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