Pain is a common condition which can have an impact on your daily activities. Painful conditions are an outcome of autoimmune conditions such as osteoarthritis, arthritis as well as toothaches, cold or fever. Acetaminophen is a very common drug used to treat most of these pains as well as fever. This drug is capable of blocking inflammation or pain causing substances. But, what are the side effects of this drug? It is important to know the side effects and the precautions needed, before starting the medication plan.
Fever and pain can come in the way of your daily life and can reduce your productivity. Drugs like acetaminophen are used for the treatment of headache, toothache, fever and also to manage pains experienced during infections such as common cold / flu. Acetaminophen is taken orally. If you are taking this drug through the self-medication route, you are advised to read through the instructions printed on the pack. If this drug is prescribed to you, adhere to the directions issued by your physician.
This drug is available in many forms; namely, liquid, tablet and as an easily dissolving pill. No two people suffering from any of the above medical conditions are prescribed with the same dosage plan. Your medication plan depends on your age, body weight, underlying clinical condition as well as incidence of prior ailments. If you are taking the liquid or a suspended form of acetaminophen, you are advised to shake it well before use. While using the liquid form, never use a household ladle / spoon to measure each dose; instead, always use the spoon / syringe provided along with the pack.
Never bite or crush this pill at any instance; such practices may supply the active ingredients abruptly or all of a sudden. Acetaminophen works well when you take it as soon as you experience the early signs of pain; waiting for pains to subside, and then taking this drug may reduce its efficacy. This product is never consumed for a longer duration. In case of children, typical doses do not exceed beyond 4 days; for adults, the dosage plan is never more than 9 days. The drug is known to bring about needful relief in less than 3 to 4 days; however, if your medical condition persists, it is essential to talk to your caregiving team without much delay.
Side effects of acetaminophen
In general, acetaminophen is not known to trigger any major side effects. In some stray instances, a few users witnessed some allergic reactions. Such reactions can include rashes on skin, soreness of throat due to swelling, acute spells of drowsiness as well as dizziness and respiratory problems (like gasping, rapid cycles of breathing or wheezing). If you encounter one or more of these allergies, it is a safe practice to consult with your treating doctor as quickly as possible.
It is essential to remember that your doctor has prescribed this med as the risks of its side effects and / or discomforts are much lesser than the benefits this drug offers. Above all, medical studies reveal that most users who took acetaminophen never witnessed any acute side effects or discomforts. In case of severe spells of dizziness or inability to breath, you are advised to seek medical attention in a healthcare setting immediately. Those living in the US may call 911 or reach out to the helpline of food and drug administration (FDA). The FDA runs its helpdesk to invite complaints about side effects or adverse reactions upon using meds it has approved. Canadian residents may contact Health Canada or rush to a poison control center operating near your home.
Safety precautions needed prior to taking acetaminophen
It is extremely important to tell your caregiver and pharmacist about all the other drugs you are presently taking. Make a list of all such drugs and share it with your caregiving team. As you make this list, include over the counter (OTC) meds, prescription drugs, vitamins and protein supplements, dietary or herbal aids into it. Upon having submitted the list, never make changes to it; if changes are made to it, keep your doctor informed of such modifications.
Those who have conditions like high blood sugar or people living with diabetes are advised to stay more cautious; especially, when they are taking the suspended form or the chewable form of this med. This is mainly because – such variants contain aspartame or sugar in excess. Intake of such forms may increase your blood sugar levels within a very short span of time. Also, those with conditions such as phenylketonuria must tell their caregiver about this condition prior to starting your medication plan.
Clinical studies have not concluded any possible relationship between a fetal damage and intake of acetaminophen. But, as a safety measure – women who are pregnant are advised to stay away from taking this med. Those who are planning to become pregnant must use needful contraceptives – preferably of the non-hormonal genre, such as vaginal rings, skin patches and other intra-uterine devices (IUDs). The key ingredients of acetaminophen may pass through mother’s milk. Owing to this risk, nursing mothers are advised not to take this drug. Women who took this drug may witness their infants experiencing a few withdrawal problems. The most common symptoms of withdrawal among babies include crying, feeding difficulties and sleeping too much.
In sum, acetaminophen is used for the treatment of headache, fever and to manage pains witnessed during common cold / flu. Acetaminophen is taken orally. Those using it through self-medication route are advised to read all instructions listed on its pack. Common side effects include abdominal problems such as nausea, vomiting as well as loss of appetite, acute spells of weariness, discoloration of skin or eyes. Upon sensing any of these side effects, you are advised to report to your caregiver immediately. If any of these discomforts persist for long, seek medical care from a healthcare setting – such as a clinic or a hospital. The side effects and precautions listed here do not constitute a complete list. It is hence highly recommended to talk to your physician or pharmacist to know more details about the safe use of acetaminophen.