Acetaminophen (N-Acetyl-p-Aminophenol)(a seet a min’ a fen)
Suppositories: Acephen
Oral: Aminofen, Anacin Aspirin Free, APAP, Apo-Acetaminophen (CAN), Atasol (CAN), Cetafen, Feverall, Genapap, Mapap Arthritis PainDNC, Masophen, Q-Pap, Silapap, Tylenol, UN-Aspirin, Valorin
Injection: Ofirmev
PREGNANCY CATEGORY B
Drug Classes
Analgesic (nonopioid)
Antipyretic
Therapeutic Actions
Antipyretic: Reduces fever by acting directly on the hypothalamic heat-regulating center to cause vasodilation and sweating, which helps dissipate heat.
Analgesic: Site and mechanism of action unclear.
Indications
Temporary reduction of fever; temporary relief of minor aches and pains caused by common cold and influenza, headache, sore throat, toothache (patients 2 yr and older), backache, menstrual cramps, minor arthritis pain, and muscle aches (patients older than 12 yr)
Unlabeled use: Prophylaxis in children and patients at risk for seizures who are receiving DTP vaccination to reduce incidence of fever and pain
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with allergy to acetaminophen.
Use cautiously with impaired hepatic function, chronic alcoholism, pregnancy, lactation.
Available Forms
Suppositories—80, 120, 325, 650 mg; chewable tablets—80, 160, 500 mg; tablets—325, 500 mg; ER tabletsDNC—650 mg; disintegrating tablets—80, 160 mg; rapid-release tablets—500 mg; capsules—500 mg; elixir—160 mg/5 mL; liquid—160 mg/5 mL, 166.6 mg/5 mL, 500 mg/5 mL; solution—80 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL, 160 mg/5 mL; suspension—160 mg/5 mL solution for injection—10 mg/mL.
Dosages
Adults and children older than 12 yr
PO or rectal suppositories
By suppository, 325–650 mg every 4–6 hr PO, or 1,300 mg ER tablets every 8 hr. Do not exceed 4,000 mg/day.
Adults and children 13 yr and older, weighing 50 kg or more
1,000 mg every 6 hr or 650 mg every 4 hr IV; maximum dose, 1,000 mg/dose or 4,000 mg/day.
Pediatric patients
PO or rectal doses may be repeated 4–5 times/day; do not exceed five doses in 24 hr or 10 mg/kg.
PO
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