Student: Client: Room: Date:

Trade Name: Tylenol Generic Name: Acetaminophen Classification:

Antipyretics, nonopioid analgesics

Action: Inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins that may serve as mediator of pain and fever, primarily in
the CNS.

Why is the client receiving this medication?

Pt is taking this medicine as needed for fever/pain not to exceed 4g daily

Contraindications: previous hypersensitivity reaction; use caution if hepatic and/or renal impairment,
severe hypovolemia, chronic malnutrition, and chronic alcohol use; products containing aspartame,
saccharin, sugar, or FDC yellow dye #5.

Patient Allergies: None

Most Common Side Effects:

1. Nausea
2. Rash
3. Headache
4. Liver failure/hepatotoxicity
5. Neutropenia
6. Pancytopenia
7. Leukopenia
8. Urticaria

Route & Dosage & Administration

PO: Adults & Children >12y/o- 325-650mg q4-6h; 1g TID, QID; 1300mg q8h (not to exceed 4g or
2.5g/24hr in patients with hepatic/renal failure. Children 1-12y/o- 10-15mg/kg/dose q4-6h prn (not to
exceed 5 doses/24hr). Infants- 10-15mg/kg/dose q4-6h prn (not to exceed 5 doses/24hr). Neonates- 10-
15mg/kg/dose q6-8h prn
RECTAL: Adults & Children >12y/o- 325-650mg q4-6h prn or 1g TID, QID (not to exceed 4g/24hr).
Children 1-12y/o- 10-20mg/kg/dose q4-6h prn. Infants- 10-20mg/kg/dose q4-6h prn. Neonates- 10-
15mg/kg/dose q6-8h prn

Drug & Food Interactions: Lab Test Considerations:

1. Barbituates- risk of hepatotoxicity 1. LFTs, renal function
2. Alcohol- risk of hepatotoxicity 2. Blood glucose false high or low
3. Local anesthetics- risk of methemoglobinemia 3. Inc. serum bilirubin, LDG, AST.

Nursing Implications:
1. Assess OH usage; malnourished and alcoholic patients high risk of hepatotoxicity
2. Obtain a complete list of all medications to prevent overdose (>4g/24hr)
3. Assess type, location, and intensity prior to and 30-60 minutes following administration
4. Assess fever; note presence of associated signs (diaphoresis, tachycardia, malaise)

Patient Teaching:
1. Take as directed and do not exceed 4g/24hr.
2. Avoid alcohol
3. Avoid taking with salicylates or NSAIDs unless directed by health care professional

Evaluation:
Relief of mild pain, reduction of fever