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Brand Name: Acephen
Name: Acetaminophen

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Pregnancy Category B

Drug classes
Antipyretic
Analgesic (non-narcotic)

Mechanism of action of Acephen
Inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins in the central nervous system and peripherally blocks pain impulse generation; produces antipyresis from inhibition of hypothalamic heat-regulating center.

Indications of Acephen

1. Analgesic-antipyretic in patients with aspirin allergy, hemostatic disturbances, bleeding diatheses, upper GI disease, gouty arthritis
2. Arthritis and rheumatic disorders involving musculoskeletal pain (but lacks clinically significant antirheumatic and anti- inflammatory effects)
3. Common cold, "flu," other viral and bacterial infections accompanied by pain and fever
4. Unlabeled use: prophylactic for children receiving DPT vaccination to reduce incidence of fever and pain

Contraindications of Acephen

1. Contraindicated in the presence of allergy to Acephen.
2. Use caution in the presence of impaired hepatic function, chronic alcoholism, pregnancy, lactation.

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Adverse effects of Acephen

Negligible with recommended dosage.

• CNS: Headache
• GI: Hepatic toxicity and failure, jaundice
• CV: Chest pain, dyspnea, myocardial damage when doses of 5-8 g/d are ingested daily for several weeks or when doses of 4 g/d are ingested for 1 year
• Hematologic: Methemoglobinemia-cyanosis; hemolytic anemia-hematuria, anuria; neutropenia, leukopenia, pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia, hypoglycemia
• GU: Acute kidney failure, renal tubular necrosis
• Hypersensitivity reactions: Skin rash, fever Treatment of overdose: Monitor serum levels regularly, N- acetylcysteine should be available as a specific antidote; basic life support measures may be necessary.

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