Back to Miscellaneous Analgesics

Name: Acetaminophen

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Pregnancy Category B

Drug classes
Antipyretic
Analgesic (non-narcotic)

Mechanism of action of Acetaminophen
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 Acetaminophen

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

Contraindications of Acetaminophen

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

Adverse effects of Acetaminophen

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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