Acetaminophen 500 mg tablet
Compared to Extra strength Tylenol 500 mg tablet
How the medication works:
Acetaminophen fights against pain by stopping the central (in brain) production of prostaglandins, which are important substances to cause swelling, and by increasing the pain tolerance. It fights against fever by stopping fever producing substances at the hypothalamus. It usually starts working after 30 minutes.
Indications: (Age> 12 years)
Headache/Pain: Take 1 to 2 tablet(s) by mouth every 6-8 hours as needed(Maxà 3000 mg/day)
Fever: Take 1 tablet by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed (Maxà 3000 mg/day)
Adverse Effects:
Generally, well tolerated. GI upset, itching, liver failure
Exclusions for self-care:
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Severe head pain
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Allergy to acetaminophen
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Headache persists for 10 days with or without treatment
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Last trimester of pregnancy. Contact your doctor.
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< 12 years of age
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High fever or signs of serious infection
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History of liver disease or consumption of 3 or more alcoholic drinks/day
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Headache associated with underlying pathology (secondary) except for minor sinus headache
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Symptoms consistent with migraine, but no formal diagnosis previously made
Drug Interactions:
Alcohol: increases risk of liver toxicity
Warfarin: may increase INR, risk of bleeding when acetaminophen dose is more than 1.3 to 2 grams/day.
Other acetaminophen containing products (pain medications, headache treatment, etc)
Special Instructions:
Do not take more than 3 gm of acetaminophen (6 tablets) in 24 hours. Alcohol may increase risk of liver damage. Be aware that many non-prescription medications may contain acetaminophen. it’s recommended not to exceed 1000 mg at one time to prevent toxicity.
Drug Reference:
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=fd24d0e0-4f36-42d3-9149-2fb957690305