Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What are the side effects of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)?

Anorexia, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, rash, extremely toxic to the liver: toxic levels >50 mcg/mL; >200 mcg/mL indicates hepatotoxicity.

What are the adverse reactions of Acetaminophen?

Oliguria (low output of urine), urticarial, elevated liver enzymes, can lead to hepatotoxicity if an overdose takes place.

What are the life-threatening adverse reactions of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)?

Hemorrhage, hepatotoxicity, hemolytic anemia, agranulocytosis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia.

What are the therapeutic uses of Acetaminophen?

To decrease mild to moderate pain, headaches, and fever. It prevents prostaglandin synthesis and affects the hypothalamic heat regulator center. Signup and view all the answers

What is the onset, peak, and duration of Acetaminophen when taken orally?

Onset: 10-30 minutes, peak: 30-60 minutes, duration: 3-5 hours. Signup and view all the answers

What are the contraindications (or cautions) for using Acetaminophen (Tylenol)?

Clients with severe hepatic or renal disease, or alcoholism. Signup and view all the answers

What interactions does Tylenol have with drugs or foods?

Increase effect with caffeine, diflunisal, and decrease effect with oral contraceptives, antacids, anticholinergics, cholestyramine, charcoal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the safe dosage for Acetaminophen when taken orally?

Safe dosage is 2000 mg/day (2g/day), maximum: 4000 mg/day (4g). Signup and view all the answers

What is the drug class of Acetaminophen?

Analgesic. Trade names: Anacin-AF, Ofirmev. Signup and view all the answers

What is Acetaminophen (Tylenol) not the drug of choice for?

Anti-inflammatory processes. Signup and view all the answers

What are examples of Acetaminophen?

Tylenol, Midol, Lortab, Percocet, and Vicodin. It is not an NSAID and not connected to Reye's syndrome. Signup and view all the answers

What is the therapeutic range for Acetaminophen (Tylenol)?

25 mcg/mL. Signup and view all the answers

What may large doses of Acetaminophen lead to?

Liver injury, especially when taken with alcohol. Signup and view all the answers

What is Acetaminophen (Tylenol) effective in relieving?

Mild to moderate muscle aches, headaches, pain, and fever in infants, children, adults, and older adults. Signup and view all the answers

What should you teach a patient regarding Acetaminophen?

Keep acetaminophen out of children's reach. Available in tablets and liquids for children. High doses can lead to hepatotoxicity. Do not self-medicate for more than 10 days, do not medicate children for longer than 5 days. Call poison control if a child takes a large dose. Safe dose range for adults = 2000 mg/day or 2g. Do not exceed 4g/day to avoid liver damage. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between Acetaminophen and aspirin?

Acetaminophen does not have anti-inflammatory properties like aspirin. Signup and view all the answers

What are the maximum daily doses for Acetaminophen (Tylenol)?

Can be administered every 4 hours with a max daily dose of 4 g/day or 4000 mg/day. Signup and view all the answers

What are the benefits of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)?

Causes little to no gastric distress and does not interfere with platelet aggregation. Signup and view all the answers

What can an overdose of Acetaminophen result in?

Hepatotoxicity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the antidote for Acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose?

Mucomyst. Signup and view all the answers

If a child takes a large dose of Acetaminophen, what should you do?

Contact poison control. Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Overview

Acetaminophen is classified as an analgesic primarily used to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever.
Trade names include Anacin-AF, Ofirmev, and it is available in various forms such as tablets and liquids.

Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

Common side effects: anorexia, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, rash.
Toxic levels: concentrations above 50 mcg/mL are considered toxic; above 200 mcg/mL indicates potential hepatotoxicity.
Adverse reactions include oliguria, urticarial, and elevated liver enzymes.

Life-Threatening Adverse Reactions

Serious adverse effects can include hemorrhage, hepatotoxicity, hemolytic anemia, agranulocytosis, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.

Therapeutic Use

Acetaminophen works by preventing prostaglandin synthesis and regulating the hypothalamic heat center for fever reduction.
Effective for headaches and muscle aches.

Pharmacokinetics

Oral administration: onset in 10-30 minutes, peak effect in 30-60 minutes, and duration of action is 3-5 hours.

Dosage Information

Safe dosage is up to 2000 mg/day; maximum dosage should not exceed 4000 mg/day.
Large doses may result in liver injury, particularly when combined with alcohol.

Contraindications and Cautions

Use caution or avoid in clients with severe hepatic or renal disease, or those with a history of alcoholism.

Drug Interactions

Caffeine and diflunisal may increase acetaminophen's effect.
Interactions with oral contraceptives, antacids, anticholinergic drugs, cholestyramine, and activated charcoal may decrease its effectiveness.

Therapeutic Range

The therapeutic range is approximately 25 mcg/mL.

Patient Education

Emphasize keeping acetaminophen out of children's reach and inform about dosage limits.
Advise against self-medication for more than 10 days for adults and 5 days for children.
Encourage contacting poison control in cases of overdose.

Comparison with Aspirin

Unlike aspirin, acetaminophen does not possess anti-inflammatory properties and is often preferred to reduce gastric distress.

Antidote for Overdose

The antidote for acetaminophen overdose is mucomyst (N-acetylcysteine).

Summary of Benefits

Acetaminophen is generally well-tolerated with minimal gastric distress and no interference with platelet function.

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