Aug
1
Chlordiazepoxide
August 1, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Generic Name
Chlordiazepoxide (klor-dye-az-uh-PDX-ide) 91
Brand Name
Librium
Type of Drug Benzodiazepine sedative.
Prescribed For
Anxiety, tension, fatigue, agitation, and withdrawal symptoms of alcoholism; also prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome and panic attacks.
General Information
Chlordiazepoxide is a member of the group of drugs known as benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines work by a direct effect on the brain. They can relax you and make you more tranquil or sleepier, or they can slow nervous system transmissions in such a way as to act as an anticonvulsant. Many doctors prefer benzodiazepines to other drugs that can be used to similar effect because they tend to be safer, have fewer side effects, and are usually as effective, if not more so.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take chlordiazepoxide if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients or to another benzodiazepine, including clonazepam.
Chlordiazepoxide can aggravate narrow-angle glaucoma, but you may take it if you have open-angle glaucoma and are receiving therapy for it.
Other condkjo(\SiVN\,NhjCb chlordiazepoxide should be used with caution are severe depression, especially with suicidal tendencies, severe lung disease, sleep apnea (intermittent cessation of breathing during sleep), liver disease, drunkenness, and kidney disease.
Chlordiazepoxide should not be taken by psychotic patients because it is not effective for them and can trigger unusual excitement, stimulation, and rage. It has also produced similar reactions among hyperactive and aggressive pediatric patients.
Chlordiazepoxide is not intended for more than 3-4 months of continuous use. Your condition should be reassessed before continuing chlordiazepoxide beyond that time.
Chlordiazepoxide may be addictive. Drug withdrawal may develop if you stop taking it after only 4 weeks of regular use, but is more likely after longer use. It may start with anxiety and progress to tingling in the hands or feet, sensitivity to bright light, sleep disturbances, cramps, tremors, muscle tension or twitching, poor concentration, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, appetite loss, sweating, and changes in mental state.
Dosage of chlordiazepoxide should be decreased gradually over 4-8 weeks after prolonged use.
Possible Side Effects
Weakness and confusion may occur, especially in seniors and in those who are sickly.
♦ Most common: mild drowsiness during the first few days of therapy.
✓ Less common: depression, lethargy, disorientation, edema, headache, inactivity, slurred speech, stupor, dizziness, tremor, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, inability to control urination, sexual difficulties, irregular menstrual cycle, changes in heart rhythm, low blood pressure, fluid retention, blurred or double vision, itching, rash, hiccups, nervousness, inability to fall asleep, and occasional liver - dysfunction. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor immediately.
♦ Rare: Rare side effects can occur in almost any part of the body. Contact your doctor if you experience any side effect not listed above.
Drug Interactions
• Chlordiazepoxide is a central-nervous-system depressant. Avoid alcohol, other sedatives, narcotics, barbiturates, mono-amine oxidase inhibitor and other antidepressants, and antihistamines. Taking chlordiazepoxide with these drugs may result in excessive depression, tiredness, sleepiness, breathing difficulties, or related symptoms.
• Smoking may reduce the effectiveness of chlordiazepoxide by increasing the rate at which it is broken down by the body.
• The effects of chlordiazepoxide may be prolonged when it is
taken with cimetidine, contraceptive drugs, disulfiram, flu-
oxetine, isoniazid, ketoconazole, metoprolol, probenecid,
propoxyphene, propranolol, rifampin, or valproic acid.
• Theophylline may reduce chlordiazepoxide’s sedative effects.
• If you take antacids, separate them by at least 1 hour from your chlordiazepoxide dose to prevent them from interfering with the passage of chlordiazepoxide into the bloodstream.
• Chlordiazepoxide may increase blood levels of digoxin and the chances for digoxin toxicity.
• Levodopa + carbidopa’s effectiveness may be reduced by chlordiazepoxide.
• Phenytoin blood concentrations may be increased when taken with chlordiazepoxide, resulting in possible phenytoin toxicity.
Food Interactions
Chlordiazepoxide is best taken on an empty stomach but may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.
Usual Dose
Adult: 5-100 mg a day. This range is due to individual response related to age, weight, disease severity, and other characteristics.
Child (age 6 and over): may be given if deemed appropriate by a doctor. Starting dose-5 mg 2-4 times a day. Maintenance dose—up to 30 mg a day for some children, but must be individualized to obtain maximum benefit.
Child (under age 6): not recommended.
Overdosage
Symptoms of overdose are confusion, sleepiness, poor coordination, lack of response to pain such as a pin prick, loss of reflexes, shallow breathing, low blood pressure, and coma. The victim should be lakes to a hospital emergency room. ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Special Information
Chlordiazepoxide can cause tiredness, drowsiness, inability to concentrate, or similar symptoms. Be careful if you are driving, operating machinery, or performing other activities that require concentration.
If you forget a dose of chlordiazepoxide, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you forgot and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding: Chlordiazepoxide may cause birth defects if taken during the first 3 months of pregnancy. Avoid chlordiazepoxide while pregnant.
Chlordiazepoxide may pass into breast milk. Nursing mothers who must take chlordiazepoxide should use infant formula.
Seniors: Seniors, especially those with liver or kidney disease, are more sensitive to the effects of chlordiazepoxide and generally require smaller doses to achieve the same effect.
Aug
1
Cetirizine
August 1, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Generic Name
Cetirizine (seh-TERE-ih-zene)
Brand Name Zyrtec
The information in this profile also applies to the following drugs:
Generic Ingredient: Azelastine
Generic Ingredient: Fexofenadine 91 Allegra
Generic Ingredient: Levocetirizine 91 Xyzal
Type of Drug Antihistamine.
Prescribed For
Azelastine: runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching, and post-nasal drip. Cetirizine: stuffy and runny nose, itchy eyes, and scratchy throat caused by seasonal and year-round allergy, and for other symptoms of allergy such as rash, itching, and hives; also prescribed for chronic itching and for asthma. Fexofenadine: sneezing, stuffy and runny nose; scratchy throat and mouth; and itchy, watery, and red eyes caused by seasonal allergies. Levocetirizine: stuffy and runny nose, itchy eyes, and scratchy throat caused by seasonal and year-round allergy, and for other symptoms of allergy such as rash, itching, and hives; also prescribed for chronic itching.
General Information
Antihistamines generally work by blocking the release of histamine (a chemical released by body tissue during an allergic reaction) from the cell at the H, histamine receptor site, drying up secretions of the nose, throat, and eyes. Cetirizine causes less sedation than older antihistamines and appears to be just as effective. Levocetirizine is the active portion of the cetirizine molecule and is as effective as cetirizine with a similar side effect profile.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take cetirizine if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients.
People with kidney disease should receive reduced dosages of cetirizine and levocetirizine. Do not take these drugs if kidney disease is severe. Children with kidney disease should not receive levocetirizine.
Possible Side Effects
✓ Common: headache, drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, bitter taste in the mouth, dizziness, runny nose, and sore throat.
✓ Less common: nosebleeds, stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, nausea, upset stomach, changes in bowel habits, nervousness, and fever (children).
♦ Rare: fainting and weight gain. Contact your doctor if you experience any side effect not listed above.
Drug Interactions
• Cimetidine may increase the level of azelastine in the blood.
• Cetirizine is less likely than other antihistamines to interact with drugs.
• Ritonavir increases the amount of levocetirizine and slows its breakdown in the body. This may result in increased levocetirizine side effects.
Food Interactions
• Ceterizine and levocetirizine may be taken without regard to food or meals.
Usual Dose
Azelastine Nasal Spray
Adult and Child (age 12 and over): 1-2 sprays in each nostril twice a day.
Child (age 5-11): 1 spray in each nostril twice a day.
Cetirizine
Adult and Child (age 6 and over): 5-10 mg once a day depending on symptoms. Reduce dosage in people with kidney disease. Child (age 1-5): 2.5-5 mg a day.
Child (age 6 months-1 year): 2.5 mg a day.
Fexofenadine
Adult (age 12 and over): 60 mg twice a day or 180 mg once a day. People with kidney disease should take 60 mg a day.
Child (age 6-11): 30 mg twice a day.
Levocetirizine
Adult and Child (age 12 and over): 5 mg every evening.
Child (age 6-11): 2.5 mg (1h tablet) every evening. Dosage for children should not exceed 2.5 mg a day. Child (under age 6): not recommended.
Overdosage
Drug overdose is likely to cause severe side effects. Overdose victims should be Oven ipecac syrup—available at any pharmacy—to make them vomit and be taken to a hospital emergency room. ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Special Information
Use extra caution while doing anything that requires concentration, such as driving a car or operating hazardous machinery.
Report sore throat, unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, weakness, or any other unusual side effect to your doctor. Do not combine these drugs with alcohol or other nervous system depressants. Do not put azelastine nasal solution into your eyes.
If you forget to take a dose of cetirizine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding: Oral antihistamines are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy. But do not take any antihistamine without your doctor’s knowledge if you are or might become pregnant—especially during the last 3 months of pregnancy, because newborns may have severe reactions to antihistamines.
Small amounts of antihistamine pass into breast milk. Nursing mothers who must take cetirizine should use infant formula.
Seniors: Antihistamines are more likely to cause dizziness, sleepiness, and confusion in seniors. Dosage reduction may be recommended depending on kidney function.
Jul
16
Alpha Blockers
July 16, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Type of Drug
Alpha Blockers
Brand Names
Generic Ingredient. Alfuzosin Uroxatral
Generic Ingredient: Terazosin Hydrochloride Hytrin
Prescribed For
High blood pressure (terazosin) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (alfuzosin and terazosin).
General Information
Alpha blockers block nerve endings known as alpha, receptors. They reduce blood pressure by dilating (widening) and reducing pressure within the blood vessels. The maximum blood-pressurelowering effect of terazosin is seen between 2 and 6 hours after taking a single dose. Terazosin’s effect lasts for 24 hours.
In BPH, alpha blockers work by relaxing smooth muscles in the prostate and neck of the bladder. This effect is produced by blockage of alpha, receptors in the affected muscles. Despite the fact that terazosin alleviates the urinary symptoms of BPH, the drug’s long-term effect on complications of BPH or the need for urinary surgery is not known. Alpha blockers are broken down in the liver.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take alpha blockers if you are allergic or sensitive to any of their ingredients.
Alpha blockers may cause dizziness and fainting, especially after the first few doses. This is known as the “first-dose effect” and may be minimized by limiting the first dose to 1 mg at bedtime. The first-dose effect occurs in about 1 % of people and may recur if the drug is stopped for a few days and then restarted.
Do not take alfuzosin if you have moderate to severe liver disease since this can drastically increase blood concentrations of the drug.
Alpha blockers should be taken with caution if you have kidney disease, since blood concentrations may be increased by 50%.
Do not take these medicines if you are already taking an alphablocker for either high blood pressure or prostate problems.
Terazosin may slightly reduce cholesterol levels and improve the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) ratio, a positive step for people with blood-cholesterol problems.
Terazosin may reduce the counts of red and white blood cells.
People taking terazosin may experience a weight gain of about 2 lbs.
Possible Side Effects
Alfuzosin
✓ Most common: dizziness, fatigue, upper respiratory infection, and headache.
✓ Less common: pain, abdominal pain, upset stomach, constipation, nausea, impotence, bronchitis, sinusitis, sore throat, low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting.
✓ Rare: rash, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, and painful and persistent erection. Contact your doctor if you experience any side effect not listed above.
Terazosin
✓ Most common: dizziness, weakness, and headache.
✓ Rare: depression, reduced sex drive or abnormal sexual function (including painful and persistent erection), fluid retention, and weight gain. Contact your doctor if you experience any side effect not listed above.
Drug Interactions
• When taken with other blood-pressure-lowering drugs, terazosin severely reduces blood pressure.
• Verapamil may increase blood levels of terazosin.
• Antifungal drugs such as itraconazole and ketoconazole and protease inhibitors interfere with the breakdown of alfuzosin in the liver, raising the amount of drug in the blood.
• Alfuzosin moderately increases the amount of diltiazem in the blood.
• Alpha blockers should not be taken with ritonavir.
Food Interactions
Alfuzosin should be taken with food.
Usual Dose
Alfuzosin: one 10-mg tablet taken after the same meal every day. Do not crush or chew the tablets.
Terazosin: starting dosage-1 mg at bedtime. Dosage may be increased in increments of 1-5 mg to a total of 20 mg a day. Dosages of 10 mg a day are generally needed to control the symptoms of BPH.
Overdosage
Symptoms may include drowsiness, poor reflexes, and very low blood pressure. Take the victim to a hospital emergency room. ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Special Information
Take alpha blockers exactly as they are prescribed and do not stop taking it unless directed to do so by your doctor. Avoid over-the-counter drugs that contain stimulants because they may increase your blood pressure.
Alpha blockers may cause dizziness, headache, and drowsiness, especially 2-6 hours after taking your first dose, though these effects may persist after the first few doses. Wait 12-24 hours after taking the first dose before driving, operating machinery, or performing any other task that requires intense concentration. You may take alpha blockers at bedtime to minimize this problem.
Some people undergoing eye surgery who take alpha blockers can experience an unusual effect called “floppy iris syndrome.” Make sure to tell your eye surgeon if you are taking or have ever been treated with an alpha blocker. There is no benefit to stopping alpha-blocker treatment before cataract surgery.
Prostate cancer and BPH may have similar symptoms. Talk to your doctor about ruling out prostate cancer before beginning treatment for BPH.
Call your doctor if you develop severe dizziness, heart palpitations, or any bothersome or persistent side effect.
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the forgotten dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding: Alfuzosin is not indicated for use in women. Large dosages of terazosin damage the fetus in animal studies. When alpha blockers are considered crucial by your doctor, their potential benefits must be carefully weighed against their risks.
It is not known if terazosin passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers who must take this drug should use infant formula.
Seniors: Seniors may be more sensitive to the effects of terazosin.
Jul
16
Adderall
July 16, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Brand Name
Adderall
Generic Ingredients
Dextroamphetamine Sulfate + Dextroamphetamine Saccharate + Amphetamine Aspartate + Amphetamine Sulfate
Other Brand Names Adderall XR
The information in this profile also applies to the following drugs:
Generic Ingredient.* Dextroamphetamine Sulfate RE Dexedrine Dextrostat
Generic Ingredient., Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Vyvanse
Type of Drug
Central-nervous-system (CNS) stimulant.
Prescribed For
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (uncontrollable desire to sleep).
General Information
Amphetamines are stimulants that work on the brain’s feeding center. Adderall, which is a mixture of two forms of amphetamine, may be used as a short-term aid in weight reduction. It should not be taken for longer than a few months for this purpose.
Amphetamines may also be prescribed for childhood ADHD, a condition characterized by distractibility, short attention span, hyperactive behavior, emotional instability, and difficulty controlling impulses. They should be used only after a complete evaluation of the child has been done. Frequency and severity of symptoms and their appropriateness for the age of the child determine whether drug therapy is required. Many experts believe that amphetamines offer only a temporary solution because they do not permanently change behavioral patterns. Psychological, educational, and social measures must also be taken to ensure successful treatment in the long term.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take Adderall if you are allergic or sensitive to any amphetamine or have heart disease, a heart defect, high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, liver or kidney disease, tics or Tourette’s syndrome, seizures or abnormal brain wave tests, thyroid disease, glaucoma, or a history of drug abuse.
Amphetamines should be used with extreme caution because they are highly addictive and easily abused.
New or worsening thought patterns, bipolar illness, aggressive or hostile behavior, psychotic behavior, and new manic symptoms can develop during treatment with amphetamines.
Stimulants like amphetamines are not effective and may be dangerous for children whose symptoms are related to environmental factors or primary psychiatric conditions, including psychosis.
Stimulants can cause weight loss and stunted growth in children under age 10. Blurred vision and difficulty focusing can occur.
Possible Side Effects
✓ Common: heart palpitations, restlessness, overstimulation, dizziness, sleeplessness, increased blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, upper abdominal pain, and weight loss.
✓ Less common: euphoria (feeling “high”), hallucinations, muscle spasms and tremors, headache, dry mouth, unpleasant taste in the mouth, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, rash, itching, changes in sex drive, and impotence.
✓ Rare: psychotic drug reactions. Contact your doctor if you experience any side effect not listed above.
Drug Interactions
• Combining an amphetamine and a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MA01) antidepressant may cause a severe increase in blood pressure as well as bleeding inside the skull. Wait at least 2 weeks after stopping an MAGI before taking an amphetamine.
• Amphetamines may reduce the effectiveness of high blood pressure medicines.
• Gastrointestinal and urinary acidifying agents such as methenamine reduce the effectiveness of amphetamines.
• Gastroinstestinal alkalizing agents, such as sodium bicarbonate, and urinary alkalizing agents (acetazolamide, some thiazides) may increase and prolong the effects of amphetamines.
• Antipsychotic medications such as chlorpromazine, haloperidol, and lithium carbonate inhibit the stimulatory effects of amphetamines and can cause amphetamine poisoning.
• Amphetamines may enhance the effects of tricyclic antidepressants, norepinephrine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and meperidine.
• Amphetamines may decrease the effectiveness of beta blockers.
• Amphetamines may counteract the sedative effect of antihistamines.
• Amphetamines can delay the absorption of ethosuximide into the bloodstream.
• Propoxyphene increases the CNS-stimulating effect of amphetamines. Fatal convulsions have occurred in propoxyphene overdose with amphetamines.
Food Interactions
These drugs may be taken without regard to food or meals.
Usual Dose
Dextroamphetamine and Adderall
ADHD
Child (age 6 and older): 5-40 mg once or twice a day.
Child (age 3-5): 2-5 mg a day. Dose may be increased weekly until maximum response is achieved.
Narcolepsy: 5-60 mg a day.
Weight Control: 5-30 mg a day in divided doses 30-60 minutes before meals; alternately, a single, long-acting dose may be taken in the morning.
Adderall XR
Adults: 20 mg a day.
Child (age 13-17): 10-20 mg every morning. Child (age 6-12): 10-30 mg every morning. Child (under age 6): not recommended.
Lisdexamfetamine
Child (age 6-12): 30 mg every morning. Daily dose may be increased up to 70 mg.
Child (under age 6): not recommended.
Overdosage
Symptoms include tremors, muscle spasms, restlessness, exaggerated reflexes, rapid breathing, dry mouth, constipation, hallucinations, confusion, panic, and overaggressive behavior. These may be followed by depression, exhaustion, abnormal heart rhythms, blood pressure changes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and coma. Take the victim to a hospital emergency room immediately. ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Special Information
Amphetamines should be used very cautiously and only when considered absolutely necessary.
When taken for weight control, this drug should be used only when other methods have failed, and will gradually lose its effectiveness as the body starts breaking it down faster. Do NOT increase your dosage when this occurs. The drug must be discontinued.
Amphetamines are addictive and commonly abused. If you feel you have developed a tolerance or dependence to Adderall, contact your doctor. Do not increase your dosage without your doctor’s approval.
Amphetamines may impair your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. Use with caution. To prevent this drug from interfering with sleep, take it at least 6-8 hours before bedtime.
Do not crush or chew the sustained-release form.
If you forget your once-daily dose, skip it and go -back to your regular schedule the next day. If you take the drug 2-3 times a day and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 3 hours of your next dose, skip the one you forgot and continue with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose.
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding: Use of amphetamines during the early stages of pregnancy may cause birth defects. Amphetamines also increase the risk of premature delivery and low-birth-weight infants and may cause drug withdrawal symptoms in newborns. When this drug is considered crucial by your doctor, its potential benefits must be carefully weighed against its risks.
Amphetamines pass into breast milk. Nursing mothers who must take them should use infant formula.
Seniors: Seniors are more sensitive to this drug’s effects.
Jul
16
Acetaminophen
July 16, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Generic Name
Acetaminophen (uh-SEE-tuh-MIN-uh-fen) RE
Brand Names
Acephen Mapap-
Aceta Mapap Children’s
Acetaminophen Uniserts Mapap Extra Strength
Apacet Mapap Infant Drops
Aspirin Free Anacin Maximum Maranox
Strength Neopap
Aspirin Free Pain Relief Oraphen-PD
Dynafed, Children’s JR Panadol*
Dynafed EX Redutemp
Dynafed Extra Strength Silapap
Feverall Silapap Children’s
Feverall, Infants Silapap Infants
Genapap” Tapanol
Genebs Tempra*
Liquiprin Tylenol*
*Some products in this brand-name group are alcohol- or sugar-free. Consult your pharmacist.
Type of Drug
Antipyretic and analgesic.
Prescribed For
Relief of pain and fever for people who cannot or do not want to take aspirin or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Acetaminophen may be given to children about to receive a
DTP vaccination to reduce the fever and pain that commonly follow the vaccination.
General Information
Acetaminophen is generally used to relieve pain and fever associated with the common cold, flu, viral infections, or other disorders where pain or fever may occur. It is also used to relieve pain in people who are allergic to aspirin, or those who cannot take aspirin because of potential interactions with other drugs such as oral anticoagulants. It can be used to relieve pain from a variety of sources, including arthritis, headache, muscle ache, menstrual cramping, and tooth and periodontic pain, although it does not reduce inflammation.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take acetaminophen if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients. Do not take acetaminophen for more than 10 days in a row (5 days for children) unless directed by your doctor. Do not take more than is prescribed or recommended on the package.
Use this drug with extreme caution if you have kidney or liver disease or viral infections of the liver. Large amounts of alcohol increase the liver toxicity of large doses or overdoses of acetaminophen. Avoid alcohol if you regularly take acetaminophen. Some people are more sensitive to this effect than others.
Possible Side Effects
This drug is relatively free from side effects when taken in recommended doses. For this reason it has become extremely popular, especially among those who cannot take aspirin. V Rare: large doses or long-term use may cause liver dam-
age, rash, itching, fever, lowered blood sugar, stimulation,
yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, and/or a change
in the composition of your blood. Contact your doctor if
you experience any side effect not listed above.
Drug Interactions
o Large doses of barbiturate drugs, carbamazepine, phenytoin and similar drugs, izoniazid, rifampin, and sulfinpyrazone may increase the chances of liver toxicity if taken with acetaminophen.
• Alcoholic beverages increase the chances for liver toxicity
and possible liver failure associated with acetaminophen.
Food Interactions
None known.
Usual Dose
Adult and Child (age 12 and over): 325-650 mg 4-6 times a day,
or 1000 mg 3-4 times a day. Avoid taking more than 4 g (twelve
325-mg tablets) a day for long periods of time. Child (age 11): 480 mg 4-5 times a day. Child (age 9-10): 400 mg 4-5 times a day. Child (age 6-8): 320 mg 4-5 times a day. Child (age 4-5): 240 mg 4-5 times a day. Child (age 3): 160 mg 4-5 times a day. Child (age 1-2): 120 mg 4-5 times a day.
Child (age 4-11 months): 80 mg 4-5 times a day. Child (under age 4 months): 40 mg 4-5 times a day.
Overdosage
Acetaminophen is a commonly used ingredient in many over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Always check the list of ingredients when using more than one OTC medication to ensure that the combined dosage is within guidelines and to avoid accidental overdose.
Acute acetaminophen overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, sweating, appetite loss, drowsiness, confusion, abdominal tenderness, low blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, and liver and kidney failure. Liver damage has occurred with 12 extra-strength tablets or 18 regular-strength tablets, but most people need larger doses-20 extra-strength or 30 regular-strength tablets—to damage their livers. Regular use of large doses for long periods-30004000 mg a day for a year—can also cause liver damage, especially if alcohol is involved. In case of overdose, induce vomiting as soon as possible with ipecac syrup—available at any pharmacy —and take the victim to a hospital emergency room. ALWAYS bring the acetaminophen bottle or container.
Special Information
Unless abused, acetaminophen is a beneficial, effective, and relatively nontoxic drug. Follow package directions and call your doctor if acetaminophen does not relieve pain in 10 days for adults or 5 days for children. Call your doctor if fever gets worse or persists longer than 3 days.
Alcoholic beverages will worsen the liver damage that acetaminophen can cause. People who take this drug on a regular basis should limit their alcohol intake.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is within an hour of your next dose, skip the dose you forgot and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding: Acetaminophen ‘is considered safe during pregnancy when taken in usual doses. Taking continuous high doses of the drug may cause birth defects or interfere with fetal development. Three cases of congenital hip dislocation appear to have been associated with acetaminophen. Check with your doctor before taking this drug if you are or might be pregnant.
Small amounts of acetaminophen may pass into breast milk, but the drug is considered harmless to nursing infants.
Seniors: Seniors may take acetaminophen as directed by a doctor.