Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen or paracetamol can be found in a certain group of drugs known as analgesics or pain relievers, and antipyretics or fever reducers. Although it is used typically used to offer relied from minor pains and aches, it is known to be useful in the management of severe pain as well. Hence, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS may be given in lower dosages, thereby reducing side effects. Acetaminophen is a main component in various cold medications. It has been proven to be safe for use by human according to the prescribed doses. However, since it is readily available, accidental or deliberate overdoses are rather prevalent.

Acetaminophen is available in various forms, such as tablet, capsule, chewable tablet, drops or concentrated liquid, suspension, orally disintegrating tablet, and long-acting tablet, which are taken orally, either with food or without food.

Acetaminophen is also available as a suppository for rectal use. This can be bought in the absence of a prescription, but doctors may prescribe it for treatment of certain conditions. It is important that the instructions on the prescription label or package is followed carefully. Acetaminophen overdose or taking acetaminophen in dosage more than what was recommended can lead to liver damage.

When administering acetaminophen to a child, make sure that the dosage is according to the chart found on the package. The weight of the child is what the chart will base the dose from. If the child’s weight is not known, use the child’s age to get the corresponding dose from the chart. Children should be given acetaminophen specially-formulated for them.

There are side effects associated with the use of acetaminophen. In fact, serious side effects of acetaminophen have been reported. Patients who experience any of these symptoms should call their doctors at once: hives; rash; swelling of lips, tongue, eyes, throat, face, ankles, hands, and feet; difficulty in swallowing or breathing; itching; hoarseness.

If other symptoms have developed, the painful part of the body becomes swollen and red, the fever worsens or lasts over 3 days, pain goes on for over 10 days, or symptoms have gotten worse, it is highly advisable to stop taking acetaminophen and to seek medical attention right away.

Acetaminophen should not be given of the child has severe sore throat, or if soreness comes with fever, nausea, rash, headache, or vomiting. The doctor should be informed immediately as these can be symptoms of a condition that is more severe.

Patients should not take more than one product that has acetaminophen in them. A lot of prescription and over the counter medications contain acetaminophen, sometimes, as a combination with certain medications. Make sure that your health care professional does not prescribe products which contain acetaminophen at the same time.

While acetaminophen is normally safe to take all throughout the pregnancy period, it is still a must that the doctor be informed if you’re pregnant, planning on having a baby, or are nursing. Doctors should also know if you are drinking more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily. They should be able to provide guidelines which link alcoholic beverages with acetaminophen.

This type of medication is mostly used as needed. Thus, if you missed a certain dose, you can simply take it right after remembering it. But if it’s just about time for your next dose, forget the missed dose and go on with the scheduled doses. It is improper to double a dose just to make up for the one that has been missed.

It is ironic that while acetaminophen was formulated to relieve patients from fever, pains, and aches, it can also lead to serious health conditions when taken inappropriately. This only proves that it is never safe to fool around with drugs.