Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Question 1

What is the class of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Answer 1

Analgesic and Antipyretic

Question 2

What are the Pharmacological Effects of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Answer 2

1. Acetaminophen produces analgesia by elevation of the pain threshold and antipyresis through action on the hypothalamic heat regulation center.
2. The effects may be related tot he inhibition of prostaglandin and in synthesis.
3. Acetaminophen is equal to aspirin in analgesic and antipyretic effectiveness and it is unlikely to produce many of the side effects associated with aspirin and aspirin containing products.

Question 3

What are the uses of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Answer 3

Suspected febrile Seizures and/or temperature greater than 101 degrees F and the patient has not been given an antipyretic within 4 hours

Question 4

What is the Duration of Action and Excretion of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Answer 4

1. Following oral administration, Acetaminophen absorption is rapid and almost complete; it may be decreased if taken after a high carbohydrate meal.
2. Peak effect occurs in 1-3 hours and the duration of action is 3-4 hours.
3. 25% of the medication is protein bound.

4.Half-life is 1-4 hours; does not change with renal failure but may be prolonged in some forms of hepatic diseases, overdose, elderly, and neonates.

5. 90-95% of the drug is metabolized by the hepatic system.
6. Acetaminophen is excreted through the renal system.

Question 5

What is the preparation of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Answer 5

160ml/5ml or 32mg/ml

Question 6

What is the dosage of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Answer 6

10-15mg/kg for all Patients with a max of 650mg

Question 7

What is the side effects of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Answer 7

CNS: Mental changes, stupor, confusion, agitation (with toxic doses), and weakness.

EENT: Unexplained sore throat.

GI: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.

GU: Bloody or cloudy urine, difficult or painful urination, and sudden decrease in urine volume.

HEMA: Unusual bleeding, tiredness, hemolytic anemia, neutropenia, leukopenia, pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia, and methemoglobinemia.

SKIN: Rash, urticaria, itching, unusual bruising, and erythema.

OTHER: Hypoglycemia, jaundice, and unexplained fever.

Question 8

What are the contraindications of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Answer 8

1. Hepatic Disease
2. Viral Hepatitis
3. Severe renal function impairment
4. Sensitivity to Acetaminophen

Question 9

What are the precautions/Information of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Answer 9

1. If a rare sensitivity occurs, the drug should be discontinued
2. Use cautiously in the presence of alcoholism or cardiovascular disease.
3. Hepatic toxicity may occur with an overdose of 150 mg/kg.

Question 10

What is the Antidote of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Answer 10

None in the pre-hospital setting

Question 11

What are the guidelines for Acetaminophen administration

Answer 11

1. If a febrile seizure is suspected, and/or temperature is found to be above 101 degrees F, ad the patient has not been given an antipyretic within 4 hours, one may administer Acetaminophen (Tylenol) drops PO as per these dosage guidelines.
2. If a febrile seizure is suspected and/or temperature is found to be above 102 degrees F, sponge patient, especially head, neck, and hair with tepid water.
3. Avoid chilling and lowering of temperature below 99 degrees F

4.Administer Acetaminophen only if the airway is patent and the patient is able to adequately swallow.

5. The dropper should be removed from the medication bottles to decrease the likelihood of transmitting infectious disease; instead, syringes should be used in the PO administration of Acetaminophen and discarded after single use.