acetaminophen IV

This drug is used to treat mild to moderate pain and to reduce fever. It is also used in combination with narcotic pain medications to help relieve moderate to severe pain.

How to use acetaminophen IV
This medication is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain relief.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, weight, and response to treatment.
Pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the symptoms have worsened, the medication may not work as well.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

See also Warning section.
Pain at the injection site may occur. Other side effects are uncommon. If you have any unusual side effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

See also Warning section.
Before using acetaminophen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, regular use/abuse of alcohol.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this form of acetaminophen passes into breast milk. However, acetaminophen taken by mouth passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

See also Warning section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor\'s approval.
Products that may interact with this drug include: \"blood thinners\" (such as warfarin).
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, increased sweating, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain.

NOTES:
Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE:
Not applicable.

STORAGE:
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Information last revised April 2012. Copyright(c) 2012 First Databank, Inc.