Acetaminophen

Description

CVS Extra Strength Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer, containing 500 mg of acetaminophen per tablet. This formulation is designed for adult use and is available in a package of 100 tablets. The product does not contain aspirin and is comparable to the active ingredient found in Tylenol® Extra Strength. The National Drug Code (NDC) for this product is 69842-465-12.

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 older are instructed to take 2 tablets every 6 hours as needed for symptom relief. The maximum dosage should not exceed 6 tablets 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 the following situations:

Patients should not use this product in conjunction with any other medication containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription, 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 is contraindicated in individuals with a known allergy to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients contained within 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 is also associated with the potential for severe skin reactions. Symptoms indicative of such reactions may include skin reddening, blisters, or rash. Should any of these symptoms manifest, 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 interactions may occur.

In the event of an accidental overdose, immediate medical attention is crucial. Patients should be directed to contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical help without delay, regardless of the presence of symptoms.

Patients should also be advised to discontinue 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 there is any redness or swelling, as these may indicate a serious underlying condition.

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 a dosage of 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 patients are uncertain about the presence of acetaminophen in other medications, they should consult a healthcare professional.

Before using this product, patients with liver disease should consult a 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 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 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 tablets every 6 hours as needed for symptom relief, with a maximum of 6 tablets 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, or the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) should be contacted. Prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are apparent.

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. Monitoring for potential adverse effects and therapeutic efficacy is recommended in this population.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. The potential risks and benefits must be carefully weighed, as the effects on fetal outcomes and lactation are not fully established. It is essential for women of childbearing potential to seek medical advice to ensure safe 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 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 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 accidental overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Prompt medical attention is crucial for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Healthcare professionals should be aware that the management of overdose cases may vary depending on the specific substance involved and the clinical presentation of the patient. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a thorough assessment and provide appropriate interventions based on the patient's condition and the guidance of poison control experts.

Nonclinical Toxicology

No information is available regarding teratogenic or non-teratogenic effects. Additionally, there is no data provided concerning nonclinical toxicology, animal pharmacology, or toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

No postmarketing experience details are available in the insert text.

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 about the presence of acetaminophen in other medications, they should be encouraged to consult with a doctor or pharmacist.

It is crucial to inform patients that they should not use this product if they have a known allergy to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients contained in the formulation. Patients 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 worsens or lasts longer than 3 days. Additionally, patients should be advised to stop using the medication and consult a doctor if they experience new symptoms, or 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 before using this medication. Furthermore, those taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should be advised to speak with a doctor or pharmacist prior to use to ensure safety and avoid potential interactions.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a configuration that includes specific NDC numbers, which can be found on the packaging. It is essential to store the product in a dry place, maintaining a temperature range of 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). For optimal preservation, it is advised to check the end flap of the packaging for the expiration date and lot number, ensuring proper tracking and usage.

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)