ACETAMINOPHEN SUPPOSITORY - RECTAL
Common Brand Name(s): Acephen, Feverall
Phonetic Pronunciation: (a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen)
Information last revised October 2010
What does ACETAMINOPHEN SUPP - RECTAL look like?
acetaminophen 120 mg Rectal Suppository
acetaminophen 120 mg Rectal Suppository
Acephen 650 mg Rectal Suppository
Acephen 325 mg Rectal Suppository
acetaminophen 650 mg Rectal Suppository
acetaminophen 325 mg Rectal Suppository
acetaminophen 325 mg Rectal Suppository
acetaminophen 650 mg Rectal Suppository
Acephen 120 mg Rectal Suppository
Uses:
This drug is used to treat mild to moderate pain (from headaches, menstrual periods, toothaches, backaches, osteoarthritis, or cold/flu aches and pains) and to reduce fever.
Missed Dose
If you are using this medication on a regular basis and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
How To Use
Use this product rectally as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. First, unwrap 1 suppository. Lie down on your left side with right knee bent. If giving to a child, the child may lie on the side or flat on the back. Gently push the suppository into the rectum with your finger. After inserting the suppository, if necessary, hold the buttocks together for 30 to 60 seconds to keep the suppository in place. Remain lying down for a few minutes, and avoid having a bowel movement for an hour or longer so the drug will be absorbed. The suppository is for rectal use only. Do not use more acetaminophen than recommended. (See also Side Effects and Precautions sections.) Pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the symptoms have worsened, the medication may not work as well. Do not use this medication for fever for more than 3 days unless directed by your doctor. For adults, do not use this product for pain for more than 10 days (5 days in children) unless directed by your doctor. If the child has a sore throat (especially with high fever, headache, or nausea/vomiting), consult the doctor promptly. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens or if you develop new symptoms. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), isoniazid. Acetaminophen is an ingredient in many nonprescription products and in some combination prescription medications. Read the labels carefully before taking other pain relievers, fever reducers, or cold products to see if they also contain acetaminophen. Consult your pharmacist if you are uncertain whether your other prescription or nonprescription products contain acetaminophen. (See also maximum daily dose information in Side Effects section.) This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Notes
Acetaminophen does not cause the stomach and intestinal ulcers that NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen may cause. However, acetaminophen does not reduce swelling (inflammation) like the NSAIDs do. Consult your doctor for more details and to see which medication might be right for you.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, increased sweating, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, extreme tiredness.
Precautions
Before using acetaminophen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, regular use/abuse of alcohol. Acetaminophen may cause liver damage. If you have 3 or more alcoholic drinks each day, you may increase your risk for liver damage, especially when combined with acetaminophen. Limit alcohol and ask your doctor or pharmacist if acetaminophen is right for you. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. Acetaminophen passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from heat. If the room temperature is above 80 degrees F (27 degrees C), then store the medication in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Side Effects
This drug usually has no side effects. If you have any unusual effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. If you do not have liver problems, the maximum dose of acetaminophen for adults is 4 grams per day (4000 milligrams). The maximum dose of acetaminophen for children is based on age/weight (check product package for details). Taking more than the maximum daily amount may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver damage. Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage: persistent nausea/vomiting, extreme tiredness, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine. If you have liver problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist for a safe dosage of this medication. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
