Acetaminophen

(a seet a MIN oh fen)

Dosage Forms

• This medicine is available as a caplet, a capsule, a liquid, a suppository, a tablet, and a chewable tablet. Not all products are the same strength. READ LABELS CAREFULLY.

Pharmacologic Category

• Analgesic, Miscellaneous

Is it safe for my child to take this medicine?

• Not if your child has an allergy to acetaminophen or any other part of this medicine.
• Be sure to let healthcare provider know if your child has any allergies or reactions to medicine, food preservatives, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected your child. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

Why does my child need this medicine?

• This medicine is used to relieve pain and fever.

How does this medicine work?

• Acetaminophen blocks production and release of chemicals that cause pain.
• It reduces fever by adjusting the body's thermostat in the brain.

How is this medicine given?

• All forms:
• Do not give more than prescribed amount. Liver damage can occur.
• Oral:
• Give this medicine with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• A liquid (drops, elixir, solution, suspension, syrup) is available if your child cannot swallow pills. Shake suspension well before use.
• Children who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use measuring device that comes with the medicine. If none is available, get an oral syringe, a medicine dropper, a medicine spoon, or a medicine cup (only for older children) from your pharmacist.
• Suppository:
• Suppositories are for rectal use only.

How long does this medicine take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better soon after starting this medicine.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your child's regular schedule.
• Many times this medicine is given on an as needed basis.

What safety measures should I take while my child is using this medicine?

• Avoid giving your child other sources of acetaminophen. An overdose may cause dangerous problems.
• Read package labeling carefully; make sure you have the correct concentration of the product your child needs.
• Check your child's medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• If your child has PKU, talk with healthcare provider. Some products contain phenylalanine.
• Be careful if your child has G6PD deficiency. Anemia may occur.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Liver damage can rarely occur.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• For the occurrence of side effects.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

• If any of this information causes you to be concerned, any of the common side effects occur, or if your child's symptoms do not improve after taking this medicine.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
• If your child shows signs of a life-threatening reaction, call healthcare provider or emergency department immediately. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child exhibits any other unusual behavior.
• If your child develops a rash.
• No improvement in condition or if you believe your child's condition is worse.

How should I store and/or dispose of this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect caplets, capsules, and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
• Do not freeze suppositories.

General statements

• If your child has a life-threatening allergy, he/she should wear an allergy identification bracelet at all times.
• This medicine is available without a prescription.
• This medicine should be thrown out when your child no longer needs it or if the medicine becomes outdated.
• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• Do not share your child's medicine with others and do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Many medications interact with other medications. Keep a list of all your child's medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to your child's healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with your child's healthcare provider before giving him/her any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
• Medicine can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Follow directions given by healthcare provider.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.