Extra Strength Acetaminophen

Description

CVS Extra Strength Acetaminophen Tablets contain 500 mg of acetaminophen per tablet. The product is identified by the National Drug Code (NDC) 51013-320-54. These tablets are formulated for oral administration and are designed to provide effective pain relief.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with the common cold, headache, 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 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.

Additionally, this product should not be used in individuals with a known allergy to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients contained in this formulation, as this may lead to severe allergic reactions.

Warnings and Precautions

This product contains acetaminophen, which poses a risk of severe liver damage if the following conditions are met: exceeding 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period, concomitant use with other medications containing acetaminophen, or consumption of three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Allergy Alert Acetaminophen may lead to severe skin reactions. Symptoms indicative of such reactions include skin reddening, blisters, and rash. Should any of these symptoms occur, it is imperative to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

General Precautions Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a doctor prior to use if they have a history of liver disease. Additionally, patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should seek guidance from a doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

Emergency Medical Help In the event of an 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 in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Monitoring and Follow-Up Patients should be instructed to stop using this product and consult a doctor if any of the following occur: worsening pain lasting more than 10 days, fever that worsens or persists for more than 3 days, the emergence of new symptoms, or the presence of redness or swelling. These 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.

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

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

Patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a doctor 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 occurs, as these may indicate a serious condition.

Drug Interactions

Patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should consult a healthcare professional prior to using 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 either medication may be required based on clinical judgment and patient response.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Extra Strength Acetaminophen (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 children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 caplets every 6 hours as needed for symptom relief. It is important not to exceed 6 caplets in a 24-hour period unless directed by a healthcare provider. Additionally, use should not extend beyond 10 days unless specifically instructed by a doctor.

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.

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 considered in these populations to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus or 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 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 consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. It is essential for individuals with liver disease to receive appropriate guidance, as their liver function may affect the drug's metabolism and overall safety profile. Monitoring of liver function may be necessary to ensure the safe use of this medication in this 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 presentation of symptoms may vary, and vigilance is necessary to ensure appropriate management. The potential for serious complications underscores the importance of rapid response in overdose situations.

Management procedures should include a thorough assessment of the patient's condition, monitoring vital signs, and providing supportive care as needed. It is essential to follow established protocols for overdose management, which may involve decontamination, administration of antidotes if applicable, and symptomatic treatment.

In summary, the key to effective management of an overdose lies in swift action and comprehensive care, ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected individual.

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 in these areas limits the understanding of the compound's safety profile in nonclinical settings.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified rare cases of severe skin reactions associated with acetaminophen use. Reported symptoms include skin reddening, blisters, and rash. These events were documented through voluntary reports and surveillance programs.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. It is important to inform patients 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 their other medications, they should be encouraged to consult with a doctor or pharmacist.

Patients should be cautioned against using this product if they have a known allergy to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients contained in the formulation. They 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 intensifies or lasts longer than 3 days. Additionally, patients should be advised to stop using the medication and consult a healthcare professional if they experience new symptoms, or if they notice any redness or swelling, as these may indicate a serious condition.

It is also essential for healthcare providers to recommend that patients consult a doctor before using this medication if they have a history of liver disease. Furthermore, patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should be advised to seek guidance from a doctor or pharmacist prior to using this product.

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 between 15° and 30°C (59° and 86°F). Care must be taken to protect the product from light, moisture, and freezing conditions to ensure its integrity and efficacy.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally. Clinicians should advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a health professional prior to use. No further information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experiences.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Extra Strength Acetaminophen, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)