What is acetaminophen (oral/rectal)?
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer.
Acetaminophen is used to treat many conditions such as headache, muscle aches, arthritis,
backache, toothaches, colds, and fevers.
Acetaminophen may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acetaminophen (oral/rectal)?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to acetaminophen (Tylenol).
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use
this medication. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about using acetaminophen if you have:
-
liver disease; or
-
a history of alcoholism;
It is not known whether acetaminophen will harm an unborn baby.
Before using acetaminophen, tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
This medication can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take acetaminophen (oral/rectal)?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not use more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen
can cause serious harm. The maximum amount for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams
(4000 mg) per day. Using more acetaminophen could cause damage to your liver. If you drink more
than three alcoholic beverages per day, talk to your doctor before taking acetaminophen and never use
more than 2 grams (2000 mg) per day.
If you are treating a child, use a pediatric form of acetaminophen. Carefully follow the
dosing directions on the medicine label. Do not give the medication to a child younger than 2 years old
without the advice of a doctor.
Measure the
liquid
form of acetaminophen with a special dose-measuring
spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your
pharmacist for one. You may need to shake the liquid before each use. Follow the directions on the
medicine label.
The acetaminophen
chewable tablet
must be chewed thoroughly before you
swallow it.
Make sure your hands are dry when handling the acetaminophen
disintegrating tablet
. Place the tablet on your tongue. It will begin to dissolve right away. Do not swallow the
tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
To use the acetaminophen
effervescent granules
, dissolve one packet of the
granules in at least 4 ounces of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. To make sure you
get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.
Do not take a acetaminophen
rectal suppository
by mouth. It is for use
only in your rectum.
Wash your hands before and after inserting the suppository.
Try to empty your bowel and bladder just before using the acetaminophen suppository.
Remove the outer wrapper from the suppository before inserting it. Avoid handling the suppository too
long or it will melt in your hands.
For best results from the suppository, lie down and insert the suppository pointed tip first into
the rectum. Hold in the suppository for a few minutes. It will melt quickly once inserted and you
should feel little or no discomfort while holding it in. Avoid using the bathroom just after inserting the
suppository.
Stop using acetaminophen and call your doctor if:
-
you still have a fever after 3 days of use;
-
you still have pain after 7 days of use (or 5 days if treating
a child);
-
you have a skin rash, ongoing headache, or any redness or
swelling; or
-
if your symptoms get worse, or if you have any new
symptoms.
Urine glucose tests may produce false results while you are taking
acetaminophen. Talk to your doctor if you are diabetic and you notice changes in your glucose levels
during treatment.
Store acetaminophen at room temperature away from heat and moisture. The rectal
suppositories can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
What happens if I miss a dose of acetaminophen (oral/rectal)?
Since acetaminophen is often used only when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If
you are using the medication regularly, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost
time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use your next dose as directed.
Do not
use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Where can I get more information about acetaminophen (oral/rectal)?
Your pharmacist has information about acetaminophen (oral/rectal) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of acetaminophen (oral/rectal)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect
such as:
-
low fever with nausea, stomach pain, and loss of appetite;
-
dark urine, clay-colored stools; or
-
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about acetaminophen (oral/rectal)?
There are many brands and forms of acetaminophen available and not all brands are listed on
this leaflet.
Do not use more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen
can cause serious harm. The maximum amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per
dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more acetaminophen could cause damage to your liver.
If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, talk to your doctor before taking
acetaminophen and never use more than 2 grams (2000 mg) per day.
Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three
alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able
to use acetaminophen.
Before using acetaminophen, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or a history of alcoholism.
Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or pain medication without first
asking your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as "APAP") is contained in
many combination medicines. If you use certain products together you may accidentally use too much
acetaminophen. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains acetaminophen
or APAP.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol may increase your risk of liver
damage while taking acetaminophen.
What should I avoid while taking acetaminophen (oral/rectal)?
Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or pain medication without first
asking your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as "APAP") is contained in
many combination medicines. If you use certain products together you may accidentally use too much
acetaminophen. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains acetaminophen
or APAP.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol may increase your risk of liver
damage while taking acetaminophen.
What other drugs will affect acetaminophen (oral/rectal)?
There may be other drugs that can interact with acetaminophen. Tell your doctor about all your
prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs
prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of acetaminophen (oral/rectal)?