Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Category:

  • Analgesic

Description:

  • Non-narcotic analgesic and antipyretic

Indications:

  • Mild to moderate pain (non-rheumatic)

  • Fever [acute and prophylaxis (i.e., vaccinations)]

  • Headache

Contraindications:

  • No significant contraindications.

Precautions:

  • Pregnancy Category B

  • Patients with preexisting anemia may experience cyanosis due to high blood concentrations of methemoglobin.

  • Chronic alcohol consumption increases risk of hepatotoxicity.

  • Large doses of acetaminophen may increase effects of oral anticoagulants (warfarin).

  • Large, chronic doses in children may lead to hepatotoxicty or death.

  • Concomitant administration with isoniazid (INH) may lead to increased risk of hepatotoxicity, therefore limit self-administration of acetaminophen.
  • Overdose toxicity is related to acute hepatic necrosis.

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

  • Relatively non-toxic in therapeutic doses

  • Occasional rash or urticaria

Dosage:

Administered orally (tablets, capsules, liquid) or rectally

Adult:

  • Fever: 325-650mg q4-6h (no greater than 4 grams per day)

  • Pain:  325-1000mg q4-6h (no greater than 4 grams per day)

Child (dosed per age or weight 10-15mg/kg/dose) :

  • 11 years old: 480mg q4-6h

  • 9-10 years old: 400mg q4-6h

  • 6-8 years old: 320mg q4-6h

  • 4-5 years old: 240mg q4-6h

  • 2-3 years old: 160mg q4-6h

  • 1-2 years old: 120mg q4-6h

  • 4-11 months old: 80mg q4-6h

  • up to 3 months old: 40mg q4-6h

The information contained here is an abbreviated summary. For more detailed and complete information, consult the manufacturer's product information sheets or standard textbooks

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300

Gynecology and Obstetrics CD-ROM
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