Acetaminophen: Uses, indications and cautions when using

Acetaminophen is an effective pain reliever. However, the dose as well as the way to use this medicine will be different for each patient. Overdose or missed doses can cause unwanted side effects.

Acetaminophen is commonly used for mild to moderate pain relief. It is suitable for the treatment of headaches, menstrual cramps, toothaches, backaches, osteoarthritis or aches and pains caused by colds/flu and fever.
Acetaminophen does not cause stomach and intestinal ulcers like NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen). However, this medication also does not work to reduce swelling (inflammation) like NSAIDs do.

Patient has headache, abdominal pain. Patient has osteoarthritis or pain.

Medicines that need to be used with a prescription from a doctor. Any questions can be consulted with the pharmacist or treating doctor. If you buy an over-the-counter medicine, read the information on the package insert carefully. Do not use more acetaminophen than is allowed. If you are giving your child a medicine that contains acetaminophen, make sure the product is intended for children. Dosage may be prescribed according to the weight of the child. In case, the mother does not remember the exact weight of her child, can use the age of the child. For solutions containing Acetaminophen, the patient should shake well before taking. However, there are some products that do not have to be shaken well. To be on the safe side, you should carefully read the information printed on the product. Measure liquid medication with the provided dosimeter spoon/dropper/syringe to ensure accurate dosing. Using a household spoon may not guarantee measurement accuracy. For quick release tablets, chew or let them dissolve on your tongue. Then swallow with water or without. For the tablet form, chew it well before swallowing. Also, do not split the tablets unless they are numbered and your doctor tells you to do so. Swallow whole or tablets without crushing or chewing.

Acetaminophen is only effective if you take it at the first symptom of pain. If you wait until your symptoms get worse to take the medicine, it won't work. Do not take this medicine if you have a fever for more than 3 days unless directed by your doctor. For adults, do not take Acetaminophen for pain relief for more than 10 days in adults (5 days in children) unless directed by your doctor. If your child has a sore throat (especially a high fever, headache, or nausea/vomiting), tell your doctor right away. During the use of the drug, if the condition does not improve, even worse. Please go to the hospital immediately for examination and treatment promptly.

4.1. Side effects Acetaminophen has very few side effects. However, if you discover any unusual symptoms, contact your doctor for advice. Some side effects may occur when patients take Acetaminophen such as:
Rash, itching / swelling in places such as: face, tongue, throat. Dizzy. Shortness of breath. 4.2 Preventing side effects To prevent drug effects, be sure to tell your doctor about any allergies you have. At the same time, the medical history you also need to tell your doctor. If you are in the case of liver disease, alcohol abuse, ... the doctor will consider the dosage of the drug. The medicine may contain sugar and aspartame. Therefore, if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), a medical condition that requires you to limit or avoid these substances in your diet, you should inform your doctor. Pregnant women should tell their doctor before using the drug. Breastfeeding mothers should consider using the drug. Because Acetaminophen can affect the quality of milk or the infant through breast milk. 4.3 Interactions Acetaminophen when combined with other drugs may cause some interactions or increase the risk of side effects such as:
Using Acetaminophen with a ketoconazole product. Medicines can affect or distort the results of these tests.

4.4. Treatment of overdose or missed dose Overdose:
In case the patient overdoses, should be taken immediately to the hospital for treatment. Some symptoms that indicate you have overdosed include: nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain, fatigue, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, fainting or trouble breathing Missed dose:
Even if you miss a dose, you should take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Never double the dose to avoid overdose.

To ensure the quality of the medicine, you should store the medicine in a dry location, away from sunlight, and avoid high humidity. Medicines should not be stored in the freezer or in the bathroom with high humidity. Medicines with colored shapes can easily confuse children with candy. Therefore, the drug should be kept out of reach of children and pets. When medication is expired or no longer needed, it must be disposed of properly.

Reference source: webmd.com