About Acetaminophen-
Acetaminophen tablets, caplets, or chewable tablets
Acetaminophen oral suspension or syrup
Acetaminophen suppositories
What do acetaminophen tablets, caplets, or chewable tablets do?
ACETAMINOPHEN (Tylenol®) is an analgesic and antipyretic. This means acetaminophen can relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. It is the preferred treatment for patients with aspirin allergy, ulcers, or clotting (bleeding) disorders. Patients who are taking medicines to treat gout can safely take acetaminophen. There are many generic variations available for adults and children. Tablets can be plain, extended-release, or chewable. Gelcaps or geltabs are also available.
What should my health care professional know before I take acetaminophen?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
How should I take this medicine?
Acetaminophen can be taken as needed for the relief of pain or fever, or may be prescribed by the doctor on a more regular basis. Do not take more often than directed, or exceed the recommended dose. Take acetaminophen tablets, caplets or gelcaps by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Chewable tablets can be chewed before swallowing, crushed and taken with food, or mixed in a drink. Swallow extended-release tablets whole, do not crush or chew. Drink a full glass of water either with or after taking your medicine.
Special precautions for use in children: Do not give children more than five doses per day, unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor. Larger or more frequent doses can be dangerous.
What if I miss a dose?
If your doctor has prescribed a regular schedule and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with acetaminophen?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist: about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking acetaminophen?
If you take acetaminophen as recommended, serious side effects are uncommon. Effects of overdose include:
Call your doctor as soon as you can if you get any of these side effects.
What do I need to watch for while I take acetaminophen?
Do not treat yourself for pain for more than 10 days (5 days for children) without checking with your doctor. If you are treating a fever, check with your doctor if the fever lasts for more than 3 days. Report any possible overdose promptly to your doctor. If you have taken an overdose the effects may not be obvious for several days.
Alcohol can increase possible damage to your liver. Avoid alcoholic drinks if you are taking acetaminophen on a regular basis.
Many non-prescription medicines contain acetaminophen as an ingredient. Always read the labels carefully to avoid taking an accidental overdose, which can be dangerous.
Acetaminophen can affect the results from some blood-sugar tests used by diabetic patients. Check with your doctor before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Acetaminophen can be dangerous to children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F). Protect from moisture and light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What does acetaminophen oral suspension or syrup do?
ACETAMINOPHEN (Tylenol®) is an analgesic and antipyretic. This means acetaminophen can relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. It is the preferred treatment for patients with aspirin allergy, ulcers, or clotting (bleeding) disorders. Patients who are having medicines to treat gout can safely take acetaminophen. There are many generic variations available for adults and children. Preparations are available as suspension, syrup or liquid form.
What should my health care professional know before I take acetaminophen?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
How should I take this medicine?
Acetaminophen can be taken as needed for the relief of pain or fever, or may be prescribed by the doctor on a more regular basis. Do not take more often than directed, or exceed the recommended dose. Acetaminophen liquids come in several strengths for infants, children, and adults. Make sure you are taking the correct dose, especially if you change from one product to another. Follow the directions on the label. Take acetaminophen liquid preparations by mouth. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate.
Special precautions for use in children: Do not give children more than five doses per day, unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor. Larger or more frequent doses can be dangerous.
What if I miss a dose?
If your doctor has prescribed a regular schedule and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with acetaminophen?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist: about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking acetaminophen?
If you take acetaminophen as recommended, serious side effects are uncommon. Effects of overdose include:
Call your doctor as soon as you can if you get any of these side effects.
What do I need to watch for while I take acetaminophen?
Do not treat yourself for pain for more than 10 days (5 days for children) without checking with your doctor. If you are treating a fever, check with your doctor if the fever lasts for more than 3 days. Report any possible overdose promptly to your doctor. If you have taken an overdose the effects may not be obvious for several days.
Some liquid preparations of acetaminophen contain aspartame, sugar, or alcohol; read the label carefully if you need to avoid these substances.
Alcohol can increase possible damage to your liver. Avoid alcoholic drinks if you are taking acetaminophen on a regular basis.
Many non-prescription medicines contain acetaminophen as an ingredient. Always read the labels carefully to avoid taking an accidental overdose, which can be dangerous.
Acetaminophen can affect the results from some blood-sugar tests used by diabetic patients. Check with your doctor before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Acetaminophen can be dangerous to children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F). Protect from moisture and light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What do acetaminophen suppositories do?
ACETAMINOPHEN (Tylenol®) is an analgesic and antipyretic. This means acetaminophen can relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. It is the preferred treatment for patients with aspirin allergy, ulcers, or clotting (bleeding) disorders. Patients who are having medicines to treat gout can safely take acetaminophen. Generic acetaminophen suppositories are available.
What should my health care professional know before I use acetaminophen?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
How should I use this medicine?
Acetaminophen suppositories are put in the rectum (back passage). Wash your hands. Take off the foil wrapping. Wet the tip of the suppository with water to make it easier to use. Lie on your side and raise your knee to your chest. Using your finger, gently push the suppository into the rectum. Hold it in place for a few minutes. Wash your hands. Follow the directions on the label. Do not use more often than directed, or exceed the recommended dose.
Special precautions for use in children: Do not give children more than five doses per day, unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor. Larger or more frequent doses can be dangerous.
What if I miss a dose?
If your doctor has prescribed a regular schedule and you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with acetaminophen?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist: about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from using acetaminophen?
If you take acetaminophen as recommended, serious side effects are uncommon. Effects of overdose include:
Call your doctor as soon as you can if you get any of these side effects.
What do I need to watch for while I use acetaminophen?
Do not treat yourself for pain for more than 10 days (5 days for children) without checking with your doctor. If you are treating a fever, check with your doctor if the fever lasts for more than 3 days. Report any possible overdose promptly to your doctor. If you have taken an overdose the effects may not be obvious for several days.
Alcohol can increase possible damage to your liver. Avoid alcoholic drinks if you are taking acetaminophen on a regular basis.
Many non-prescription medicines contain acetaminophen as an ingredient. Always read the labels carefully to avoid taking an accidental overdose, which can be dangerous.
Acetaminophen can affect the results from some blood-sugar tests used by diabetic patients. Check with your doctor before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of reach of children. Acetaminophen can be dangerous to children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F). Protect from moisture and light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.