Acetaminophen

Description

CVS Extra Strength ACETAMINOPHEN is a film-coated tablet formulation containing 500 mg of acetaminophen per tablet. This product is indicated for the relief of pain and reduction of fever. Each bottle contains 24 tablets and is designed without aspirin. The product features a tamper-evident safety seal; it should not be used if the seal under the cap is broken or missing. CVS Extra Strength ACETAMINOPHEN is comparable to the active ingredient found in Tylenol® Extra Strength. It 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® Extra Strength.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with headache, toothache, muscular aches, 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

Patients should adhere strictly to the recommended dosage. For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the prescribed dosage is 2 tablets every 6 hours as needed for symptom relief. The maximum allowable dosage is 6 tablets within a 24-hour period, unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional. Additionally, this medication should not be taken for more than 10 consecutive days unless specifically instructed by a physician.

For children under the age of 12, it is advised to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate dosing recommendations.

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.

Acetaminophen may also provoke severe skin reactions, which can manifest as blisters, rash, or skin reddening. In the event of any skin reaction, patients must 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 potential interactions.

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 any of the following: worsening pain that persists beyond 10 days, fever that worsens or lasts more than 3 days, the emergence of new symptoms, or any signs 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 taking this product containing acetaminophen if they exceed 4,000 mg in 24 hours, use it in conjunction with other drugs containing acetaminophen, 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 blisters, rash, or skin reddening. In the event of a skin reaction, it is imperative to discontinue use and seek medical assistance immediately.

This product should not be used in conjunction with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. Patients who are unsure if a drug contains acetaminophen are advised to consult a doctor or pharmacist. Additionally, individuals with a known allergy to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients in this product should refrain from its use.

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

Patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a doctor if pain worsens or persists for more than 10 days, if fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days, if new symptoms arise, or if redness or swelling occurs, as these may indicate a serious condition.

Drug Interactions

Patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should consult with 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 adverse effects. 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 tablets every 6 hours as needed for symptom relief, with a maximum of 6 tablets in a 24-hour period. Treatment should not exceed 10 days unless directed by a healthcare provider.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may not require specific dosage adjustments when using this product; however, caution is advised due to potential safety concerns associated with comorbidities commonly found in this population. It is recommended that elderly patients consult a healthcare provider prior to use, particularly if they have a history of liver disease, as this condition may be more prevalent among geriatric patients.

The standard dosage for adults and children aged 12 years and older is to take 2 tablets every 6 hours as needed, with a maximum of 6 tablets in a 24-hour period unless otherwise directed by a physician. It is crucial for elderly patients to adhere to this dosage guideline, as exceeding the maximum dosage can lead to severe liver damage, a significant risk for those with potentially reduced liver function.

Additionally, elderly patients should exercise caution regarding alcohol consumption while using this product. The use of 3 or more alcoholic drinks daily is discouraged, as it may exacerbate the risk of liver damage, further highlighting the need for careful monitoring and consultation with healthcare providers in this demographic.

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 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 a maximum dosage of 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period. Additionally, patients should avoid concurrent use with other medications that contain acetaminophen, as this may 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 not recommended, 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 without delay. 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 lack of immediate symptoms does not preclude the potential for serious health consequences. 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 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 blisters, rash, and skin reddening. 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 crucial for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are apparent.

Patients should be informed not to use this medication in conjunction with any other drug that contains acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. If patients are uncertain about the presence of acetaminophen in any other medications they are taking, they should be encouraged to consult with a doctor or pharmacist.

It is important to instruct patients to avoid using this product if they have a known allergy to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients included in the formulation.

Patients should be counseled to discontinue use and consult a doctor if their pain worsens or persists for more than 10 days. Similarly, they should stop using the medication and seek medical advice if their fever worsens or lasts longer than 3 days. Patients should also be advised to stop use and contact a healthcare professional if they experience new symptoms or notice any redness or swelling, as these may indicate a serious condition.

Additionally, healthcare providers should recommend that patients consult a doctor before using this medication if they have liver disease. It is also prudent to advise patients to 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 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 to 86°F).

Healthcare professionals are advised to check the end flap of the packaging for the expiration date and lot number to ensure proper tracking and usage. Special handling requirements are not specified; however, maintaining the recommended temperature range is essential for product integrity.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally. For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 tablets every 6 hours while symptoms persist, with a maximum of 6 tablets in a 24-hour period unless otherwise directed by a physician. It is advised not to exceed 10 days of use without medical guidance. For children under 12 years, consultation with a doctor is recommended prior to administration.

Clinicians should counsel patients to seek advice from a healthcare professional if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. In the event of an overdose, it is crucial to obtain medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately, as prompt attention 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)