Acetaminophen

Question 1

What classifications is Acetaminophen under?

Answer 1

• Analgesics

- Antipyretic

Question 2

Explain the pharmacodynamics of Acetaminophen

Answer 2

Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis. Therapeutic effect include reduction of pain and fever

Question 3

What is the onset timing for PO Acetaminophen?

Answer 3

30 mins to 1 hour

Question 4

What is the peak timing for PO Acetaminophen?

Answer 4

1-3 hours

Question 5

What is the duration for PO Acetaminophen?

Answer 5

3-8 hours

Question 6

How is Acetaminophen metabolized by the body?

Answer 6

Liver metabolism

Question 7

How is Acetaminophen excreted from the body?

Answer 7

Renal excretion

Question 8

What are the indications for Acetaminophen?

Answer 8

• Mild to moderate pain

- Fever (ACP)

Question 9

What are the contraindications for Acetaminophen?

Answer 9

• Hypersensitivity

- Severe hepatic impairment/active liver disease

Question 10

List the precautions for Acetaminophen

Answer 10

• Patients with Renal Disease
• Patients with Liver Disease
• Alcoholism
• Chronic malnutrition
• Severe hypovolemia
• Hepatotoxic metabolites

Question 11

List the adverse effects for Acetaminophen

Answer 11

• Hepatoxicity
• Rash
• Urticaria (Hives)
• Constipation

Question 12

What is the ADULT dosing for Acetaminophen?

Answer 12

500-1000 mg PO

• May repeat once after 4 hours
• Maximum 4 grams in 24 hours or 1-2 grams in 24 hours if liver cirrhosis

Question 13

Can Acetaminophen be used concurrently with ibuprofen for analgesia?

Answer 13

Yes, yes it can.

Question 14

Can PCPs use Acetaminophen as an anti-pyretic?

Answer 14

No.

Question 15

What is the PEDIATRIC dosing for Acetaminophen?

Answer 15

<30 kg: 15 mg/kg (liquid form)

30-50 kg: 500 mg PO (liquid or tablet, dependent on patient ability)

> 50 kg: 500 - 1000 mg PO
May repeat once after 4 hours (maximum 75 mg/kg or 1 gram in 24 hours from all sources)
- Do not exceed 5 doses/24 hours in pediatric patients ≤12 yrs
- May be used concurrently with ibuprofen for analgesia.

Question 16

What is the maximum dose of Acetaminophen an ADULT PT can be given?

Answer 16

Maximum 4 grams in 24 hours or 1-2 grams in 24 hours if liver cirrhosis

Question 17

What is the maximum dose of Acetaminophen a PEDIATRIC PT can be given?

Answer 17

<30 kg: 15 mg/kg (liquid form)

30-50 kg: 500 mg

> 50 kg: 500 - 1000 mg PO

• Maximum 1 gram in 24 hours
• Do not exceed 5 doses/24 hours in pediatric patients ≤12 yrs