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Acetaminophen Oral Tablet 500mg
GENERIC
NAME
ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL
(ah-seet-ah-MIN-oh-fen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S)
APAP, Liquiprin, Panadol, Tylenol
USES
This drug is used to relieve mild to moderate pain
and to reduce fever.
HOW TO USE
Take this medication as directed. Do not take more
acetaminophen than recommended (see Side Effects section). Do not use for more
than 10 days without consulting your doctor. This medication is not to be given
to children under 3 years of age without your doctor's approval.
SIDE EFFECTS
When taken as directed, most people experience little
or no side effects with this medication. Tell your doctor immediately if any
of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising
or bleeding, persistent sore throat or other signs of infection. If you do not
have liver problems, the adult maximum dose of acetaminophen is 4 grams per
day (4000 milligrams). If you take more than the maximum daily amount, it may
cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Tell your doctor immediately if
you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage: severe nausea, yellowing
eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach pain, extreme fatigue. In the unlikely event
you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness,
trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your
doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
If you have any of the following health problems,
consult your doctor before using this medication: liver disease, alcohol dependency,
any allergies. Acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Daily use of alcohol, especially
when combined with acetaminophen, may increase your risk for liver damage. Check
with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Acetaminophen is often
used instead of aspirin. They are equally effective in relieving pain; however,
acetaminophen does not reduce swelling and inflammation like aspirin does. There
are many brands and forms of acetaminophen on the market. Read the dosing instructions
carefully as the amount of acetaminophen may vary among products. Acetaminophen
appears to be safe for use during pregnancy. Use only if clearly needed. Acetaminophen
is found in breast milk, but side effects in nursing infants have not been reported.
Consult you doctor if you are breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription
drugs you use especially: isoniazid, phenobarbital, phenytoin, zidovudine, sulfinpyrazone.
Acetaminophen is an ingredient in many over-the-counter products and in some
combination prescription medications. Read the labels carefully before taking
other pain relievers or cold products to see if they also contain acetaminophen.
Consult your pharmacist if you are uncertain if your other prescription or over-the-counter
products contain acetaminophen. (Also see adult maximum dose information in
Side Effects section). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
severe nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine,
stomach pain, and extreme fatigue.