acetaminophen

Question 1

Class

acetaminophen

Answer 1

Analgesic
Antipyretic

Question 2

INDICATIONS

acetaminophen

Answer 2

EMR - mild to moderate pain

ACP - pyrexia

Question 3

CONTRAINDICATIONS

acetaminophen

Answer 3

• hypersensitivity
• SEVERE ETOH Hepatitis / Liver dysfunction w/ ETOH consumption
• Acute liver injury
• acetaminophen-induced liver injury

Question 4

DOSAGE - ADULT

acetaminophen

Answer 4

500-1000mg // 15mg/kg

• 75lbs = 510mg
• 150lbs = 1020mg

repeat x 1 - after 4hrs
24hr MAX = 3g/3000mg

Question 5

DOSAGE - PEDIATRIC

acetaminophen

Answer 5

• <30kg = 15mg/kg - PO - liquid
• 30-50kg = 500mg - PO - tablet/liquid
• > 50kg = 500-1000mg PO

repeat x 1 - after 4hrs
24hr MAX - 75mg/kg // 1000mg

do NOT exceed 5 dosages in 24hr period for pts <12y/o

Question 6

Pharmacodynamics

acetaminophen

Answer 6

• inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the CNS = decreased pain // decreased pyrexia

Question 7

Pharmacokinetics

acetaminophen

Answer 7

• ORAL
  onset - 30mins
  peak - 1-3hrs
  duration - 4hrs
• IV
  onset - 15mins
  peak - 1hr
  duration - 4-6hrs = analgesic // >6hrs = antipyresis

Question 8

Warning // Precautions

acetaminophen

Answer 8

• ACETAMINOPHEN is the leading cause of liver injury in Canada

@RISK PTs w/
* preexisting liver disease
* chronic users of acetaminophen
* pediatrics

• common in OTC medications - FULL rx hx required

Question 9

ADVERSE EFFECTs

acetaminophen

Answer 9

• uncommon with short-term use
• constipation w/ long-term use
• rash / hives - RARE

Question 10

OVERDOSE

acetaminophen

Answer 10

TOXICITY may occur after a single dose of

• > 7.5G - adult
• > 150mg/kg - pediatric

Question 11

DRUG INTERACTIONs

acetaminophen

Answer 11

ETOH may potentiate HEPATOTOXIC effects

Question 12

Brand Names

acetaminophen

Answer 12

Tylenol
Abenol
Actinol
Atasol
Paracetamol

Question 13

Supplied

acetaminophen

Answer 13

PO - tablet 500mg // 100 tab bottles

PO - INFANT - 80mg/mL - liquid