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ACETAMINOPHEN ELIXER (Tylenol)

CLASS:

  • Analgesic

  • Antipyretic

ACTIONS:

  • antipyretic action @ hypothalamic heat regulating center

  • analgesia by inhibiting prostaglandin

INDICATIONS:

  • mild pain

  • fever

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

  • Hypersensitivity

  • Liver disease

  • Chronic alcohol abuse

STANDARD PREP:

  • multi-dose container 160 mg / 5 cc

DOSAGE/ROUTE:

  • Oral dose is 325 - 650 mg every 4-6 hours, not to exceed a maximum of 4 gm per day

PEDIATRIC DOSE:

  • Based on body weight.
    (Rectal and oral doses are the same.)

  • Peds: 10-15 mg/kg/dose q 4-6 hr prn. Max 5 doses / 24 hr (90mg/kg)

  • Neonate dose: 10-15 mg/kg q 6-8 hr prn.

ADVERSE EFFECTS:

  • Signs and symptoms of acetaminophen toxicity include anorexia, N/V, diaphoresis, and malaise within the first 12 to 24 hr.

  • Later signs of acetaminophen toxicity include vomiting, right upper quadrant tenderness, jaundice, tachycardia, hypotension and elevated liver function tests within 48 to 72 hours

PRECAUTIONS:

  • Toxic dose after single ingestion is 150 mg/kg or approximately 7 g in adults

  • Peds- >200mg/kg are toxic

*Antidote for acetominophen OD is N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Most effective when given within 8 hrs of ingestion. NAC can prevent liver failure if given early enough.