Aceta
Generic Name
acetaminophen
Manufacturer
Apothecary Products, LLC
Country
United States
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Description
Overview of the medicine
Aceta (acetaminophen) is a medication used to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. It is one of the most common over-the-counter pain relievers.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Oral: 325 mg to 1000 mg every 4-6 hours as needed; maximum 4000 mg in 24 hours. Some sources recommend a maximum of 3000 mg/day for chronic use.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment is generally required for elderly patients, but caution is advised due to potential age-related decline in liver/kidney function.
Renal_impairment
For creatinine clearance 10-50 mL/min, administer every 6 hours. For creatinine clearance <10 mL/min, administer every 8 hours. No specific dose adjustment needed for single dose in mild-moderate impairment.
How to Take
Aceta can be taken orally with or without food. For rapid relief, it may be taken without food. Follow the dosing instructions on the package or as directed by your healthcare provider. For rectal suppositories, follow specific instructions.
Mechanism of Action
Acetaminophen's exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed to act primarily in the central nervous system by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, which helps reduce pain and fever. It has minimal anti-inflammatory effects.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Pain relief: 30 to 60 minutes; Fever reduction: 30 minutes.
Excretion
Mainly via renal excretion (90-100% of dose in 24 hours) as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates, with less than 5% excreted as unchanged drug.
Half life
1 to 4 hours; prolonged in liver disease or overdose.
Absorption
Rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 30 to 60 minutes after oral administration.
Metabolism
Primarily hepatic, conjugated with glucuronic acid (45-55%), sulfate (20-30%), and a small amount metabolized via cytochrome P450 to a reactive intermediate (NAPQI) which is detoxified by glutathione.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to acetaminophen or any component of the formulation
- Severe hepatic impairment or active liver disease
Drug Interactions
Alcohol
Increased risk of liver damage with chronic heavy alcohol use, especially with higher doses of acetaminophen.
Isoniazid
Increased risk of hepatotoxicity when co-administered.
Warfarin (anticoagulant)
May enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin with prolonged daily use, increasing the risk of bleeding. Monitor INR.
Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Barbiturates
May increase the risk of hepatotoxicity due to induction of liver enzymes.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F), away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Overdose can cause severe, potentially fatal liver damage. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sweating, which may not appear until 24-48 hours after ingestion. Treatment involves immediate medical attention, gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an antidote.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Acetaminophen is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and lactation when used at recommended doses, making it a preferred analgesic and antipyretic. However, always consult a healthcare professional before use.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to acetaminophen or any component of the formulation
- Severe hepatic impairment or active liver disease
Drug Interactions
Alcohol
Increased risk of liver damage with chronic heavy alcohol use, especially with higher doses of acetaminophen.
Isoniazid
Increased risk of hepatotoxicity when co-administered.
Warfarin (anticoagulant)
May enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin with prolonged daily use, increasing the risk of bleeding. Monitor INR.
Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Barbiturates
May increase the risk of hepatotoxicity due to induction of liver enzymes.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F), away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Overdose can cause severe, potentially fatal liver damage. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sweating, which may not appear until 24-48 hours after ingestion. Treatment involves immediate medical attention, gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an antidote.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Acetaminophen is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and lactation when used at recommended doses, making it a preferred analgesic and antipyretic. However, always consult a healthcare professional before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2 to 3 years from the date of manufacture, depending on the specific formulation and manufacturer. Refer to the expiry date on the packaging.
Availability
Pharmacies, supermarkets
Approval Status
FDA approved
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Acetaminophen has undergone extensive clinical trials and post-market surveillance over decades, confirming its efficacy and safety profile. Ongoing studies continue to explore its mechanism of action and potential new applications or risks.
Lab Monitoring
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin) in cases of suspected overdose, prolonged high-dose therapy, or in patients with pre-existing liver conditions.
- Renal function tests (creatinine, BUN) with chronic high-dose use.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize strict adherence to dosing guidelines to prevent accidental overdose and liver toxicity.
- Advise patients to check labels of all OTC products for acetaminophen content to avoid cumulative dosing.
- Caution patients about the increased risk of hepatotoxicity with alcohol consumption.
- Consider baseline and periodic liver function tests for patients on chronic high-dose therapy or with pre-existing liver conditions.
Patient Guidelines
- Do not exceed the recommended dose; exceeding the maximum daily dose can cause severe liver damage.
- Read the label carefully for other products containing acetaminophen to avoid accidental overdose.
- Avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking acetaminophen, especially with chronic use.
- Consult a doctor if pain or fever worsens or lasts more than a few days.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Aceta typically does not cause drowsiness or impair driving ability. However, if you experience any unusual side effects like dizziness, avoid driving or operating machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Ensure adequate hydration, especially when experiencing fever.
- Get sufficient rest to aid recovery from illness.
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