Acetaminophen Health Article

Definition

Acetaminophen is a medicine used to relieve pain and reduce fever.

Purpose

Acetaminophen is used to relieve many kinds of minor aches and pains, including headaches, muscle aches, backaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and the aches and pains that often accompany colds. It is suitable for control of pain following minor surgery, or for post-surgical pain after the need for stronger pain relievers has been reduced. Acetaminophen is also used in combination with narcotic analgesics both to increase pain relief and reduce the risk that the narcotics will be abused.

Description

This drug is available without a prescription. Acetaminophen (APAP) is sold under various brand names, including Tylenol, Panadol, Aspirin-Free Anacin, and Bayer Select Maximum Strength Headache Pain Relief Formula. Many multi-symptom cold, flu, and sinus medicines also contain acetaminophen. Persons are advised to check the ingredients listed on the container to see if acetaminophen is included in the product.

Acetaminophen is also included in some prescription-only combinations. These usually contain a narcotic in addition to acetaminophen; it is combined with oxycodone in Percocet, and is included in Tylenol with Codeine.

Studies have shown that acetaminophen relieves pain and reduces fever about as well as aspirin. But differences between these two common drugs exist. Acetaminophen is less likely than aspirin to irritate the stomach. However, unlike aspirin, acetaminophen does not reduce the redness, stiffness, or swelling that accompany arthritis.

Recommended dosage

The usual dosage for adults and children age 12 and over is 325–650 mg every four to six hours as needed. No more than 4 g (4,000 mg) should be taken in 24 hours. Because the drug can potentially harm the liver, people who drink alcohol in large quantities should take considerably less acetaminophen and possibly should avoid the drug completely.

For children ages six to 11 years, the usual dose is 150–300 mg, three to four times a day. People are advised to check with a physician for dosages for children under six years of age.