Acetaminophen (tylenol)

INDEX Generic Name acetaminophen

Trade Name Tylenol

Peak Onset 1-3 hr 0.5-1 hr Why is your patient taking this medication?

NURS 2236 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheet (You will need to made additional copies of these forms) Classification Dose Route Time/Frequency antipyretics nonopioid 650 mg PO Every 6 hours prn analgesics Duration 3-8 hr

Mechanism of action and indications Mild pain. Fever Analgesia. Antipyresis

For IV meds, compatability with IV drips and/or solutions

Nursing Implications (what to focus on) Contraindications/warnings/interactions Products containing alcohol; aspartame; sacharin; sugar; or tartrazine should be avoided in patients who have hypersensitivity or intolerance to these compounds. Use cautiously in hepatic disease; renal disease; chronic alcohol use/abuse. Malnutrition Common side effects hepatic failure; hepatotoxicity (overdose); renal failure (high doses/chronic use); rash

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC, or herbal medicines (ask patient specifically) warfarin; hepatotoxic substances; alcohol; sulfinpyrazone; isoniazid; rifampin; rifabutin; phenytoin; barbiurates; carbamazepine; NSAIDs; propranolol; lamotrigine; zidovudine

Nursing Process - Assessment (Pre-administration assessment) Vital Signs Assess pain, location, and intensity prior to and 30-60 min following administration. Assess fever

Lab value alterations caused by medicine evaluate hepatic, hematologic, and renal function

Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication do not take longer than 10 days; avoid alcohol (liver damage); may alter results of blood glucose;

Assessment Why would you hold or not give this med?

Evaluation Check after giving Relief of mild pain Reduction of fever