Acetaminophen

Class: Nonopioid analgesic Trade: Acephen, Aceta, Actimol, Aminofen, Apacet, APAP, Arthritis Foundation Pain Reliever Aspirin Free, Aspirin Free Pain Relief, Children’s Feverall, Dapa, Datril, Genapap, Meda, Panadol, Redutemp, Tempra, Tylenol Generic: acetaminophen Rationale: Mild to moderate pain or fever Range: ADULT: PO/RECm325-650mg q4h prn, max 4g/day Adv Effects CNS: Stimulation, drowsiness. GI: N, V, ABD pain, hepatoxicity, hepatic seizure (overdose). GU: Renal Failure(high prolonged doses). HEMA: Leukopenia, neutropenia, hemolytic anemia (long term use), thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia. INTEG: Rash, uticaria. SYST: Hypersensitivity TOXICITY: Cyanosis, anemia, neutropenia, jaundice, pancytopenia, CNS stimulation, delirium followed by vascular collapse, convulsions, coma, death.

Nsg Imp: PO Route:Admin to pt crushed or whole; chewables may be chewed. Give with food or milk to decrease GI symptoms; give 30mins b4 or 2 hr after meals; absorption may be slowed. Pt. Teach: do not exceed recommended dosage, acute posoining with liver damage may result, teach signs of acute toxicity. Read labels on OTC drugs as they may also contain acetaminophen. Teach pt to recognize signs of chronic overdose such as bleeding, bruising, malaise, fever, sore throat. Urine may become dark brown. Notify prescriber of pain or fever lasting more than 3 days Admin: N/A Resource: Mosby’s Drug Guide for Nurses: 7th edition pg 38-39