Acetaminophen

Mechanism of
Drug Data Classification Indication Contraindications Adverse Reactions Nursing Responsibilities
Action
Generic Name Classification belongs to a class  Analgesic-  CNS: Headache Contraindicated with Assessment
: Antipyretic, of drugs called antipyretic in  CV: Chest pain, dyspnea, allergy to
acetaminophen Analgesic analgesics patients with myocardial damage when acetaminophen.  History: Allergy to
(nonopioid) (pain relievers) and aspirin allergy, doses of 5–8 g/day are Use cautiously with acetaminophen, impaired hepatic
Brand Name: antipyretics hemostatic ingested daily for several impaired hepatic function, chronic alcoholism,
Pregnancy (fever reducers). The disturbances, weeks or when doses of 4 function, chronic pregnancy, lactation
Tylenol Category B exact mechanism of bleeding g/day are ingested for 1 yr alcoholism, pregnancy,  Physical: Skin color, lesions; T;
action of diatheses, upper  GI: Hepatic toxicity and lactation. liver evaluation; CBC, LFTs, renal
acetaminophen is GI disease, gouty failure, jaundice function tests
Dosage: not known. It may arthritis  GU: Acute kidney failure, Interventions
1000 mg reduce the  Arthritis and renal tubular necrosis  Do not exceed the recommended
production of rheumatic  Hematologic: dosage.
Route: PO prostaglandins in the disorders Methemoglobinemia—  Consult physician if needed for
brain. involving cyanosis; hemolytic anemia children < 3 yr; if needed for longer
Frequency: q6 Prostaglandins are musculoskeletal —hematuria, anuria; than 10 days; if continued fever,
chemicals that cause pain (but lacks neutropenia, leukopenia, severe or recurrent pain occurs
inflammation and clinically pancytopenia, (possible serious illness).
swelling. significant thrombocytopenia,  Avoid using multiple preparations
Acetaminophen antirheumatic and hypoglycemia containing acetaminophen. Carefully
relieves pain by anti-inflammatory  Hypersensitivity: Rash, check all OTC products.
elevating the pain effects) fever  Give drug with food if GI upset
threshold, that is, by  Common cold,  occurs.
requiring a greater flu, other viral and  Discontinue drug if
amount of pain to bacterial hypersensitivity reactions occur.
develop before a infections with  Treatment of overdose: Monitor
person feels it. It pain and fever serum levels regularly, N-
reduces fever throug  Unlabeled use: acetylcysteine should be available as
h its action on the Prophylactic for a specific antidote; basic life support
heat-regulating children receiving measures may be necessary.
center of the brain. DPT vaccination Teaching points
Specifically, it tells to reduce  Do not exceed recommended
the center to lower incidence of fever dose; do not take for longer than 10
the body's and pain days.
temperature when  Take the drug only for complaints
the temperature is indicated; it is not an anti-
elevated. inflammatory agent.
 Avoid the use of other over-the-
counter preparations. They may
contain acetaminophen, and serious
overdosage can occur. If you need an
over-the-counter preparation, consult
your health care provider.
 Report rash, unusual bleeding or
bruising, yellowing of skin or eyes,
changes in voiding patterns.