How should this medicine be used?
Acetaminophen comes as a tablet, chewable tablet, capsule,
liquid, drops, and granules (to be dissolved in water) to take
by mouth and a suppository to use rectally. Acetaminophen is
available without a prescription. Follow the directions on the
package label carefully. If your doctor prescribes it for you,
the prescription label will tell you how often to take it.
Follow the directions on the package or prescription label
carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any
part you do not understand. Take acetaminophen exactly as
directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often
than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules: swallow them
whole.
To insert an acetaminophen suppository into the rectum,
follow these steps:
* Remove the wrapper.
* Dip the tip of the suppository in water.
* Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your
chest. (A left-handed person should lie on the right side and
raise the left knee.)4. Using your finger, insert the
suppository into the rectum, about 1/2 to 1 inch in infants
and children and 1 inch in adults. Hold it in place for a few
moments.
* Stand up after about 15 minutes. Wash your hands thoroughly
and resume your normal activities.
Adults should not take acetaminophen for pain for more than
10 days (5 days for children) without talking to a doctor.
Acetaminophen should not be taken by adults or children for
high fever, for fever lasting more than 3 days, or for
recurrent fever without a doctor's supervision. Do not give a
child more than five doses in 24 hours unless directed to do
so by a doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking acetaminophen,
* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to
acetaminophen or any other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications you are taking, especially
carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin),
rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), sulfinpyrazone (Anturane), and
vitamins.
* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease
and if you have a history of alcohol abuse.
* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become
pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while
taking acetaminophen, call your doctor.
* if you drink 3 or more alcohol beverages every day, ask your
doctor if you should take acetaminophen. You should not drink
alcohol beverages while taking acetaminophen.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
To prevent stomach upset, take acetaminophen with meals or
milk.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If your doctor prescribes acetaminophen on a regular basis,
take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if
it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double
dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from acetaminophen are not common,
they can occur. Tell your doctor if this symptom is severe or
does not go away:
* upset stomach
If you experience the following symptom, call your
doctor immediately:
* skin rash
