What is Acetaminophen?

Acetaminophen is a medicine used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Although acetaminophen does not relieve the redness, stiffness, or swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis, it may relieve the pain caused by mild forms of arthritis. Acetaminophen is available without a prescription. However, your healthcare professional may provide special instructions on proper acetaminophen dosage for your particular medical condition.

Acetaminophen can be taken orally in the form of capsules, granules, liquids, powders, suspension (drops or liquid), and chewable and non-chewable tablets.

Store-Brand Acetaminophen Recalled by Perrigo Company

On November 9, 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted the public to a voluntary recall by Perrigo Company (Allegan, Michigan) of 383 lots of acetaminophen 500 mg caplets manufactured and distributed under various store-brands. Small metal fragments have been found in a small number of these caplets, affecting approximately 11 million bottles with varying quantities of acetaminophen 500 mg caplets.

Signs of liver disease include abnormally yellow skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, light-colored stools, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Because the signs can be similar to flu symptoms, they may go unnoticed if consumers believe they are related to their initial illness. Serious cases of liver disease may lead to mental confusion, coma, and death. From the FDA: Use Caution with Pain Relievers

On December 19, 2006, the FDA proposed to amend the labeling regulations on over-the-counter pain relievers, to include important safety information about the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage. For products containing acetaminophen, the FDA proposed new warnings highlighting the risk of liver toxicity -- particularly when using acetaminophen in high doses, when taken with other acetaminophen products, or when taken with moderate amounts of alcohol. The FDA also proposed that the ingredient acetaminophen be prominently identified on the product display panel on the immediate container, and on the outer carton (if applicable). Click here to read more from the FDA.

• Although acetaminophen passes into breast milk in small amounts, it has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

• Acetaminophen use by children has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than those found in adults. However, some children's acetaminophen products also contain aspartame, which may pose a danger for children with phenylketonuria.

• Acetaminophen may interfere with medical test results. Before undergoing any tests, tell the person in charge if you have taken acetaminophen in the last three or four days.