Acetaminophen

Description

Acetaminophen Extended-release Tablets USP contain 650 mg of acetaminophen per tablet. These tablets serve as a pain reliever and fever reducer. The product is packaged in a bottle containing 100 capsule-shaped tablets.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with various conditions, including minor pain of arthritis, muscular aches, backache, premenstrual and menstrual cramps, the common cold, headache, and toothache. Additionally, this drug is indicated for the temporary reduction of fever.

There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects associated with this drug.

Dosage and Administration

Adults are instructed to take 2 caplets every 8 hours with water. The caplets should be swallowed whole and must not be crushed, chewed, split, or dissolved. The maximum dosage should not exceed 6 caplets within a 24-hour period. Additionally, the use of this medication should not extend beyond 10 days unless directed by a healthcare professional.

For individuals under 18 years of age, it is recommended to consult a doctor prior to use.

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

This product contains acetaminophen, which poses a risk of severe liver damage if the following conditions are met: exceeding 6 caplets within a 24-hour period, using it concurrently with other medications that contain acetaminophen, or consuming 3 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, it is recommended that patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin consult with a doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

Emergency Medical Help In the event of an overdose, it is crucial to seek 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.

Discontinuation and Consultation Patients should 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 medical evaluation.

Side Effects

Patients using this product should be aware of potential adverse reactions associated with acetaminophen.

Severe liver damage is a significant concern, particularly if patients exceed the maximum daily dosage of 6 caplets within a 24-hour period, use other medications containing acetaminophen concurrently, or consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Acetaminophen may also lead to severe skin reactions, which can manifest as skin reddening, blisters, or 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. Additionally, it is contraindicated for use with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of acetaminophen in other medications, patients should consult a healthcare professional.

Patients are advised to stop 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 is observed, as these may indicate a serious condition.

Furthermore, patients with liver disease should seek medical advice before using this product. It is also recommended that patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin consult a doctor or pharmacist prior to use.

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 other products containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. Co-administration may lead to an increased risk of acetaminophen-related hepatotoxicity. Monitoring for signs of liver damage is advised if acetaminophen is used concurrently.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Acetaminophen. Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients should be kept out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. Quick medical attention is essential for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms. For individuals under 18 years of age, it is advised not to use this medication for more than 10 days unless directed by a healthcare professional.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may not have specific dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions outlined in the prescribing information. Therefore, healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients, particularly those aged 65 and older.

It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any potential adverse effects or changes in therapeutic response, given the general variability in drug metabolism and sensitivity in this population. Individualized assessment and clinical judgment are recommended to ensure optimal treatment outcomes in elderly patients.

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 medication 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 product. The presence of liver disease may increase the risk of adverse effects, particularly due to the acetaminophen content in this formulation.

Severe liver damage may occur if patients exceed the maximum recommended dosage of 6 caplets within a 24-hour period. Additionally, patients should avoid concomitant use of other medications containing acetaminophen, as this can further elevate the risk of hepatotoxicity. It is also advised that patients limit alcohol consumption to fewer than 3 alcoholic drinks per day while using this product, as alcohol can exacerbate the potential for liver damage.

Monitoring of liver function may be warranted in patients with compromised liver function 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 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, and early recognition and management are essential to mitigate potential complications. It is recommended that all cases of suspected overdose be treated as medical emergencies, and appropriate supportive care should be initiated as necessary.

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 use of the compound in question. Further studies may be necessary to elucidate these aspects of nonclinical toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified rare cases of severe skin reactions associated with acetaminophen. 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. 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 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 container that is tamper evident; it should not be used if the imprinted seal is broken or missing. The storage conditions require the product to be maintained at a temperature range of 20 to 25° C (68 to 77° F). It is essential to avoid exposure to excessive heat, specifically temperatures exceeding 40° C (104° F). For batch number and expiration date, please refer to the end panel of the packaging.

Additional Clinical Information

Patients should take the medication orally, with a recommended dosage of 2 caplets every 8 hours, swallowed whole with water. It is important not to crush, chew, split, or dissolve the caplets.

Clinicians should counsel patients to consult a doctor before use if they have liver disease or are taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice from a health professional prior to use. The medication should be kept out of reach of children, and in the event of an overdose, patients should seek medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

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)