Acetaminophen

Description

CVS Health™ Acetaminophen is a regular strength pain reliever and fever reducer, containing 325 mg of acetaminophen per gelcap. The product is formulated as 365 gelcaps and does not contain aspirin. It is tamper evident, with a safety seal under the cap that must remain intact for safe use. The product is distributed by CVS Pharmacy, Inc., located at One CVS Drive, Woonsocket, RI 02895. This product is not manufactured or distributed by Kenvue Inc., the owner of the registered trademark Tylenol® Regular Strength. The National Drug Code (NDC) for this product is 69842-876-51. For more information, visit CVS.com®.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with various conditions, including headache, the common cold, 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 4 to 6 hours as needed while symptoms persist. It is imperative that they do not exceed a total of 10 gelcaps within a 24-hour period unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional. Additionally, the use of this medication should not extend beyond 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 the following situations:

• Co-administration with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription, is prohibited. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of acetaminophen in another medication, 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.

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.

Healthcare providers should exercise caution and recommend that patients consult a physician prior to use if they have a history of liver disease. Additionally, patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should be advised to consult with a doctor or pharmacist before using this product, as interactions may occur.

In cases of accidental overdose, it is imperative to seek emergency medical help or contact a Poison Control Center without delay. Prompt medical intervention is crucial for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Patients should be advised to discontinue use and contact their healthcare provider if any of the following occur: worsening pain that persists 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 symptoms 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. Symptoms may include skin reddening, blisters, and 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. These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires medical evaluation.

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. 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 4 to 6 hours as needed, with a maximum of 10 gelcaps 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 accidental overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought, and contacting a Poison Control Center is advised. Prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and pediatric patients, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may not have specific information regarding the use of this medication, including 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 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 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 regarding 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 patients with reduced kidney function, as the lack of data necessitates careful clinical judgment. Regular monitoring of renal function may be advisable in these patients, although specific recommendations are not outlined.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should be advised of the potential risks associated with the use of this product, which contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if the total daily dosage exceeds 4,000 mg of acetaminophen, particularly if taken in conjunction with other medications containing acetaminophen or if the patient consumes three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

It is recommended that patients with liver disease consult a healthcare professional prior to using this product to assess the appropriateness of treatment and to discuss any necessary dosage adjustments or monitoring requirements.

Overdosage

In the event of an accidental 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, vigilance and timely action are essential in managing potential overdose situations effectively.

Nonclinical Toxicology

If pregnant or breast-feeding, it is advised to consult a health professional before use. No specific non-teratogenic effects have been identified in the available data. Additionally, there are no detailed findings regarding nonclinical toxicology or animal pharmacology and toxicology provided in the current information.

Postmarketing Experience

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

Additionally, cases of accidental overdose have been reported. It is crucial to obtain medical help or contact a Poison Control Center without delay, as prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients on the importance of seeking immediate medical assistance in the event of an accidental overdose. Patients should be informed to contact a Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical help 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 various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available upon request. 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 high humidity conditions during storage. Users are advised to adhere to the expiration date indicated on the package to ensure product efficacy and safety.

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 accidental overdose, it is crucial for patients to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center, as prompt attention is essential for both adults and children, even if no symptoms are apparent.

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)