you still have a sore throat after 2 days of use;
• you still have a fever after 3 days of use;
• you still have pain after 7 days of use (or 5 days if treating a child);
• you have a skin rash, ongoing headache, nausea, vomiting, redness or swelling; or
• if your symptoms get worse, or if you have any new symptoms.

This medicine can affect the results of certain lab tests for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using acetaminophen.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since acetaminophen is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Early signs of acetaminophen overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, sweating, or weakness. Later symptoms may include upper stomach pain, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or eyes.

What should I avoid while taking acetaminophen?

What are the possible side effects of acetaminophen?

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect acetaminophen?

Other drugs may affect acetaminophen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about acetaminophen.