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Acetaminophen description. Acetaminophen is used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Unlike aspirin, it does not relieve the redness, stiffness, or swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis. However, it may relieve the pain caused by mild forms of arthritis. Acetaminophen is available without a prescription; however, your medical doctor or dentist may have special instructions on the proper dose of acetaminophen for your medical condition.
Why prescribed Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to reduce fever. It does not relieve the stiffness, redness, and swelling of arthritis. Acetaminophen is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. How used Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen comes as a tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, liquid, drops, and granules (to be dissolved in water) to take by mouth and a suppository to use rectally. Acetaminophen is available without a prescription. Follow the directions on the package label carefully. If your doctor prescribes it for you, the prescription label will tell you how often to take it. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take acetaminophen exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules: swallow them whole. To insert an acetaminophen suppository into the rectum, follow these steps: Remove the wrapper. Dip the tip of the suppository in water. Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your chest. (A left-handed person should lie on the right side and raise the left knee.) Using your finger, insert the suppository into the rectum, about 1/2 to 1 inch in infants and children and 1 inch in adults. Hold it in place for a few moments. Stand up after about 15 minutes. Wash your hands thoroughly and resume your normal activities. Adults should not take acetaminophen for pain for more than 10 days (5 days for children) without talking to a doctor. Acetaminophen should not be taken by adults or children for high fever, for fever lasting more than 3 days, or for recurrent fever without a doctor's supervision. Do not give a child more than five doses in 24 hours unless directed to do so by a doctor. Some brand names: - Abenol - Aceta Elixir - Aceta Tablets - Acetaminophen - Acetaminophen Uniserts - Actamin - Actamin Extra - Actamin Super - Actimol Chewable Tablets - Actimol Children's Suspension - Actimol Infants' Suspension |