Acetaminophen Gelcaps

Description

Equaline® is a formulation containing acetaminophen, designed as an extra strength pain reliever and fever reducer for adults. Each gelcap contains 500 mg of acetaminophen, with a total of 24 gelcaps per package. The product is comparable to the active ingredient found in Extra Strength Tylenol® Rapid Release Gels. The gelcaps are presented in their actual size for consumer reference. The National Drug Code (NDC) for this product is 41163-520-01.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with the common cold, headache, backache, minor pain of arthritis, toothache, muscular aches, and premenstrual and menstrual cramps. Additionally, it is indicated for the temporary reduction of fever.

There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects associated with this drug.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children aged 12 years and over are instructed to take 2 gelcaps every 6 hours as needed while symptoms persist. The maximum dosage should not exceed 6 gelcaps within a 24-hour period, unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional. Additionally, the use of this medication should not extend beyond 10 days unless specifically advised by a doctor.

For children under 12 years of age, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate dosing guidance.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Co-administration with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription, is prohibited due to the risk of acetaminophen overdose. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of acetaminophen in other medications, consultation with a healthcare professional is advised.

• This product should not be used in individuals with a known allergy to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients contained in the formulation, as this may lead to severe allergic reactions.

Warnings and Precautions

This product contains acetaminophen, which poses a risk of severe liver damage if the following conditions are met: exceeding 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period, concomitant use with other medications containing acetaminophen, or consumption of three or more alcoholic beverages daily while using this product.

Acetaminophen is also associated with the potential for severe skin reactions. Symptoms indicative of such reactions may include skin reddening, blisters, and rash. Should any of these symptoms manifest, it is imperative to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a physician prior to use if they have a history of liver disease. Additionally, patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should seek guidance from a healthcare provider or pharmacist before using this product.

In the event of an overdose, it is crucial to obtain emergency medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. Prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and consult a physician if any of the following occur: worsening pain or pain persisting beyond 10 days, fever that worsens or lasts more than 3 days, the emergence of new symptoms, or the presence of redness or swelling. These may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires medical evaluation.

Side Effects

Severe liver damage may occur in patients who exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period, use other medications containing acetaminophen concurrently, or consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Patients should be aware of the potential for severe skin reactions associated with acetaminophen, which may manifest as skin reddening, blisters, or rash. In the event of a skin reaction, it is imperative to discontinue use and seek medical assistance immediately.

Patients are advised against using this product in conjunction with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of acetaminophen in another medication, consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended. Additionally, individuals with a known allergy to acetaminophen or any inactive ingredients in this product should refrain from use.

Patients should stop using the product and consult a doctor if pain worsens or persists beyond 10 days, if fever intensifies or lasts more than 3 days, if new symptoms arise, or if redness or swelling is observed, as these may indicate a serious condition.

It is also advised that patients consult a doctor prior to use if they have liver disease or are taking the anticoagulant warfarin, as interactions may occur.

Drug Interactions

Patients should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication if they are concurrently taking warfarin, a blood-thinning agent. The combination may increase the risk of bleeding due to potential pharmacodynamic interactions.

Additionally, this medication should not be used in conjunction with any other products containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or over-the-counter. Co-administration may lead to an increased risk of acetaminophen-related hepatotoxicity. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of acetaminophen in other medications, patients are advised to seek guidance from a healthcare provider.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Acetaminophen Gelcaps (acetaminophen). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 12 years of age should consult a healthcare professional before use. For adolescents aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 gelcaps every 6 hours as needed, with a maximum of 6 gelcaps in a 24-hour period, unless otherwise directed by a physician. Treatment should not exceed 10 days without medical advice.

In cases of overdose, prompt medical attention is essential for both pediatric and adult patients, even if no signs or symptoms are immediately apparent.

Geriatric Use

There is no specific information regarding the use of this medication in geriatric patients, including dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to elderly patients, as they may have altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Close monitoring is recommended to ensure safety and efficacy in this population.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. The potential risks and benefits must be carefully weighed, as the effects on fetal outcomes and lactation are not fully established. It is essential for women of childbearing potential to seek medical advice to ensure the safety of both the mother and the developing fetus or nursing infant.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional prior to using this medication. There is currently no available data regarding the excretion of this medication in human breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when administering this medication to lactating individuals.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment have no specific information regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations provided in the drug insert. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to individuals with reduced kidney function, as the lack of data may impact the drug's efficacy and safety profile in this population. Regular monitoring of renal function is advisable to ensure patient safety.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this product. The presence of liver disease may increase the risk of adverse effects, particularly due to the acetaminophen content.

Severe liver damage may occur if patients exceed the recommended dosage of acetaminophen, which is limited to a maximum of 4,000 mg within a 24-hour period. Additionally, patients should avoid concurrent use of other medications containing acetaminophen, as this can further elevate the risk of hepatotoxicity.

Furthermore, consumption of three or more alcoholic drinks per day while using this product is contraindicated, as it may exacerbate the potential for liver damage. Careful monitoring of liver function is advised for patients with compromised liver function to prevent serious complications.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Prompt intervention is essential for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Healthcare professionals should be aware that the lack of immediate symptoms does not preclude the potential for serious health consequences. Therefore, vigilance and timely action are crucial in managing overdose situations effectively.

Nonclinical Toxicology

There is currently no available information regarding teratogenic effects, non-teratogenic effects, or any specific findings in nonclinical toxicology studies. Additionally, no data has been provided concerning animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified that acetaminophen may be associated with severe skin reactions. Reported symptoms of these reactions include skin reddening, blisters, and rash. In the event of a skin reaction, it is advised to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. Patients should be informed not to use this product in conjunction with any other medications that contain acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. If patients are uncertain whether a drug contains acetaminophen, they should be encouraged to consult with a doctor or pharmacist.

It is important to inform patients that they should not use this medication if they have a known allergy to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients present in the product. Patients should be instructed to stop using the medication and seek medical advice if their pain worsens or persists for more than 10 days, if their fever worsens or lasts longer than 3 days, if new symptoms arise, or if they notice any redness or swelling, as these may indicate a serious condition.

Additionally, patients should be advised to consult a doctor before using this medication if they have liver disease. Those taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should also be encouraged to speak with a doctor or pharmacist prior to use to ensure safety and avoid potential interactions.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a carton that should be retained for complete product information. It is essential to store the product at a temperature range of 20-25ºC (68-77ºF) to ensure its stability and efficacy. Proper handling and storage conditions must be adhered to in order to maintain the integrity of the product.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally. Clinicians should advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a health professional prior to use. No further information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experiences.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Acetaminophen Gelcaps, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)