What is Acetaminophen and for what Acetaminophen is used?
Acetaminophen medication belong to Analgesic/Antipyretic class. Acetaminophen inhibits Inhibits prostaglandins in CNS but lacks anti-inflammatory effects in periphery; reduces fever through direct action on hypothalamic heat-regulating center.

Acetaminophen is used to Relief of mild to moderate pain; treatment of fever. It reduces Pain and fever prophylaxis after vaccination.

How to Take Acetaminophen

Take Acetaminophen exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Acetaminophen is avaliable in form of Tablets and oral form.

Dosage Instructions for Acetaminophen Drug
Adults: PO 325 to 650 mg prn q 4 to 6 hr or 1 g 3 to 4 times/day. Do not exceed 4 g/day.
Children: PO 10 to 15 mg/kg dose prn q 4 to 6 hr; do not exceed 5 doses/24 hr.

Contraindications of Acetaminophen
Standard considerations.

Interactions of Acetaminophen with other drugs
Ethanol: Chronic excessive use with Acetaminophen may increase risk of hepatotoxicity.
Hydantoins, sulfinpyrazone: May decrease therapeutic effect of APAP; concomitant long-term use may increase risk of hepatotoxicity.

What are the Side Effects of Acetaminophen -
Like other medicines, Acetaminophen can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Acetaminophen includ

* Hemolytic anemia;
* neutropenia;
* leukopenia;
* pancytopenia;
* thrombocytopenia.
* Jaundice.
* Hypoglycemia;
* allergic skin eruptions or fever.

Warnings and precautions before taking Acetaminophen :
* Chronic alcoholics should not exceed 2 g/day.
* Persistent pain or fever while taking Acetaminophen may indicate serious illness. Consult health care provider.
* The safety and efficay of Acetaminophen medicine have not been studied in children and adolescents.
* Instruct family to consult health care provider for the Acetaminophen use in children less than 3 yr and, not to continue taking drug more than 5 days unless advised by health care provider.
* Advise diabetic patients to use sugar-free form of drug.
* Advise women to inform health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Acetaminophen. Insulin is recommended to maintain blood glucose levels during

What if Overdose of Acetaminophen ?
If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Acetaminophen , immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, anorexia, malaise, diaphoresis, confusion, low BP, cardiac arrhythmias, jaundice, acute renal failure, liver failure. may be a sign of overdose of Acetaminophen.

What if Missed Dose of Acetaminophen ?
If you miss a dose of Acetaminophen medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Conditions for Acetaminophen :
Store Acetaminophen tablets and capsules at room temperature in tightly closed container. Refrigerate suppositories. Refrigeration of elixir improves palatability.