What it means
A common pain and fever drug sold over the counter and in many combination products, including cold medicines and some opioid tablets. It does not reduce inflammation, so it is not an nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugnon-STAIR-oy-dul an-tee-in-FLAM-uh-tor-ee DRUGA drug that relieves pain, fever and inflammation and is not a steroid, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.non- notanti- againstinflamm/o inflammationFull entry . Too much damages the liver; the maximum for most healthy adults is 4 grams a day, and lower for people who drink alcohol or have liver disease. The antidote for overdose is acetylcysteine. Outside the US it is called paracetamol.
For the nurse
Add up every source the client takes, including combination products, so the daily total stays under the limit. Teach clients to read labels for "acetaminophen" and to avoid alcohol. Check liver function in long-term or high-dose use.
In a chart
"Temp 38.6 °C; acetaminophen 650 mg PO given; temp 37.4 °C one hour later."
At a glance
| Drug class | analgesic; antipyretic |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Tylenol, Ofirmev (IV) |
| Abbreviations | APAP is on the ISMP list of error-prone abbreviations: write the full name. |
| Spanish | paracetamol, acetaminofén |
| Also written | paracetamol, Tylenol, Ofirmev |
Related terms
analgesic
A drug that relieves pain.
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
A drug that relieves pain, fever and inflammation and is not a steroid, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
ibuprofen
A drug that eases pain, fever and inflammation; a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
fever
A body temperature higher than normal, usually 38 °C (100.4 °F) or above.