Acetaminophen

Description

Globe acetaminophen is presented in a caplet dosage form. It is formulated for the relief of pain and reduction of fever. The product is manufactured under the guidelines set forth by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER).

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 relief 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 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. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of acetaminophen in a medication, 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.

Warnings and Precautions

Severe liver damage may occur with the use of this product, which contains acetaminophen. Healthcare professionals should advise patients to avoid exceeding 4000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period. Additionally, patients should be cautioned against using other medications that contain acetaminophen concurrently and should limit alcohol consumption to fewer than three drinks per day while using this product.

Acetaminophen has been associated with severe skin reactions. Symptoms indicative of such reactions may include skin reddening, blisters, and rash. In the event of a skin reaction, patients must be instructed to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Patients should be advised to stop taking the product and consult a healthcare provider if any of the following occur: pain worsens or persists for more than 10 days, fever intensifies or lasts longer than 3 days, new symptoms develop, or if redness or swelling is observed. These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires further evaluation.

In cases of severe skin reactions, immediate medical attention is necessary. Patients should be informed to cease use and seek emergency medical help without delay.

General precautions should be taken into account prior to use. Patients with a history of liver disease should consult a healthcare professional before using this product. Furthermore, individuals taking the anticoagulant warfarin should seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist before use, as potential interactions may occur.

Side Effects

Patients using this product should be aware of the potential for serious adverse reactions, particularly related to liver health and allergic skin responses.

Severe liver damage may occur if patients exceed 4000 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. It is crucial for patients with liver disease to consult a healthcare professional prior to use.

Additionally, acetaminophen may cause severe skin reactions, which can manifest as skin reddening, blisters, or rash. Should any of these symptoms occur, patients are advised to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Patients should also be vigilant for other concerning symptoms. They are instructed to stop use and consult a doctor if pain worsens or persists beyond 10 days, if fever intensifies or lasts more than 3 days, if new symptoms arise, or if redness or swelling is observed, as these may indicate a serious underlying condition.

Furthermore, patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist before using this product to avoid potential interactions.

Drug Interactions

Patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should consult with 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 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 and adults aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 tablets every 6 hours as needed, with a maximum of 6 tablets in a 24-hour period unless otherwise directed by a physician. The medication should not be used for more than 10 days without medical advice.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to discontinue use and seek medical attention if pain worsens or persists beyond 10 days, if fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days, if new symptoms arise, or if there is any redness or swelling, as these may indicate a serious condition. In the event of an overdose, prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and pediatric patients, even if symptoms are not immediately apparent.

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. It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any 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 safety of this drug during pregnancy has not been established, and potential risks to fetal outcomes are not fully understood. Therefore, it is essential for women of childbearing potential to seek medical advice to weigh the benefits and risks associated with the use of this medication 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

There is no specific information available regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations for patients with renal impairment. Healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing to patients with reduced kidney function, as the absence of detailed guidance necessitates careful clinical judgment. Regular monitoring of renal function may be advisable in this patient population.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should exercise caution when using this product, which contains acetaminophen. It is important to note that severe liver damage may occur if patients exceed the following limits:

• More than 4000 mg of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period.

• Concurrent use with other medications that contain acetaminophen.

• Consumption of three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Due to the potential for increased risk of liver toxicity, patients with compromised liver function should be closely monitored for signs of liver damage. It is advisable for these patients to consult with a healthcare professional before using this product to ensure safe and appropriate use.

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 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 healthcare providers monitor the patient closely and initiate appropriate supportive care as needed.

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

Acetaminophen has been associated with severe skin reactions reported in postmarketing experience. Symptoms of these reactions may include skin reddening, blisters, and rash. In cases where a skin reaction occurs, 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. 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 medication 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 product if they have a known allergy to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients present 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. Similarly, if a fever worsens or lasts longer than 3 days, patients should stop using the medication and consult a healthcare professional.

Patients should also be made aware that the emergence of new symptoms, or the presence of redness or swelling, warrants immediate medical consultation, as these may indicate a serious condition. Additionally, patients with liver disease should be advised to consult a doctor before using this product. Lastly, those taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should be encouraged 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 tamper-evident container. It is essential to inspect the safety seal under the cap; do not use the product if the seal is broken or missing.

Storage conditions require the product to be maintained at a temperature range of 20ºC to 25ºC (68ºF to 77ºF). It is important to avoid exposure to high humidity. For tracking purposes, the expiration date and lot number can be found on the end panel of the packaging.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally. Clinicians should advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a healthcare 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 Acetaminophen, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)