Acetaminophen

Description

Equaline® is a regular strength acetaminophen formulation, indicated as a pain reliever and fever reducer. Each tablet contains 325 mg of acetaminophen, with a total of 100 tablets per bottle. The product is comparable to Regular Strength Tylenol® Tablets in terms of its active ingredient. The National Drug Code (NDC) for this product is 41163-514-02. The tablets are presented in their actual size for accurate dosing.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with various conditions, including 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 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. Continuous use beyond 10 days is not recommended unless directed by a healthcare professional.

For children aged 6 to 11 years, the recommended dosage is 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms last. The total daily intake should not surpass 5 tablets within a 24-hour period. Prolonged use beyond 5 days is not advised unless instructed by a physician.

For children under 6 years of age, it is essential to consult a doctor before administration.

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 under certain conditions. Adults should not exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period. For children, the maximum daily dosage is limited to 5 doses within the same timeframe. Caution is advised when this product is taken in conjunction with other medications containing acetaminophen. Additionally, adults consuming three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product are at an increased risk for liver damage.

Acetaminophen may also lead to severe skin reactions, which can manifest as skin reddening, blisters, or rash. In the event of any skin reaction, it is imperative to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

General precautions should be observed prior to use. Individuals with liver disease should consult a healthcare professional before using this product. Furthermore, those taking the anticoagulant warfarin should seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist prior to use.

In the case of an overdose, it is crucial to obtain emergency 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 initially apparent.

Users should discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider if any of the following occur: pain worsens or persists for more than 10 days in adults; pain worsens or 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 medical 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 the 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 against using this product in conjunction with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of acetaminophen in another medication, consultation with a doctor or pharmacist is recommended. Additionally, individuals with known allergies to acetaminophen or any inactive ingredients in this product should refrain from use.

Patients should discontinue use and consult a doctor if pain worsens or persists beyond 10 days in adults or 5 days in children under 12 years, 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.

It is advisable for patients to consult a doctor prior to use if they have liver disease or are taking the anticoagulant warfarin, as interactions may occur.

In the event of an overdose, patients should seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. Prompt medical attention is crucial for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are immediately apparent.

Drug Interactions

Patients taking warfarin, a blood-thinning medication, should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this product. The interaction between this product and warfarin may necessitate careful monitoring of coagulation parameters to ensure therapeutic efficacy and minimize the risk of adverse effects. 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 Acetaminophen. Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 6 years of age should consult a healthcare professional before use. For children aged 6 to 11 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. Use should not exceed 5 consecutive days unless directed by a healthcare provider.

In children under 12 years, if pain worsens or persists for more than 5 days, if fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days, or if new symptoms arise, including redness or swelling, the use of this medication should be discontinued and a healthcare professional should be consulted.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may not require specific dosage adjustments when receiving this medication, as there are no safety concerns or dosage modifications indicated in the available data. However, healthcare providers should remain vigilant in monitoring this population for any potential adverse effects, given the general considerations associated with pharmacotherapy in geriatric patients. It is advisable to assess the overall health status and comorbidities of elderly patients to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.

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 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 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 absence of 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 use. It is essential for individuals with liver disease to receive appropriate guidance regarding the use of this medication, 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 intervention is essential for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Healthcare professionals should be aware that the lack of immediate symptoms does not preclude the potential for serious adverse effects. Therefore, vigilance and timely medical evaluation are crucial in managing overdose situations effectively.

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 potential effects in nonclinical settings.

Postmarketing Experience

There have been reports of severe skin reactions associated with acetaminophen use, including symptoms such as skin reddening, blisters, and rash. In cases where a skin reaction occurs, it is advised to discontinue use and seek medical assistance immediately.

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 whether a drug contains acetaminophen, they should be encouraged to consult with a doctor or pharmacist.

Patients should be cautioned against using this medication if they have a known allergy to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients present in the product. Healthcare 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 more than 3 days, if new symptoms arise, 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 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 a carton that should be retained for complete product information. It is essential to store the product at a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) to ensure its stability and efficacy. Proper handling and storage conditions must be adhered to in order to maintain the integrity of the product.

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)