Acetaminophen

Description

Acetaminophen Extended Release Tablets contain 650 mg of acetaminophen per tablet. Each bottle contains a total of 24 tablets. The formulation is designed for extended release, providing prolonged analgesic effects. The tablets are intended for oral administration.

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, premenstrual and menstrual cramps, the common cold, headache, and toothache. 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 should take 2 caplets every 8 hours with water. The caplets must be swallowed whole and should 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 advised to consult a doctor before 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.

Additionally, this product should not be used in individuals with a known allergy to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients contained in this 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 6 caplets within a 24-hour period, using concurrently with other medications that contain acetaminophen, or consuming 3 or more alcoholic drinks 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. In the event of a skin reaction, it is imperative to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a doctor 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.

Patients are instructed to stop taking the product and contact their doctor 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 medical evaluation.

In cases of skin reactions, immediate cessation of the product and prompt medical attention are essential.

Side Effects

Severe liver damage may occur in patients who exceed the maximum daily dosage of 6 caplets within a 24-hour period, take the product in conjunction with other medications containing acetaminophen, or consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Patients should be aware that acetaminophen may lead to severe skin reactions, which can 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 to stop use and consult a healthcare professional if pain worsens or persists for more than 10 days, if fever intensifies or lasts longer than 3 days, if new symptoms arise, or if redness or swelling is observed, as these may indicate a serious underlying condition.

Individuals with liver disease should consult a doctor prior to use. Additionally, patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should seek advice from a healthcare provider or pharmacist before using this product.

In cases of overdose, it is crucial to obtain medical help or contact a Poison Control Center without delay. Prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are immediately apparent.

Drug Interactions

Co-administration of this medication with other products containing acetaminophen is contraindicated due to the potential for increased risk of hepatotoxicity.

Additionally, caution is advised when this medication is used in conjunction with warfarin, a blood-thinning agent. It is recommended that patients consult with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, prior to use if they are currently taking warfarin. Monitoring of coagulation parameters may be warranted to ensure safe and effective use.

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 before use. It is essential 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

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 individual responses may vary. It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any adverse effects or changes in efficacy, given the lack of targeted data for this population.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. It is important to evaluate the potential risks and benefits associated with the use of this drug during pregnancy and lactation. Healthcare providers should consider the available data and individual patient circumstances when advising on the use of this medication in these populations.

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

There is no information available regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations for patients with renal impairment. Healthcare professionals should exercise caution and consider the lack of specific guidance when prescribing to patients with reduced kidney function.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should exercise caution when using this product, which contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if patients exceed the maximum daily dosage of 6 caplets within a 24-hour period. Additionally, patients are advised against the concurrent use of other medications containing acetaminophen, as this may further increase the risk of liver injury.

Furthermore, patients with compromised liver function should limit their alcohol intake to fewer than 3 alcoholic drinks per day while using this product. Monitoring of liver function is recommended for patients with existing liver conditions or those who consume alcohol regularly, to ensure safety and prevent potential hepatotoxicity.

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 observable signs or symptoms.

Healthcare professionals should be aware that the lack of immediate symptoms does not preclude the potential for serious health consequences. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the patient closely and provide comprehensive care as needed.

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 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. It is important to inform patients not to use this product in conjunction with any other medications that contain acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. If patients are uncertain about the presence of acetaminophen in their other medications, they should be encouraged to consult with a doctor or pharmacist.

Patients should be cautioned against using this product if they have a known allergy to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients included in the formulation. They should be instructed to discontinue use and seek medical advice if their pain worsens or persists for more than 10 days, or if their fever intensifies or lasts longer than 3 days. Additionally, patients should be advised to stop using the medication and consult a healthcare professional if they experience new symptoms, or if they notice any redness or swelling, as these may indicate a serious condition.

Healthcare providers should also recommend that patients with liver disease consult a doctor before using this medication. Furthermore, patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should be advised to speak with a doctor or pharmacist prior to using this product to ensure safety and avoid potential interactions.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a configuration that includes an NDC number for identification. It should be stored at a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) to ensure optimal stability and efficacy.

Healthcare professionals are advised to inspect the product prior to use; it should not be utilized if the foil inner seal is broken or missing, as this may compromise the integrity of the product. Proper handling and storage conditions are essential to maintain the quality of the product throughout its shelf life.

Additional Clinical Information

No further data are available.

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)