Drug class
The product is classified as a "Pain reliever/fever reducer" (OTC analgesic/antipyretic).
Uses
This product is indicated to "temporarily relieve minor aches and pains" including headache, muscular aches, backache, minor arthritis pain, common cold symptoms, toothache, and menstrual cramps. It also "temporarily reduces fever."
Boxed warning
WARNING: RISK OF MEDICATION ERRORS AND HEPATOTOXICITY Take care when prescribing, preparing, and administering Acetaminophen Injection to avoid dosing errors which could result in accidental overdose and death. In particular, be careful to ensure that: the dose in milligrams (mg) and milliliters (mL) is not confused; the dosing is based on weight for patients under 50 kg; infusion pumps are properly programmed; and the total daily dose of acetaminophen from all sources does not exceed maximum daily limits. Acetaminophen Injection contains acetaminophen. Acetaminophen has been associated with cases of acute liver failure, at times resulting in liver transplant and death. Most of the cases of liver injury are associated with the use of acetaminophen at doses that exceed the maximum daily limits, and often involve more than one acetaminophen-containing product [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ]. WARNING: RISK OF MEDICATION ERRORS AND HEPATOTOXICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Take care when prescribing, preparing, and administering Acetaminophen Injection to avoid dosing errors which could result in accidental overdose and death. ( 5.3 ) Acetaminophen Injection contains acetaminophen. Acetaminophen has been associated with cases of acute liver failure, at times resulting in liver transplant and death. Most of the cases of liver injury are associated with the use of acetaminophen at doses that exceed the recommended maximum daily limits, and often involve more than one acetaminophen-containing product. ( 5.1 )
Warnings
Liver Warning: "Severe liver damage may occur if you take more than 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours" (the maximum daily dose), when combined with other acetaminophen-containing drugs, or with 3+ daily alcoholic drinks. Allergy Alert: The product "may cause severe skin reactions" with symptoms including skin reddening, blisters, and rash; users should "stop use and seek medical help right away" if these occur. Additional Warnings: - Do not use with other acetaminophen-containing products - Ask a doctor before use if you have liver disease - Stop use if pain lasts over 10 days or fever over 3 days - Contains overdose warning regarding liver damage risk
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Acetaminophen is contraindicated: in patients with known hypersensitivity to acetaminophen or to any of the excipients in the intravenous formulation. in patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Acetaminophen is contraindicated: In patients with known hypersensitivity to acetaminophen or to any of the excipients in the IV formulation. ( 4 ) In patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease. ( 4 )
Overdose
Overdose warning: In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away. Quick medical attention is critical for adults as well as for children even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms.
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Substances that induce or regulate hepatic cytochrome enzyme CYP2E1 may alter the metabolism of acetaminophen and increase its hepatotoxic potential. ( 7.1 ) Chronic oral acetaminophen use at a dose of 4,000 mg/day has been shown to cause an increase in international normalized ratio (INR) in some patients who have been stabilized on sodium warfarin as an anticoagulant. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Effects of Other Substances on Acetaminophen Substances that induce or regulate hepatic cytochrome enzyme CYP2E1 may alter the metabolism of acetaminophen and increase its hepatotoxic potential. The clinical consequences of these effects have not been established. Effects of ethanol are complex, because excessive alcohol usage can induce hepatic cytochromes, but ethanol also acts as a competitive inhibitor of the metabolism of acetaminophen. 7.2 Anticoagulants Chronic oral acetaminophen use at a dose of 4,000 mg/day has been shown to cause an increase in international normalized ratio (INR) in some patients who have been stabilized on sodium warfarin as an anticoagulant. As no studies have been performed evaluating the short-term use of Acetaminophen Injection in patients on oral anticoagulants, more frequent assessment of INR may be appropriate in such circumstances.
Dosage & administration
Directions do not take more than directed adults and children 12 years and over take 2 caplets every 6 hours while symptoms last do not take more than 6 caplets in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor do not take for more than 10 days unless directed by a doctor children under 12 years: ask a doctor
Active ingredient
Active ingredient (in each caplet) Acetaminophen 500 mg
Inactive ingredient
Inactive ingredients castor oil, hypromellose, povidone, sodium starch glycolate, starch, stearic acid
Side effects
The label does not include a dedicated adverse reactions section listing commonly reported side effects.
