Acetaminophen

a-seet-a-MIN-oh-fen

Indications for Use

Treats minor pain and reduces fever.

Brand Name(s)

Silapap Infant's

Silapap Children's

Tylenol

Tylenol Children's

Tylenol Extra Strength

Tylenol Infants' Original

Tylenol Infants'

Tylenol Arthritis

T-Painol

Q-Pap

Cetafen

Dolono

Tycolene

APAP

Aminofen

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When You Should Not Take the Medication

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen.

How to Use this Medicine

Tablet, Capsule, Liquid, Chewable Tablet, Dissolving Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to. It is not safe to take more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).

If you are taking this medicine without the advice of your doctor, follow the label directions on the medicine package. Do not take this medicine longer than 10 days in a row, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

The chewable tablet should be chewed or crushed before you swallow it.

Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.

Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

Drink a full glass of water when taking this medicine.

If a Dose is Missed

If you are taking this medicine on a regular schedule and you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.

Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of this Medicine

Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children, and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen can damage your liver and drinking alcohol can increase this risk. If you regularly drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, do not take acetaminophen without asking your doctor.

Do not also use other medicines that contain acetaminophen, or you may be getting more than a safe amount of this medicine.

Many combination medicines contain acetaminophen, including products with brand names such as Alka-Seltzer Plus®, Comtrex®, Drixoral®, Excedrin Migraine®, Midol®, Sinutab®, Sudafed®, Theraflu®, and Vanquish®. Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using to be sure they do not contain acetaminophen.

Warnings While Using this Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if you develop new symptoms such as redness or swelling. If you have been using this medicine for a fever and the fever lasts longer than 3 days, stop using the medicine and call your doctor.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen may affect the results of certain laboratory tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using this Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Blood in stools or black, tarry stools
Dark-colored urine or pale stools
Lightheadedness, fainting, weakness, sweating
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, severe stomach pain
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.