Acetaminophen

Description

CVS Extra Strength Acetaminophen contains 500 mg of acetaminophen as its active ingredient, formulated in gelcap dosage form. Each package contains 24 gelcaps, designed for the relief of pain and reduction of fever. This product does not contain aspirin. It is tamper evident; do not use if the imprinted safety seal under the cap is broken or missing. CVS Extra Strength Acetaminophen is distributed by CVS Pharmacy, Inc., located at One CVS Drive, Woonsocket, RI 02895. The National Drug Code (NDC) for this product is 69842-915-08. This formulation is comparable to Tylenol® Extra Strength Rapid Release Gels. It is important to note that this product is not manufactured or distributed by Kenvue Inc., the owner of the registered trademark Tylenol® Extra Strength Rapid Release Gels.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with headache, muscular aches, toothache, backache, the common cold, minor pain of arthritis, 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 duration of use should not exceed 10 days unless 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 individuals with a known allergy to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients contained in the formulation. Additionally, concurrent use with any other medication that contains acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription, is contraindicated. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of acetaminophen in other medications, consultation with a healthcare professional is advised.

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 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period, use other medications containing acetaminophen concurrently, or consume three or more alcoholic beverages daily while taking this product.

Acetaminophen is also associated with the potential for severe skin reactions. Symptoms indicative of such reactions may include skin reddening, blisters, or rash. In the event of any skin reaction, patients should be instructed to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

It is essential for patients to consult a healthcare provider prior to using this product if they have a history of liver disease. Additionally, patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist before use, as there may be interactions that require monitoring.

In cases of overdose, immediate medical attention is crucial. Patients should be advised to contact a Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical help without delay, regardless of the presence of symptoms, as prompt intervention is vital for both adults and children.

Patients should also be instructed to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if they experience new symptoms, if pain worsens or persists beyond 10 days, if fever intensifies or lasts more than 3 days, or if there is any redness or swelling. These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires further evaluation.

Side Effects

Patients using this product should be aware of the potential for serious adverse reactions, particularly related to liver health and allergic responses.

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

Additionally, there is an allergy alert associated with acetaminophen, which may lead to severe skin reactions. Symptoms of such reactions can include skin reddening, blisters, and rash. In the event of a skin reaction, patients are advised to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Patients should not use this product if they are allergic to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients contained within. It is also contraindicated for use with any other drug that contains acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of acetaminophen in other medications, patients should consult a healthcare professional.

Before using this product, patients with liver disease should consult their doctor. Furthermore, individuals taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist prior to use.

Patients are advised to stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if new symptoms arise, if pain worsens or persists beyond 10 days, if fever intensifies or lasts more than 3 days, or if redness or swelling occurs, as these may indicate a serious condition.

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. The risk of acetaminophen overdose and associated hepatotoxicity is heightened when multiple sources of acetaminophen are used simultaneously. Patients are advised to verify the contents of any other medications with a healthcare provider or pharmacist if there is uncertainty regarding the presence of acetaminophen.

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 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 for symptom relief, 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.

Geriatric Use

There is no specific information available 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.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. It is essential to evaluate the potential risks and benefits associated with its use during pregnancy and lactation.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional prior to using this medication. There is currently no available data on the excretion of this drug 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 not been specifically addressed in the drug insert regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to individuals with reduced kidney function, as the absence of detailed guidance necessitates careful clinical judgment. Regular monitoring of renal function may be advisable in these patients to ensure safety and efficacy.

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 for patients to adhere to the following guidelines to minimize the risk of hepatotoxicity:

• Patients should not exceed a maximum dosage of 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period.

• Concurrent use of other medications containing acetaminophen should be avoided to prevent unintentional overdose.

• Consumption of three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product is contraindicated, as it may significantly increase the risk of liver damage.

Additionally, patients with a history of liver disease are advised to consult a healthcare professional prior to using this product to ensure safe and appropriate use. Regular monitoring of liver function may be warranted in patients with compromised liver function to detect any potential adverse effects promptly.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center without delay. Prompt medical intervention is crucial for both adults and children, regardless of whether any signs or symptoms are apparent.

Healthcare professionals should be aware that the absence of symptoms does not preclude the possibility of serious complications. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the patient closely and provide appropriate 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 question.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified that acetaminophen may be associated with severe skin reactions. Reports indicate that symptoms can 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 seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center in the event of an overdose, emphasizing that prompt medical attention is critical for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are apparent.

Patients should be informed not to use this product if they have a known allergy to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients contained within. It is also important to counsel patients against using this medication in conjunction with any other drug that contains acetaminophen, whether prescribed or over-the-counter. If patients are uncertain about the contents of a medication, they should be encouraged to consult with a doctor or pharmacist.

Healthcare providers should instruct patients to discontinue use and consult a doctor if new symptoms arise, if pain worsens or persists for more than 10 days, or if fever intensifies or lasts longer than 3 days. Additionally, patients should be advised to stop use and seek medical advice if they notice any redness or swelling, as these may indicate a serious condition.

Patients with liver disease should be encouraged to consult a doctor prior to using this medication. Furthermore, those taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should be advised to speak with a doctor or pharmacist before use to ensure safety and avoid potential interactions.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in configurations that include specific NDC numbers, which can be found on the packaging. It should be stored at a controlled room temperature of 25°C (77°F), with permissible excursions between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Care should be taken to avoid exposure to high humidity, as this may affect the product's integrity. For additional information regarding the expiration date and lot number, please refer to the end flap of the packaging.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally. Clinicians should advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a healthcare professional prior to use. In the event of an overdose, it is crucial for patients to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center, as prompt intervention is essential for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable symptoms.

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)