Acetaminophen

Description

Acetaminophen is provided in the form of regular strength tablets, each containing 325 mg of the active ingredient. The product is packaged in a bottle containing 100 tablets. The National Drug Code (NDC) for this formulation is 0904-6773-61.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with various conditions, including headache, muscular aches, backache, minor pain of arthritis, the common cold, toothache, 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 advised to take 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed while symptoms persist. The maximum dosage should not exceed 10 tablets within a 24-hour period, unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional. Additionally, this medication should not be used for more than 10 consecutive days without medical supervision.

For children aged 6 years to under 12 years, the recommended dosage is 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms last. The total daily intake should not surpass 5 tablets, and use should be limited to a maximum of 5 days unless directed by a physician.

In the case of children under 6 years of age, it is essential 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, 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.

• Known allergy to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients in this formulation, as this may lead to severe allergic reactions.

Warnings and Precautions

This product contains acetaminophen, which poses significant risks for liver damage if not used according to the specified guidelines. The maximum daily dosage for adults is limited to 10 tablets (3,250 mg) within a 24-hour period, while for children, the maximum is 5 tablets (1,625 mg) in the same timeframe. Severe liver damage may occur if an adult exceeds 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours, if a child takes more than the maximum daily amount, if the product is taken concurrently with other medications containing acetaminophen, or if an adult consumes three or more alcoholic beverages daily while using this product.

Healthcare professionals 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 immediately and seek medical assistance.

General precautions should be observed prior to use. Patients with liver disease should consult a physician before using this product. Additionally, individuals taking the anticoagulant warfarin should seek advice from a healthcare provider or pharmacist before use.

In cases of overdose, immediate medical attention is crucial. Patients or caregivers should contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 without delay, even if no symptoms are apparent, as prompt intervention is essential for both adults and children.

Patients should be advised to discontinue use and consult a physician if any of the following occur: pain worsens or persists for more than 10 days in adults, pain lasts more than 5 days in children under 12 years, fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days, new symptoms arise, or if redness or swelling is observed. These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires further evaluation.

Side Effects

Severe liver damage may occur in patients who exceed the recommended dosage of acetaminophen. Specifically, adults should not take more than 4,000 mg in a 24-hour period, while children should not exceed 5 doses within the same timeframe, which constitutes the maximum daily amount. The risk of liver damage is further heightened if acetaminophen is taken in conjunction with other medications containing acetaminophen or if an adult consumes three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Patients should be aware of the potential for severe skin reactions associated with acetaminophen use. 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 beyond 10 days in adults, or if pain lasts more than 5 days in children under 12 years. Additionally, if fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days, or if new symptoms arise, medical consultation is recommended. The presence of redness or swelling may also indicate a serious condition, warranting further evaluation.

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

In cases of overdose, it is crucial to obtain medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. Prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are initially apparent.

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 6 years of age should consult a doctor before use. For children aged 6 years to under 12 years, the recommended dosage is 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours as needed, with a maximum of 5 tablets in a 24-hour period. This age group should not use the medication for more than 5 days unless directed by a healthcare professional.

In adolescents aged 12 years and older, the dosage increases to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed, with a maximum of 10 tablets in a 24-hour period. Similar to younger children, this age group should not use the medication for more than 10 days unless directed by a doctor.

It is important to note that the maximum daily dose for pediatric patients is 5 tablets (1,625 mg) within 24 hours. Healthcare professionals should advise caregivers to stop use and seek medical advice if a child's pain worsens or persists for more than 5 days, or if a fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days.

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. It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any potential adverse effects or changes in efficacy.

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 the safety of both the mother and the developing fetus.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional prior to using this medication. There is no specific data available regarding the excretion of this medication in 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.

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 regarding the use of this product, as compromised liver function may affect the drug's metabolism and overall safety profile. Monitoring of liver function may be necessary to ensure the safe administration of the 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 attention is crucial for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms of overdose.

It is important to note that the Unit Dose package is not child-resistant and is intended solely for institutional use. This underscores the necessity for vigilance in handling and administering the medication to prevent accidental ingestion, particularly in pediatric populations.

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 these contexts.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified that acetaminophen may be associated with severe skin reactions. Reports indicate that symptoms can include skin reddening, blisters, and rash. 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 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 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. Providers should instruct patients to discontinue use and seek medical advice if their pain worsens or persists for more than 10 days in adults, or for more than 5 days in children under 12 years of age. Additionally, patients should be advised to stop use and consult a doctor if their fever worsens or lasts longer than 3 days, if new symptoms arise, or if they notice any redness or swelling, as these may indicate a serious condition.

Patients with liver disease should be advised to consult a doctor before using this medication. Furthermore, it is essential to recommend that patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin speak with a doctor or pharmacist prior to using this product to ensure safety and avoid potential interactions.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a dry place and should be stored at a temperature range of 15˚ to 30˚C (59˚ to 86˚F). It is essential to ensure that the storage environment is dry to maintain the integrity of the product. Special handling requirements are not specified; however, adherence to the recommended temperature range is crucial for optimal product stability.

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)