1. A Safe Way to Ease the Pain
Acetaminophen is one of the most popular medicines used to relieve headaches, back pain or menstrual cramps. Taking acetaminophen also reduces fevers associated with a cold. As long as you follow the instructions, acetaminophen does not irritate your stomach like aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen can. Anyone can take acetaminophen because of its safety and effectiveness, and it is highly recommended for children, adults over 50, pregnant women, and people with conditions such as hypertension or kidney disease.
2. What's In a Name?
Usually, acetaminophen is available in pill or liquid form. Other than nonprescription generic, acetaminophen is found in Tylenol, Benadryl allergy medicine and Triaminic cough syrup. It is also an active ingredient in prescription drugs such as Anexsia, Darvocet or Percocet.
3. Follow Recommended Dose Carefully
Do not give children acetaminophen if they're younger than 6 years old, since its strength can be harmful for that age group. You should consult a pediatrician for kid-friendly fever or cold relief. Children ages 6 to 11 can take 40 to 325 mg, or one tablet, every four hours, while anyone 12 years old and up can take up to two tablets, or between 325 to 650 mg, every four to six hours. To stay out of the danger zone, do not take more than eight doses in 24 hours. For children, five doses in a day is appropriate. Never take acetaminophen for more than 7 to 10 days. If symptoms continue or you experience a sore throat, swelling, dizziness or a rash, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of an allergic reaction or another serious condition. As always, talk to your doctor if you normally take other prescriptions so that you can stay safe and healthy.
4. Liver Failure Can Result if Overused
Side effects are rare when taking acetaminophen alone. But stomach bleeding and liver damage or failure can result if you take it in addition to other medications. If you drink alcohol every day or even combine it with acetaminophen, the chance of liver failure increases. Common signs of liver failure include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine and yellow skin.
5. Acetaminophen Overload
Sometimes, it's hard to keep track of the doses of acetaminophen that you're taking, especially if you have a busy day or week. Seek emergency room treatment or call the poison control center if you or someone else is suspected of overdosing. Acetaminophen overdose is characterized by fatigue, stomach pain, dizziness, severe nausea and excessive sweating. During emergency treatment, doctors will check your temperature, heart rate and breathing rate, and administer an antidote to eliminate the medicine poisoning. The recovery outlook is good if it occurs within eight hours.
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