Acetaminophen

Description

Acetaminophen Extended-Release Tablets, USP, are formulated to provide temporary relief from minor arthritis pain. Each tablet contains 650 mg of acetaminophen and is designed in a capsule shape. The extended-release formulation allows for pain relief that lasts up to 8 hours. This product is available in a bottle containing 100 caplets and is distributed by American Sales Company.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with various conditions, including minor pain of arthritis, muscular aches, backache, headache, toothache, the common cold, 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 are instructed to take 2 caplets every 8 hours with water. The caplets should be swallowed whole and must not be crushed, chewed, split, or dissolved. The maximum dosage should not exceed 6 caplets within a 24-hour period. Additionally, the use of this medication should not extend beyond 10 days unless directed by a healthcare professional.

For individuals under 18 years of age, it is recommended to consult a doctor prior to use.

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

Severe liver damage may occur with the use of this product, which contains acetaminophen. Healthcare professionals should advise patients that the risk of liver injury increases significantly if they exceed the maximum daily dosage of 6 caplets within a 24-hour period, use other medications containing acetaminophen concurrently, or consume 3 or more alcoholic beverages daily while taking this product.

Patients with a history of liver disease should be cautioned to consult a physician prior to using this product. Additionally, individuals taking the anticoagulant warfarin should seek guidance from a healthcare provider or pharmacist before use, as potential interactions may necessitate closer monitoring.

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

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or the Poison Control Center should be contacted at 1-800-222-1222. Prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms of overdose are apparent.

Side Effects

Patients using this product should be aware of the potential for serious adverse reactions, particularly related to liver health. The product contains acetaminophen, and severe liver damage may occur if patients exceed the maximum daily dosage of 6 caplets within a 24-hour period, take it in conjunction with other medications containing acetaminophen, or consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Patients should not use this product if they are allergic to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients. Additionally, it is advised that patients consult a healthcare professional before use if they have liver disease or are taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin.

Patients are instructed to discontinue use and seek medical advice if they experience worsening pain that lasts more than 10 days, a fever that persists for more than 3 days, the emergence of new symptoms, or the presence of redness or swelling, as these may indicate a serious condition.

In the event of an overdose, it is critical for patients to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are initially apparent.

Drug Interactions

The concomitant use of acetaminophen and warfarin may elevate the risk of bleeding due to potential pharmacodynamic interactions. It is advisable to monitor patients closely for signs of increased bleeding and to consider adjusting the dosage of warfarin as necessary based on clinical judgment and INR (International Normalized Ratio) results. Regular monitoring of coagulation parameters is recommended to ensure patient safety.

Packaging & NDC

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

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 18 years of age should consult a healthcare professional prior to use. It is important to assess the appropriateness of treatment and dosage for this population, as specific recommendations may vary based on individual health needs and conditions.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may not have specific recommendations regarding age considerations, dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. Therefore, healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients. It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any adverse effects or changes in therapeutic response, given the potential for altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in this population.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients should consult a healthcare professional before using this medication. The safety of this drug during pregnancy has not been established, and potential risks to fetal outcomes are not fully understood. It is essential for women of childbearing potential to discuss their individual circumstances with their healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks associated with the use of this medication during pregnancy.

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 should consult a healthcare professional prior to use, particularly if they have concurrent liver disease. It is essential to assess renal function and consider potential dosing adjustments or monitoring requirements based on the degree of renal impairment. Careful evaluation of the patient's overall health status is recommended to ensure safe and effective use of the medication.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should exercise caution when using this product, as it contains acetaminophen, which is associated with the risk of severe liver damage. It is critical that patients do not exceed the maximum daily dosage of 6 caplets within a 24-hour period. Additionally, patients must avoid concurrent use with other medications containing acetaminophen, as this can further increase the risk of liver injury.

Patients with compromised liver function are advised to consult a healthcare professional prior to using this product, particularly if they have a history of liver disease. Furthermore, consumption of three or more alcoholic drinks per day while using this product is strongly discouraged, as it may exacerbate the risk of liver damage. Regular monitoring of liver function may be warranted in patients with existing liver conditions to ensure safety and efficacy during treatment.

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 medical intervention is crucial for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Healthcare professionals should be aware that the severity of symptoms may vary based on the specific substance involved in the overdose. Therefore, a thorough assessment and monitoring of the patient are essential.

Management of an overdose may include supportive care and symptomatic treatment, tailored to the individual’s clinical presentation. Continuous evaluation and appropriate interventions should be initiated as necessary to mitigate potential complications associated with the overdose.

Nonclinical Toxicology

No teratogenic or non-teratogenic effects have been reported in the available nonclinical studies. Additionally, there is no information regarding animal pharmacology and toxicology. The absence of data limits the assessment of potential risks associated with the use of the compound in these contexts.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified rare cases of severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, associated with the use of acetaminophen. Additionally, reports of acute liver failure have been noted in patients taking acetaminophen, particularly among those with underlying liver disease or those who exceed the recommended dosage. Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have also been reported following the use of acetaminophen. Furthermore, there have been instances of renal impairment associated with acetaminophen use, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney conditions.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients on the importance of seeking immediate medical assistance in the event of an overdose. Patients should be informed to contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 without delay. It is crucial to emphasize that prompt medical attention is necessary for both adults and children, even if they do not exhibit any signs or symptoms of overdose. This proactive approach can significantly impact the outcome in such situations.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a container that is tamper evident. It should not be used if the imprinted seal is broken or missing.

For optimal storage, the product must be kept at a temperature range of 20 to 25° C (68 to 77° F). It is essential to avoid exposure to excessive heat, specifically temperatures exceeding 40° C (104° F). Proper handling and storage conditions are crucial to maintain the integrity and efficacy of the product.

Additional Clinical Information

Patients should be informed that the medication is administered orally, with adults advised to take 2 caplets every 8 hours with water. It is important to swallow the caplets whole and not to crush, chew, split, or dissolve them. Patients should not exceed 6 caplets in a 24-hour period and should not use the medication for more than 10 days unless directed by a healthcare provider.

Clinicians should counsel patients to consult a doctor before use if they have liver disease or are taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice from a health professional prior to use.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)