Acetaminophen

Description

CVS Health Extra Strength Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer formulated in caplet form, with each caplet containing 500 mg of acetaminophen. This product is designed to provide effective relief comparable to the active ingredient found in Extra Strength Tylenol®. The packaging contains a total of 1000 caplets, ensuring a substantial supply for managing pain and reducing fever.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with the common cold, headache, toothache, muscular aches, backache, 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 12 years of age and over are instructed to take 2 caplets every 6 hours as needed while symptoms persist. The maximum dosage should not exceed 6 caplets 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

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.

Patients should be alerted to the potential for severe skin reactions associated with acetaminophen use. Symptoms such as skin reddening, blisters, or rash may indicate an allergic reaction. In the event of any skin reaction, patients must 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, those taking the anticoagulant warfarin should seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist before use, as interactions may occur.

In cases of overdose, immediate medical attention is critical. Patients should be instructed to contact a Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical help without delay, even if no symptoms are apparent. The contact number for the Poison Control Center is 1-800-222-1222.

Patients should also be advised to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if any of the following occur: pain worsens or persists for more than 10 days, fever worsens or lasts longer than 3 days, new symptoms develop, or if redness or swelling is observed. These signs may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires further 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 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 using this product. Additionally, patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should seek advice from a healthcare provider or pharmacist before use.

In cases of overdose, it is crucial to obtain 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 if no signs or symptoms are apparent.

Drug Interactions

Patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should consult a healthcare professional prior to initiating treatment with this medication. The interaction between this drug and warfarin may necessitate careful monitoring of coagulation parameters to ensure therapeutic efficacy and minimize the risk of bleeding complications. Adjustments to the dosage of warfarin may be required based on the clinical judgment of the healthcare provider.

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 caplets every 6 hours as needed, with a maximum of 6 caplets in a 24-hour period, unless otherwise directed by a physician. Treatment should not exceed 10 days without medical advice.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance is required. Parents and caregivers should contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 without delay, as prompt attention is essential for both children and adults, even if no symptoms are 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 individual responses may vary. Monitoring for potential adverse effects and therapeutic efficacy is recommended in this population, given the lack of targeted data.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. It is important to assess the potential risks and benefits, as well as any available data regarding fetal outcomes and lactation. Healthcare providers can offer guidance tailored to individual circumstances, ensuring the safety of both the patient 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 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 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 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 consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. It is essential for individuals with liver disease to receive appropriate guidance regarding the use of this product, as compromised liver function may affect the metabolism and clearance of the medication. Monitoring of liver function may be necessary to ensure safety and efficacy in this patient population.

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 depending 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 compound in these areas.

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 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 crucial 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 they experience any of the following: worsening pain that lasts more than 10 days, a fever that worsens or lasts more than 3 days, the emergence of new symptoms, or the presence of redness or swelling, as these may indicate a serious condition.

Additionally, patients should be advised to consult with a doctor before using this medication if they have liver disease. It is also important to recommend that patients speak with a doctor or pharmacist prior to use if they are currently taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a configuration that includes specific NDC numbers, which are essential for identification and inventory management. It is crucial to store the product in a dry place, maintaining a temperature range of 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) to ensure its stability and efficacy. Proper storage conditions must be adhered to in order to preserve the integrity of the product.

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)