Acetaminophen tablets, caplets, or chewable tablets
What are acetaminophen tablets, caplets, or chewable tablets?
ACETAMINOPHEN (Tylenol®, Panadol®, Feverall® and many others) is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. It is the preferred treatment for patients with aspirin allergy, ulcers, or clotting (bleeding) disorders. Patients who are taking medicines to treat gout can safely take acetaminophen. There are many generic variations available for adults and children. Tablets can be immediate-release, extended-release, or chewable. Gelcaps or geltabs are also available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- anemia
- drink more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks per day
- infection
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- hepatitis
- phenylketonuria
- an unusual or allergic reaction to acetaminophen, aspirin, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
How should I take this medicine?
Acetaminophen can be taken as needed for the relief of pain or fever, or may be prescribed by the prescriber or health care professional on a more regular basis. Do not take more often than directed, or more than the recommended dose. Acetaminophen tablets come in several strengths for children and adults. Make sure you are taking or giving the correct dose. Take acetaminophen tablets, caplets or gelcaps by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Chewable tablets can be chewed before swallowing, crushed and taken with food, or mixed in a drink. Swallow extended-release tablets whole, do not crush or chew. Drink a full glass of water either with or after taking your medicine.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Do not administer adult acetaminophen preparations to children.
What if I miss a dose?
If your prescriber or health care professional has prescribed a regular schedule and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with acetaminophen?
- alcohol
- medicines for seizures
- antacids
- cimetidine
- medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
- warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking acetaminophen?
If you take acetaminophen as recommended, serious side effects are uncommon.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- skin rash or hives
- unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin
- difficulty breathing, wheezing
- bloody or black, tarry stools
- decrease in amount of urine passed
- not willing to eat
- fever or sore throat
- nausea, vomiting
- stomach cramps and pain
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
What should I watch for while taking acetaminophen?
Do not treat yourself for pain for more than 10 days (5 days for children) without checking with your prescriber or health care professional. If you are treating a fever, check with your prescriber or health care professional if the fever lasts for more than 3 days.
Report any possible overdose promptly to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible. The effects of excessive doses may not be obvious for several days.
Avoid alcoholic drinks if you are taking acetaminophen on a regular basis. Alcohol can increase possible damage to your liver.
Many non-prescription medicines contain acetaminophen as an ingredient. Always read the labels carefully to avoid taking an accidental overdose, which can be dangerous.
Certain acetaminophen products containing the artificial sweetener aspartame (Nutrasweet®).
Acetaminophen can affect the results from some blood-sugar tests used by diabetic patients. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
If you are receiving cancer chemotherapy or other immunosuppression medicine, do not take acetaminophen with out checking with your prescriber or health care professional. Acetaminophen may hide the signs of an infection such as fever or pain.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Acetaminophen can be dangerous to children. Avoid accidental overdose of acetaminophen as this may result in severe effects and possibly death.
Store at room temperature between 15 - 30 degrees C (59 - 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture and light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
[ Last Revised: 4/22/1999 ]
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
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