Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Question 1

Drug Classification

Answer 1

Antipyretic/Analgesic

Question 2

Mechanism of Action

Answer 2

COX inhibitor ->elevation of pain threshold, antipyretic by action on hypothalamic heat regulatory center

Question 3

Pharmacokinetics

Answer 3

• Onset of Action- 15-30 minutes
• Peak Effects- 30-120 minutes
• Duration of Effects- 3-4 hours
• Half-Life- 1-3 hours

Question 4

Indications/Field Use

Answer 4

Pediatric Fever

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

Hypersensitivity

Question 6

Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Answer 6

Abdominal pain, dizziness, hypoglycemia, N&V

Question 7

Dose

Answer 7

Pedi:

15mg/kg PO q 4-6 hours PRN, max dose 4g/day

Question 8

Precautions

Answer 8

• Metabolized by liver- overdose can be toxic
• Doesn’t have anti-platelet aggregation effect
• Doesn’t have peripheral anti-inflammatory effects

Question 9

Drug-Drug Interactions

Answer 9

Chronic excessive use of alcohol increases risk of hepatotoxicity

Question 10

Toxic Dose

Answer 10

140mg/kg

Cut in half if pt has liver issues