Drug Study

Drug Name
Generic
Paracetamol
/
Acetaminop
hen
Trade
Tylenol

Classificati
on
Antipyretic
Non-opioid
analgesic

Indications
Fever

Mechanism of
Action
Inhibits the
synthesis of
prostaglandin that
may serve as
mediators of pain
and fever, primarily
in the CNS. Has no
significant antiinflammatory
properties or GI
toxicity.

Route/Frequency/Do
sage
Oral
PRN
300 mg

Adverse Reactions

Drug Interaction

Hematologic:
hemolytic anemia,
leukopenia,
neutropenia,
pancytopenia
Hepatic: jaundice
Metabolic:
hypoglycemia
Skin: rash,
urticaria

Drug-Drug
Barbiturates,
carbamazepine,
hydantoins,
rifampin,
sulfinpyrazone:
high doses or
long-term use
may reduce
therapeutic
effects and
enhance
hepatotoxic
effects of
acetaminophen.
Lamotrigine: may
decrease
lamotrigine level.
Warfarin: may
increase
hypoprothrombin
emic effects with
long-term use
with high doses of
acetaminophen.
Zidovudine: may
decrease
zidovudine effect.
Drug-Lifestyle
Alcohol use: may
increase risk of
hepatic damage.

Nursing
Consideration
Many OTC and
prescription
products contain
acetaminophen; be
aware of this when
calculating total
daily dose.
In children, dont
exceed five doses in
24 hours.