Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Question 1

Class

Answer 1

Analgesic, Antipyretic

Question 2

Mechanism of action

Answer 2

Nonprescription analgesic used to treat mild to moderate pain and fever.

Question 3

Onset and duration

Answer 3

Onset: PO:10-30 minutes
IV: 3 to 5 minutes

Duration: PO 3-4 Hours
IV: 4-6 hours

Question 4

Indications

Answer 4

Temporary relief of fever, mild to moderate pain

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

Hypersensitivity 
Hepatic impairment 
Renal impairment 
Severe hypovolemia
Chronic alcohol use

Question 6

Adverse reactions

Answer 6

Nausea/ vomiting 
Rash
Headache
Anemia
Thrombocytopenia

Question 7

Drug interactions

Answer 7

Avoid with concurrent use of ethanol,isoniazid, and any other drugs containing acetaminophen

Question 8

How supplied

Answer 8

Capsule
325 mg, 500 mg
Tablet
325 mg, 500 mg, 650 mg
Suspension 
20mg/ 5ml, 160mg/5ml
Solution 
160 mg/5ml, 500mg/15ml

Question 9

Dosage/Administration - adults

Answer 9

PO: 325-1000mg q 4-6 hours prn
IV:(infuse over 15 minutes) 1000 mg q 6 hours, or 650 mg q 4 hours
Max single dose 1000mg, max daily dose 4000mg

Question 10

Dosage/administration - Children

Answer 10

PO: 10-15 mg/kg q 4-6 hours prn
IV: 15 mg/kg q 6 hours
Max daily dose 75 mg/kg

Question 11

Special considerations

Answer 11

Harmless at low dose
Overdose can cause liver damage/ liver failure
Reduced dosage may be warranted in older adults with decreased hepatic/renal function
Pregnancy safety category B