Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Acetaminophen?

Acetaminophen is used to treat minor aches, pains, and fever. Additionally, it is found in combination with other ingredients in prescription medications.
In oral pain relievers and fever reducers, acetaminophen may be the only active ingredient. It may be a component of migraine medications with several other active ingredients.
Additionally, acetaminophen is included in medicines used to treat occasional insomnia, the many symptoms of the common cold, and menstrual problems. It is commonly known as Tylenol.

What are the uses of Acetaminophen?

Acetaminophen’s uses are:

  • Acetaminophen may treat virtually any kind of pain, including headaches, backaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, body aches associated with colds and the flu, and injection-site pain related to vaccinations.
  • Acetaminophen seems to have some positive effects on blood glucose levels and muscular performance. It may be beneficial for preserving heart and brain health due to its antioxidant properties.

However, it is not a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, unlike Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen), both commonly used NSAIDs. Therefore, it does not reduce swelling or inflammation.

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    What are the side effects of Acetaminophen?

    Although Acetaminophen has certain side effects, the majority of individuals do not experience them. In rare instances, individuals have had allergic responses.

    Contact your physician if you develop any of these allergic symptoms with Acetaminophen:

    • Breathing difficulties
    • Facial, lip, throat, or tongue swelling
    • Skin peeling
    • Severe itching
    • Severe liver damage

    Acetaminophen poisoning may occur if an excessive amount is consumed. Additionally, excessive dosages may damage your liver. However, if you take Acetaminophen as prescribed, the medication is unlikely to cause liver damage.

    The liver damage is characterized by symptoms like:

    • Discoloration of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
    • Discomfort in your abdomen’s upper right region
    • Dizziness or nausea
    • Appetite loss
    • Fatigue
    • Increased sweating
    • Unusual bruising or bleeding

    What is Acetaminophen

    Uses of Acetaminophen

    Side effects of Acetaminophen

    References

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Acetaminophen

    According to the FDA, Acetaminophen is a critical medication, and its effectiveness in treating pain and fever is well-known. When used as directed on the box, this medicine is generally safe. On the other hand, excessive dosages may result in liver damage, which may range from abnormal liver function tests to severe liver failure and death.

    Acetaminophen treats mild to moderate discomfort associated with headaches, muscular pains, menstrual periods, colds and sore throats, toothaches, backaches, adverse reactions to vaccinations, and fever. It may also be used to treat osteoarthritis pain. Acetaminophen is an analgesic and antipyretic. It works by changing how the body feels pain and decreasing its temperature.

    Acetaminophen is available as chewable tablets, capsules, liquids, and orally disintegrating tablets. All these forms are designed for oral use, with or without meals. Although Acetaminophen is available without a prescription, your doctor may prescribe it for some particular conditions. Follow the medication label instructions and see your doctor if you have any concerns.

    This medicine is often used on an as-needed basis. If your doctor has prescribed Acetaminophen regularly, take the missing dosage as soon as you remember. If the next dosage is close, skip the missing dose and return to your normal dosing schedule. Never increase the dosage to compensate for a missing dose.

    People often believe that Acetaminophen is very safe. However, Acetaminophen overdose is a very common kind of poisoning. When used in high quantities, it may be fatal. A loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the upper right side of the abdomen are symptomatic of an overdose. Get medical help at once in such cases.

    Inform your doctor before taking Acetaminophen, if:

    • You’re allergic to Acetaminophen or have a severe liver condition
    • You’re ever had alcoholic liver disease or consume more than three alcoholic beverages each day
    • You’re pregnant or breastfeeding

    Don't give this medication to a kid under the age of 12 without seeking medical advice.

    You can take Acetaminophen with or without meals. Follow the packet instructions for the different dosage forms of Acetaminophen. Swallow extended-release tablets according to the dosage needed. Crushing or chewing them can release the drug at once, which may have an adverse effect. Give the liquid Acetaminophen a good shake before use to ensure that the medicine is evenly mixed. Use the measuring cup to accurately measure each dose.

    • Treats various ailments, including arthritis, backaches, colds, menstrual discomfort, and toothaches.
    • Reduces fever (but does not reduce inflammation)
    • The first option for mild-to-moderate pain because of its effectiveness, cheap cost, and low toxicity
    • Doesn? have the gastrointestinal adverse effects as NSAIDs have at low doses

    No. When used as recommended, Acetaminophen is one of the safest and most effective medicines available. If caregivers do not correctly follow dosage recommendations, children, especially those under six, are in danger of accidental overdose. On the other hand, children have a reduced risk than adults. Typically, deaths occur only in situations combining several medications.

    Anyone who shows symptoms associated with an Acetaminophen overdose should go to the nearest emergency hospital. If an overdose is confirmed, they may need an antidote (N-acetylcysteine or NA), which is most effective within eight hours of consumption. They may also get additional medications to treat adverse symptoms.

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