Acetaminophen, often referred to by the brand name Tylenol, is one of the most common medications you'll use in your life and throughout your nursing career. Roughly 20%(1) of American adults take acetaminophen in a given week.
Its combination of analgesic(2) and antipyretic(3) properties make it one of the most common over-the-counter medications to help with mild to moderate pain and conditions that include fevers.
Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know about acetaminophen as a nurse, or future nurse, from its names, dosage information, and more.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Key Information
Acetaminophen is also known as Paracetamol. It's a p-aminophenol derivative and an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that people commonly use to help with mild to moderate pain and fever(4). Acetaminophen research has not shown any anti-inflammatory elements(5)and therefore it is not considered an NSAID.
Acetaminophen is the generic name of the drug, but there are several brand names that you'll come across (not exhaustive):
Abenol (CAN)
Acephen
Altenol
Genapap
Aminofen
Apra
Genebs
Atasol (CAN)
Calpol
Tylenol
Mapap
Cetafen
Dolono
Fenrbol
Cetafen
Panadol
Acetaminophen is part of the pharmacologic class synthetic non-opioid.
Mechanism of Action
Researchers currently believe that the analgesic mechanism of action (MOA) of acetaminophen, is through the activation of TRPV1 and/or CB1 receptors(6). However, the evidence is not conclusive and further studies are needed.
Indications for Use
Acetaminophen is clinically used to treat mild to moderate pain in patients as well as to reduce fever. Some indications for use include:
Back pain
Muscle aches
Headaches
Colds and fever
Arthritis
Contraindications for Acetaminophen
There are several precautions and contradictions to consider before administering acetaminophen:
Hypersensitivity to acetaminophen
Patients with renal or hepatic impairments
Elderly patients
Pregnant and breastfeeding patients
Children under two years old
Hypersensitivity to acetaminophen could lead to anaphylaxis, fixed drug eruption, urticaria/angioedema, rhinoconjunctivitis, or Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
Since high doses of acetaminophen can cause severe and fatal liver damage(7), it can be dangerous to give to patients who have a history of substance or alcohol abuse or liver issues.
Some studies suggest there is evidence that administering acetaminophen to pregnant women can increase the risks of the child developing neurodevelopment disorders(8).
Drug Interactions and Side Effects
Some of the most common drug interactions to consider when administering acetaminophen for patients include (not exhaustive):
Those on oral anticoagulants might experience an increase in the anticoagulant effect when taking acetaminophen(9)
Hormonal contraceptives can make acetaminophen less effective(10)
Taking cholestyramine or activated charcoal can decrease how well the body absorbs acetaminophen (as well as other drugs)
Carbamazepine, Rifampin, Barbiturates, Isoniazid, and alcohol can increase the patient's risk of hepatotoxicity
While acetaminophen is not typically thought of as a high-risk drug, there are a significant number of adverse event reports collected annually by medical reporting agencies(11). Potential side effects include (not exhaustive):
Hepatotoxicity
Nephrotoxicity
Skin rash
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Constipation
Change in blood counts
Anemia(12)
Sodium bicarbonate imbalances
Sodium and calcium imbalances
Glucose and bilirubin imbalances
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Anaphylaxis(13)
Administration and Dosage
When administering acetaminophen there are several options for administration. These are your options for administration:
Film-coated
Extended-release tablets
Chewable tablets
Gelcaps
IV solution
Suppositories
Syrups or liquid
The dosage recommendations will vary slightly based on the preparation. Importantly, dosage should not exceed 4,000 mg in a 24-hour period. Typical dosage could look something like one of the following:
325 mg to 650 mg orally every four to six hours or PRN (as needed)
1,000 mg TID (3 times) or QID (4 times) per day
As pointed out by one of our longstanding nursing professionals with over 40 years of experience, in a 2004 double-blind study no significant differences in discomfort scores were found between PRN versus regularly scheduled administration(14).
Dosage for Children
For the most precise dosage recommendations, weight should be considered as opposed to just age as studies have shown that weight-based dosing may be more effective(15). To calculate proper acetaminophen dosages for children, use the following guidelines based on age groups.
For neonates, or children under 28 days of age:
10-15 mg/kg PO (oral) q6-8h PRN
Never exceeding a maximum of 60 mg/kg/day
For infants and children under the age of 12:
10-15 mg/kg PO q4-6h PRN
Not to exceed 75 mg/kg/day or 1 g/4h or 4 g/day from all sources
As other experienced nurses in the community have pointed out, the danger with Tylenol and children is child cold prep may contain acetaminophen so be sure to include that in any calculations.
Even though acetaminophen might be one of the most commonly used medications both clinically and OTC, acetaminophen toxicity is responsible for 2,600 hospitalizations, and 500 deaths per year in the United States(15).
Nursing Assessment
If you're administering acetaminophen to a patient, you'll want to assess for an allergy to the medication. Signs of an allergic reaction can include:
hives and/or skin rashes
swelling of the face, or injection site if given via an IV
Since acetaminophen is given for mild to moderate pain, you'll need to assess the patient's pain level. Have them rate their pain on a scale of one to ten and then describe the pain. As a nurse, you'll want to know if the pain is constant, blunt, or sharp, how long the pain lasts if it's not constant, or if something makes it worse or better.
When using acetaminophen as an antipyretic (to help reduce fever), you'll want to assess the patient's temperature often to ensure the medication is bringing the fever down.
If your patient is unaware if they're pregnant or not, you'll want to run a pregnancy test. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need to be careful with acetaminophen use. While you can still administer the medication to them, it's a category B risk.
Category B risks mean that there can be fetal harm, but it's rare. Since it's rare but can happen, you'll need to monitor the patient for signs of distress in the fetus or baby.
Lastly, you'll need to assess for acetaminophen toxicity. Acetaminophen toxicity signs include vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and elevated liver and bilirubin enzymes.
Nursing Interventions
After administering Acetaminophen, you'll need to monitor the patient routinely. You're looking for the drug's effectiveness, which you can do by monitoring their temperature if you're using it for fever reduction and assessing their pain on a scale of one to ten.
When you give the drug through an IV, you'll need to infuse the medication over the course of 15 minutes to prevent overloading the body too quickly.
If you have a patient at a higher risk for renal toxicity or hepatotoxicity, you'll need to closely monitor their ALT and AST levels, creatinine, and BUN levels. Be sure you're checking your patient's red and white blood counts because Acetaminophen can cause anemia and lower these counts.
While Acetaminophen overdose is relatively rare, it can happen when you're not careful. If you notice your patient is overdosing on the drug, the antidote is N-Acetylcysteine, which you can give via an IV or orally.
Patient Education
It's important that you take the time to educate your patient—or their parents or guardians, if they're a child. Proper patient education can prevent further complications and acetaminophen overdose. The key points patients need to understand are:
Keep the bottle out of reach of children to prevent poisoning.
Store oral gel capsules and tablets at room temperature.
Store suppositories in the refrigerator.
You can take the medication with or without food, but food might prevent nausea in sensitive patients.
Ensure they know they cannot take more than 4,000 mg in 24 hours (including the medication you prescribe and other medications that include Acetaminophen).
Don't take the medication with any alcohol because it can increase the risk of liver toxicity.
Acetaminophen can have anticoagulant effects, so if they're on any blood thinners, they are at a higher risk of bleeding. You'll want to teach them how to monitor for signs of bleeding and bruises and try to prevent injuries.
When giving children Acetaminophen, always consult with a physician and use the provided measuring cup or dropper for proper dosing.
Acetaminophen FAQs
Below you'll find some frequently asked nursing questions about acetaminophen.
Can acetaminophen ruin your liver?
The short answer is yes, it can. When you take the medication in elevated doses or with alcohol regularly, it can have negative and potentially life-threatening effects on the liver. When sticking to the recommended dosage and avoiding alcohol, liver problems are rare.
Can you drink caffeine when taking acetaminophen?
While there's nothing stopping someone from drinking coffee or a caffeinated beverage while taking this medication, there is evidence that it can increase your chance of liver damage. If the Acetaminophen product you're taking already has caffeine in it, then it can have adverse side effects if you're sensitive to caffeine.
How long does it take for Acetaminophen to work?
Most people will start to feel the pain-relieving effects of Acetaminophen within 45 minutes of taking it if they've taken it orally. Some feel the effects sooner, and if it's being given via an IV, the results are far quicker.
Are Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen the same thing?
No, they're not. While they're both similar in the way that they can help reduce pain and fever, Acetaminophen primarily works in the brain to reduce pain and fever, and Ibuprofen does this but also helps reduce inflammation and swelling throughout the body.
References
1. Kaufman DW, Kelly JP, Battista Dr, Malone MK, Weinstein RB, Shiffman S. Five-year trends in acetaminophen use exceeding the recommended daily maximum dose. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2019 May;85(5):1028-1034. doi: 10.1111/bcp.13894. Epub 2019 Mar 18. PMID: 30740763; PMCID: PMC6475729
2. Ohashi N, Kohno T. Analgesic Effect of Acetaminophen: A Review of Known and Novel Mechanisms of Action. Front Pharmacol. 2020 Nov 30;11:580289. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2020.580289. PMID: 33328986; PMCID: PMC7734311.
3. Mirrasekhian E, Nilsson JLÅ, Shionoya K, Blomgren A, Zygmunt PM, Engblom D, Högestätt ED, Blomqvist A. The antipyretic effect of paracetamol occurs independent of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1-mediated hypothermia and is associated with prostaglandin inhibition in the brain. FASEB J. 2018 Oct;32(10):5751-5759. doi: 10.1096/fj.201800272R. Epub 2018 May 8. PMID: 29738273.
6. Esh CJ, Chrismas BCR, Mauger AR, Taylor L. Pharmacological hypotheses: Is acetaminophen selective in its cyclooxygenase inhibition? Pharmacol Res Perspect. 2021 Aug;9(4):e00835. doi: 10.1002/prp2.835. PMID: 34278737; PMCID: PMC8287062.
7. Gerriets V, Anderson J, Nappe TM. Acetaminophen. [Updated 2022 Sep 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482369/
8. Bauer, A. Z., Kriebel, D., Herbert, M. R., Bornehag, C. G., & Swan, S. H. (2018). Prenatal paracetamol exposure and child neurodevelopment: A review. Hormones and behavior, 101, 125–147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.01.003
10. Mitchell, M. C., Hanew, T., Meredith, C. G., & Schenker, S. (1983). Effects of oral contraceptive steroids on acetaminophen metabolism and elimination. Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics, 34(1), 48–53. https://doi.org/10.1038/clpt.1983.127
11.Popiołek, I., Piotrowicz-Wójcik, K., & Porebski, G. (2019). Hypersensitivity Reactions in Serious Adverse Events Reported for Paracetamol in the EudraVigilance Database, 2007⁻2018. Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland), 7(1), 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy7010012
13. Sunwoo, J., Kim, H., & Bae, K. S. (2021). Acetaminophen-induced anaphylaxis: a case report. Translational and clinical pharmacology, 29(2), 88–91. https://doi.org/10.12793/tcp.2021.29.e8
14. Buffum, M. D., Sands, L., Miaskowski, C., Brod, M., & Washburn, A. (2004). A clinical trial of the effectiveness of regularly scheduled versus as-needed administration of acetaminophen in the management of discomfort in older adults with dementia. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 52(7), 1093–1097. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2004.52305.x
15. Tamur, S., & Gosselin, S. (2015). A call for advocacy: Standardized concentration and weight-based dosing of acetaminophen may enhance the therapeutic benefit and reduce the risk for harm. Paediatrics & child health, 20(5), 235–236. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/20.5.235
CONTENT
Acetaminophen, often referred to by the brand name Tylenol, is one of the most common medications you'll use in your life and throughout your nursing career. Roughly 20%(1) of American adults take acetaminophen in a given week.
Its combination of analgesic(2) and antipyretic(3) properties make it one of the most common over-the-counter medications to help with mild to moderate pain and conditions that include fevers.
Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know about acetaminophen as a nurse, or future nurse, from its names, dosage information, and more.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Key InformationAcetaminophen is also known as Paracetamol. It's a p-aminophenol derivative and an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that people commonly use to help with mild to moderate pain and fever(4). Acetaminophen research has not shown any anti-inflammatory elements(5)and therefore it is not considered an NSAID.
Acetaminophen is the generic name of the drug, but there are several brand names that you'll come across (not exhaustive):
Acetaminophen is part of the pharmacologic class synthetic non-opioid.
Mechanism of Action
Researchers currently believe that the analgesic mechanism of action (MOA) of acetaminophen, is through the activation of TRPV1 and/or CB1 receptors(6). However, the evidence is not conclusive and further studies are needed.
Indications for UseAcetaminophen is clinically used to treat mild to moderate pain in patients as well as to reduce fever. Some indications for use include:
Contraindications for AcetaminophenThere are several precautions and contradictions to consider before administering acetaminophen:
Hypersensitivity to acetaminophen could lead to anaphylaxis, fixed drug eruption, urticaria/angioedema, rhinoconjunctivitis, or Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
Since high doses of acetaminophen can cause severe and fatal liver damage(7), it can be dangerous to give to patients who have a history of substance or alcohol abuse or liver issues.
Some studies suggest there is evidence that administering acetaminophen to pregnant women can increase the risks of the child developing neurodevelopment disorders(8).
Drug Interactions and Side EffectsSome of the most common drug interactions to consider when administering acetaminophen for patients include (not exhaustive):
While acetaminophen is not typically thought of as a high-risk drug, there are a significant number of adverse event reports collected annually by medical reporting agencies(11). Potential side effects include (not exhaustive):
Administration and DosageWhen administering acetaminophen there are several options for administration. These are your options for administration:
The dosage recommendations will vary slightly based on the preparation. Importantly, dosage should not exceed 4,000 mg in a 24-hour period. Typical dosage could look something like one of the following:
As pointed out by one of our longstanding nursing professionals with over 40 years of experience, in a 2004 double-blind study no significant differences in discomfort scores were found between PRN versus regularly scheduled administration(14).
Dosage for Children
For the most precise dosage recommendations, weight should be considered as opposed to just age as studies have shown that weight-based dosing may be more effective(15). To calculate proper acetaminophen dosages for children, use the following guidelines based on age groups.
For neonates, or children under 28 days of age:
For infants and children under the age of 12:
As other experienced nurses in the community have pointed out, the danger with Tylenol and children is child cold prep may contain acetaminophen so be sure to include that in any calculations.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Nursing Considerations / ImplicationsEven though acetaminophen might be one of the most commonly used medications both clinically and OTC, acetaminophen toxicity is responsible for 2,600 hospitalizations, and 500 deaths per year in the United States(15).
Nursing Assessment
If you're administering acetaminophen to a patient, you'll want to assess for an allergy to the medication. Signs of an allergic reaction can include:
Since acetaminophen is given for mild to moderate pain, you'll need to assess the patient's pain level. Have them rate their pain on a scale of one to ten and then describe the pain. As a nurse, you'll want to know if the pain is constant, blunt, or sharp, how long the pain lasts if it's not constant, or if something makes it worse or better.
When using acetaminophen as an antipyretic (to help reduce fever), you'll want to assess the patient's temperature often to ensure the medication is bringing the fever down.
If your patient is unaware if they're pregnant or not, you'll want to run a pregnancy test. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need to be careful with acetaminophen use. While you can still administer the medication to them, it's a category B risk.
Category B risks mean that there can be fetal harm, but it's rare. Since it's rare but can happen, you'll need to monitor the patient for signs of distress in the fetus or baby.
Lastly, you'll need to assess for acetaminophen toxicity. Acetaminophen toxicity signs include vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and elevated liver and bilirubin enzymes.
Nursing Interventions
After administering Acetaminophen, you'll need to monitor the patient routinely. You're looking for the drug's effectiveness, which you can do by monitoring their temperature if you're using it for fever reduction and assessing their pain on a scale of one to ten.
When you give the drug through an IV, you'll need to infuse the medication over the course of 15 minutes to prevent overloading the body too quickly.
If you have a patient at a higher risk for renal toxicity or hepatotoxicity, you'll need to closely monitor their ALT and AST levels, creatinine, and BUN levels. Be sure you're checking your patient's red and white blood counts because Acetaminophen can cause anemia and lower these counts.
While Acetaminophen overdose is relatively rare, it can happen when you're not careful. If you notice your patient is overdosing on the drug, the antidote is N-Acetylcysteine, which you can give via an IV or orally.
Patient Education
It's important that you take the time to educate your patient—or their parents or guardians, if they're a child. Proper patient education can prevent further complications and acetaminophen overdose. The key points patients need to understand are:
Acetaminophen FAQsBelow you'll find some frequently asked nursing questions about acetaminophen.
Can acetaminophen ruin your liver?
The short answer is yes, it can. When you take the medication in elevated doses or with alcohol regularly, it can have negative and potentially life-threatening effects on the liver. When sticking to the recommended dosage and avoiding alcohol, liver problems are rare.
Can you drink caffeine when taking acetaminophen?
While there's nothing stopping someone from drinking coffee or a caffeinated beverage while taking this medication, there is evidence that it can increase your chance of liver damage. If the Acetaminophen product you're taking already has caffeine in it, then it can have adverse side effects if you're sensitive to caffeine.
How long does it take for Acetaminophen to work?
Most people will start to feel the pain-relieving effects of Acetaminophen within 45 minutes of taking it if they've taken it orally. Some feel the effects sooner, and if it's being given via an IV, the results are far quicker.
Are Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen the same thing?
No, they're not. While they're both similar in the way that they can help reduce pain and fever, Acetaminophen primarily works in the brain to reduce pain and fever, and Ibuprofen does this but also helps reduce inflammation and swelling throughout the body.
References
1. Kaufman DW, Kelly JP, Battista Dr, Malone MK, Weinstein RB, Shiffman S. Five-year trends in acetaminophen use exceeding the recommended daily maximum dose. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2019 May;85(5):1028-1034. doi: 10.1111/bcp.13894. Epub 2019 Mar 18. PMID: 30740763; PMCID: PMC6475729
2. Ohashi N, Kohno T. Analgesic Effect of Acetaminophen: A Review of Known and Novel Mechanisms of Action. Front Pharmacol. 2020 Nov 30;11:580289. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2020.580289. PMID: 33328986; PMCID: PMC7734311.
3. Mirrasekhian E, Nilsson JLÅ, Shionoya K, Blomgren A, Zygmunt PM, Engblom D, Högestätt ED, Blomqvist A. The antipyretic effect of paracetamol occurs independent of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1-mediated hypothermia and is associated with prostaglandin inhibition in the brain. FASEB J. 2018 Oct;32(10):5751-5759. doi: 10.1096/fj.201800272R. Epub 2018 May 8. PMID: 29738273.
4. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681004.html
5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/11086-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-medicines-nsaids
6. Esh CJ, Chrismas BCR, Mauger AR, Taylor L. Pharmacological hypotheses: Is acetaminophen selective in its cyclooxygenase inhibition? Pharmacol Res Perspect. 2021 Aug;9(4):e00835. doi: 10.1002/prp2.835. PMID: 34278737; PMCID: PMC8287062.
7. Gerriets V, Anderson J, Nappe TM. Acetaminophen. [Updated 2022 Sep 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482369/
8. Bauer, A. Z., Kriebel, D., Herbert, M. R., Bornehag, C. G., & Swan, S. H. (2018). Prenatal paracetamol exposure and child neurodevelopment: A review. Hormones and behavior, 101, 125–147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.01.003
9. https://downloads.hindawi.com/archive/2020/1354209.pdf
10. Mitchell, M. C., Hanew, T., Meredith, C. G., & Schenker, S. (1983). Effects of oral contraceptive steroids on acetaminophen metabolism and elimination. Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics, 34(1), 48–53. https://doi.org/10.1038/clpt.1983.127
11.Popiołek, I., Piotrowicz-Wójcik, K., & Porebski, G. (2019). Hypersensitivity Reactions in Serious Adverse Events Reported for Paracetamol in the EudraVigilance Database, 2007⁻2018. Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland), 7(1), 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy7010012
12. https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2021.203.1_MeetingAbstracts.A2914
13. Sunwoo, J., Kim, H., & Bae, K. S. (2021). Acetaminophen-induced anaphylaxis: a case report. Translational and clinical pharmacology, 29(2), 88–91. https://doi.org/10.12793/tcp.2021.29.e8
14. Buffum, M. D., Sands, L., Miaskowski, C., Brod, M., & Washburn, A. (2004). A clinical trial of the effectiveness of regularly scheduled versus as-needed administration of acetaminophen in the management of discomfort in older adults with dementia. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 52(7), 1093–1097. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2004.52305.x
15. Tamur, S., & Gosselin, S. (2015). A call for advocacy: Standardized concentration and weight-based dosing of acetaminophen may enhance the therapeutic benefit and reduce the risk for harm. Paediatrics & child health, 20(5), 235–236. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/20.5.235
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