Acetaminophen
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Musculoskeletal Drugs
- Corticosteroids
- Acetaminophen
- Azathioprine
- Sulfasalazine
- TNF Inhibitors
- Immunosuppressants (Cyclosporine, Mycophenolate, Tacrolimus)
- NSAIDs
- Colchicine
- Allopurinol
- Rasburicase
- Dantrolene
- Muscle Relaxants
- Bisphosphonates: Alendronate, Risedronate
Summary
Acetaminophen, commonly known by its trade name Tylenol, is a medication used to treat pain and reduce fever. Its most important side effect is hepatotoxicity, which can be prevented by limiting the dose of acetaminophen given to under 4 grams per day. In the case of an overdose, acetylcysteine can be given as an antidote to minimize liver damage.
Key Points
- Mechanism
- Analgesic
- Weak inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system
- Antipyretic
- Inhibition of hypothalamic heat-regulator center
- Note that acetaminophen is not an NSAID and does not have anti-inflammatory properties
- Clinical Use
- Pain reliever (analgesic)
- Treats fever
- Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
- Hepatotoxicity
- Black box warning
- Big concern if acetaminophen is ingested in large doses / overdose over a short period of time
- Do not exceed 4 grams per day
- When calculating total, be sure to include all medications that contain acetaminophen, including cold medications (e.g. Dayquil), and narcotic combinations (e.g. Percocet)
- Early symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
- Nephrotoxicity
- Concern if acetaminophen is ingested in large doses over a long period of time
- Hepatotoxicity
- Antidote
- Acetylcysteine
- Analgesic