May 25, 2023 | Pain medicines are also called analgesics. Each kind of pain medicine has benefits and risks. Some types of pain respond better to one kind of medicine than to another kind. What takes away YOUR pain might not work for someone else. Acetaminophen is a non-aspirin pain reliever typically prescribed to relieve fever and headaches and other common aches and pains. Unlike other over-the-count pain medications, such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin, it is not a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, better known as NSAIDs. Because of this, acetaminophen, better known by its commercial names, Tylenol, Paracetamol and Panadol, is not used to reduce or relieve inflammation. This medication does not cause as many stomach problems as other pain medicines do, which makes it safer for children. Acetaminophen is often recommended for arthritis pain because it has fewer side effects than other pain medicines.

May 25, 2023 | Acetaminophen is used to relieve mild to moderate pain from headaches, muscle aches, menstrual periods, colds and sore throats, toothaches, backaches, and reactions to vaccinations and to reduce fever. It may also be used to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis, the form of arthritis caused by the breakdown of the lining of the joints. Acetaminophen works by changing the way the body senses pain and by cooling the body, essentially blocking the brain from releasing substances that cause the feeling of pain. It comes as a tablet that’s either chewable, extended release or orally disintegrating, or in a capsule or liquid format. It can be taken with or without food. Acetaminophen is available without a prescription, but your doctor may prescribe acetaminophen to treat certain conditions. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any that you do not understand.

May 25, 2023 | Acetaminophen is helpful when it comes to relieving pain but like most things, too much of it can be a bad thing. Taking too much of this drug, which can happen if you don’t follow the directions on a package or you use more than one product containing acetaminophen, can cause liver damage, sometimes serious enough to require a transplant or even cause death. Unfortunately, physicians must rely on the patient’s medical history and non-specific tests to determine if a liver injury is the result of acetaminophen overdose. A rapid diagnostic test for acetaminophen toxicity is in the final stages of development at UAMS before seeking FDA approval. Invented by Doctors Laura James, Jack Hinson and Dean Roberts, the blood test can detect highly specific blood markers for liver injury from acetaminophen overdose in about 20 minutes. James and her team hope to launch a definitive trial of the test, dubbed AcetaSTAT, within the year.

May 25, 2023 | When giving medicine to kids, always make sure to follow child safety tips. Taking acetaminophen can help children with colds and fever feel better. However, as with all drugs, it is important to give children the correct dose. Acetaminophen is safe when taken as directed. But, taking too much of this medicine can be harmful. If your child is under 2 years of age, check with your health care provider before giving your child acetaminophen. To give the correct dose, you will need to know your child’s weight. You also need to know how much acetaminophen is in the product you are using. Be sure to read the label to find out. Make sure you do not give your child more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen as an ingredient. For example, acetaminophen can be found in many cold remedies. Read the label before giving any medicine to children. You should not give medicine with more than one active ingredient to children under 6 years of age.

May 25, 2023 | Before taking acetaminophen, which comes in combination with other medications used to treat cough or cold symptoms, let your doctor or pharmacist know what prescription or non-prescription medications you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention anticoagulants such as warfarin, certain medications for seizures like phenobarbital and phenothiazines, medications prescribed for mental illness and nausea. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Also let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan to be pregnant. If you drink three or more alcoholic beverages every day, do not take acetaminophen. And tell your doctor if you have ever developed a rash after taking acetaminophen. Acetaminophen may cause other side effects, such as swelling of the face, hands or lower legs, so call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.