acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol)
(a seet a min' a fen)
Suppositories:
Abenol (CAN), Acephen
Oral:
Aceta, Apacet, Atasol (CAN), Genapap, Genebs, Liquiprin, Mapap, Panadol, Tapanol, Tempra, Tylenol
Pregnancy Category B
Drug classes
Antipyretic
Analgesic (nonopioid)
Therapeutic actions
Antipyretic: Reduces fever by acting directly on the hypothalamic heat-regulating center to cause vasodilation and sweating, which helps dissipate heat.
Analgesic: Site and mechanism of action unclear.
Indications
· Analgesic-antipyretic in patients with aspirin allergy, hemostatic disturbances, bleeding diatheses, upper GI disease, gouty arthritis
· Arthritis and rheumatic disorders involving musculoskeletal pain (but lacks clinically significant antirheumatic and anti-inflammatory effects)
· Common cold, flu, other viral and bacterial infections with pain and fever
· Unlabeled use: Prophylactic for children receiving DPT vaccination to reduce incidence of fever and pain
Contraindications and cautions
· Contraindicated with allergy to acetaminophen.
· Use cautiously with impaired hepatic function, chronic alcoholism, pregnancy, lactation.
Available forms
Suppositories—80, 120, 125, 300, 325, 650 mg; chewable tablets—80 mg; tablets—160, 325, 500, 650 mg; caplets—160, 500, 650 mg; gelcaps—500 mg; capsules—325, 500 mg; elixir—80 mg/2.5 mL, 80 mg/5 mL, 120 mg/5 mL, 160 mg/5 mL; liquid—160 mg/5 mL, 500 mg/15 mL; solution—80 mg/1.66 mL, 100 mg/mL; drops—80 mg/0.8 mL; sprinkle capsules—80, 160 mg
Dosages
ADULTS
PO or PR
By suppository, 325–650 mg q 4–6 hr or PO, 1,000 mg tid to qid. Do not exceed 4 g/day.
PEDIATRIC PATIENTS
PO or PR
Doses may be repeated 4–5 times/day; do not exceed five doses in 24 hr; give PO or by suppository.
Age | Dosage (mg) |
0–3 mo | 40 |
4–11 mo | 80 |
12–23 mo | 120 |
2–3 yr | 160 |
4–5 yr | 240 |
6–8 yr | 320 |
9–10 yr | 400 |
11 yr | 480 |
Pharmacokinetics
Route | Onset | Peak | Duration |
Oral | Varies | 0.5–2 hr | 3–4 hr |
Metabolism: Hepatic; T1/2: 1–3 hr
Distribution: Crosses placenta; enters breast milk
Excretion: Urine
Adverse effects
· CNS: Headache
· CV: Chest pain, dyspnea, myocardial damage when doses of 5–8 g/day are ingested daily for several weeks or when doses of 4 g/day are ingested for 1 yr
· GI: Hepatic toxicity and failure, jaundice
· GU: Acute kidney failure, renal tubular necrosis
· Hematologic: Methemoglobinemia—cyanosis; hemolytic anemia—hematuria, anuria; neutropenia, leukopenia, pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia, hypoglycemia
· Hypersensitivity: Rash, fever
Interactions
Drug-drug
· Increased toxicity with long-term, excessive ethanol ingestion
· Increased hypoprothrombinemic effect of oral anticoagulants
· Increased risk of hepatotoxicity and possible decreased therapeutic effects with barbiturates, carbamazepine, hydantoins, rifampin, sulfinpyrazone
· Possible delayed or decreased effectiveness with anticholinergics
· Possible reduced absorption of acetaminophen with activated charcoal
· Possible decreased effectiveness of zidovudine
Drug-lab test
· Interference with Chemstrip G, Dextrostix, Visidex II home blood glucose measurement systems; effects vary
Nursing considerations
Assessment
· History: Allergy to acetaminophen, impaired hepatic function, chronic alcoholism, pregnancy, lactation
· Physical: Skin color, lesions; T; liver evaluation; CBC, LFTs, renal function tests
Interventions
· Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
· Consult physician if needed for children < 3 yr; if needed for longer than 10 days; if continued fever, severe or recurrent pain occurs (possible serious illness).
· Avoid using multiple preparations containing acetaminophen. Carefully check all OTC products.
· Give drug with food if GI upset occurs.
· Discontinue drug if hypersensitivity reactions occur.
· Treatment of overdose: Monitor serum levels regularly, N-acetylcysteine should be available as a specific antidote; basic life support measures may be necessary.
Teaching points
· Do not exceed recommended dose; do not take for longer than 10 days.
· Take the drug only for complaints indicated; it is not an anti-inflammatory agent.
· Avoid the use of other over-the-counter preparations. They may contain acetaminophen, and serious overdosage can occur. If you need an over-the-counter preparation, consult your health care provider.
· Report rash, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellowing of skin or eyes, changes in voiding patterns.
Adverse effects in Italics are most common; those in Bold are life-threatening.
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