Uses
What the official label says Acetaminophen is used for
The FDA label for Acetaminophen states:
temporarily: • reduces fever • relieves minor aches and pains due to: • the common cold • flu • headache • sore throat • toothache
Purpose (from the over-the-counter label): Pain reliever/fever reducer
Read the label's “Indications and usage” section (verbatim)
temporarily: • reduces fever • relieves minor aches and pains due to: • the common cold • flu • headache • sore throat • toothache
Names & forms
Brand names, forms and strengths
Brand names (from RxNorm; not every brand is still sold): Acephen, Anacin AF, Bactimicina, Cetafen, Comtrex Sore Throat Relief, CounterAct Pain, Feverall, Little Fevers, Mapap, Nortemp, Panadol, Pharbetol, Redutemp, Ringl, Tactinal and 4 more.
Generic name: acetaminophen · RxNorm ID (RxCUI): 161
| Form | Strengths listed in RxNorm |
|---|---|
| Chewable Tablet | 80 MG, 160 MG, 250 MG, 325 MG, 500 MG |
| Disintegrating Oral Tablet | 80 MG, 160 MG, 250 MG, 325 MG |
| Effervescent Oral Tablet | 500 MG |
| Extended Release Oral Tablet | 650 MG |
| Granules for Oral Solution | 500 MG |
| Injection | 10 MG/ML |
| Oral Capsule | 80 MG, 160 MG, 325 MG, 500 MG |
| Oral Film | 80 MG |
| Oral Powder | 160 MG, 500 MG |
| Oral Solution | 16 MG/ML, 16.7 MG/ML, 24 MG/ML, 32 MG/ML, 33.3 MG/ML, 45 MG/ML, 48.2 MG/ML, 50 MG/ML, 100 MG/ML, 120 MG/ML |
| Oral Suspension | 20 MG/ML, 24 MG/ML, 25 MG/ML, 32 MG/ML, 50 MG/ML, 100 MG/ML |
| Oral Tablet | 160 MG, 300 MG, 325 MG, 500 MG, 650 MG, 1000 MG |
| Rectal Suppository | 60 MG, 80 MG, 100 MG, 120 MG, 125 MG, 240 MG, 250 MG, 300 MG, 325 MG, 500 MG, 650 MG |
Strengths are listed so you can recognise a product — not as dosing information. Only your prescriber can decide what is right for you.
Appearance
What Acetaminophen looks like
acetaminophen 500 mg
Wal-Mart Stores Inc
acetaminophen 160 mg
DOLGENCORP, LLC
| Strength | Form | Colour | Shape | Size | Imprint | Score | Labeler |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acetaminophen 160 mg per 5 mL | suspension | white“opaque,viscous” | — | — | — | — | Rite Aid Corporation |
| acetaminophen 500 mg | tablet, film coated | white | oval | 17 mm | 44 · 175 | 1 | Wal-Mart Stores Inc |
| acetaminophen 160 mg | tablet, chewable | purple | round | 16 mm | 44 · 449 | 2 | DOLGENCORP, LLC |
From the product data in each manufacturer's label on DailyMed. Many companies make Acetaminophen, so your medicine may look different from any shown here. If a pill looks unfamiliar, ask your pharmacist before taking it.
Read the label's “How supplied” section (verbatim)
Other information • each 5 mL contains : sodium 3 mg • store at 20-25 ° C (68-77 ° F) • do not use if printed neckband is broken or missing
Safety
Important warnings for Acetaminophen
Liver warning: This product contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if your child takes • more than 5 doses in 24 hours, which is the maximum daily amount • with other drugs containing acetaminophen Allergy alert: Acetaminophen may cause severe skin reactions. Symptoms may include: • skin reddening • blisters • rash If a skin reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away. …
Warnings and precautions (verbatim excerpt)
Liver warning: This product contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if your child takes • more than 5 doses in 24 hours, which is the maximum daily amount • with other drugs containing acetaminophen Allergy alert: Acetaminophen may cause severe skin reactions. Symptoms may include: • skin reddening • blisters • rash If a skin reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away. Sore throat warning: If sore throat is severe, persists for more than 2 days, is accompanied or followed by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, consult a doctor promptly. Do not use • with any other drug containing acetaminophen (prescription or nonprescription). If you are not sure whether a drug contains acetaminophen, ask a doctor or pharmacist. • if your child has ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients Ask a doctor before use if your child has liver disease Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if your child is taking the blood thinning drug warfarin When using this product do not exceed recommended dose (see overdose warning) Stop use and ask a doctor if • pain gets worse or lasts more than 5 days • fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days • new symptoms occur • redness or swelling is present These could be signs of a serious condition. Keep out of reach of children. Overdose warning: In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222). Quick medical attention is critical even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms.
This is not a complete list of warnings or side effects. Read the full label and talk to your prescriber or pharmacist. To report a side effect to the FDA, use MedWatch.
Resources
If you were hurt at work
Whether a medicine is right for you is a decision for your prescriber. If you were injured on the job, these educational guides explain the next steps and who can help.
- Injured at work? →What to do after a workplace injury and how workers' comp generally works.
- Prescription home delivery →How mail-order pharmacies can deliver prescriptions to your door.
- Find help →Connect with workers' comp attorneys and doctors who take work-injury cases.
- Pharmacies near you →Search local pharmacies by ZIP code.