Acetaminophen is in a class of medications called analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers).
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Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is known as a non-aspirin pain reliever. It is NOT an NSAID, which is described below. Acetaminophen relieves fever and headaches, and other common aches and pains.
The Chicago Tylenol murders were a series of poisoning deaths resulting from drug tampering in the Chicago metropolitan area in 1982. The victims had all taken Tylenol-branded acetaminophen capsules that had been laced with potassium cyanide. No suspect was ever charged or convicted of the poisonings.
Lawsuits are being filed against J&J for failing to adequately warn consumers that Motrin can increase the risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), severe skin reactions that cause rash, skin peeling, and sores on the mucous membranes.
Acetaminophen Toxicity Symptoms
- Abdominal pain.
- Irritability.
- Generalized weakness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Jaundice (yellow appearance of skin and eyes)
- Diarrhea.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
The best way to join a class action lawsuit against a pharmaceutical company is to consult with a qualified attorney. You'll likely not be involved with the day-to-day aspects of the case, but will have to convey information to your attorney that may include: your medical history.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Dosing Information
| Weight | Age | Infant Oral Suspension: Concentration 5 mL = 160mg |
|---|
| 6-11 pounds | 0-3 months only to be given if directed by a health care professional (see above) | |
| 12-17 pounds | 4-11 months | 2.5 mL |
| 18-23 pounds | 12-23 months | 3.75 mL |
| 24-35 pounds | 2-3 years | 5 mL |
Do not give acetaminophen for more than 7 days in a row without talking to your pediatrician. than 5 doses in 24 hours. without talking to your child's doctor. Call your pediatrician immediately if a child under 3 months has a fever of 100.4° F (38° C) or higher.
You may be able to give a dose of infant Tylenol every 4 to 6 hours as needed. But you shouldn't give more than five doses in a 24-hour period. And you shouldn't give Tylenol routinely or for more than a day or two in a row unless directed by your child's doctor.
Tylenol is associated with serious complications, including liver damage and rare but dangerous skin reactions. It is the leading cause of acute liver failure in the U.S., and the drug in some cases has led to fatalities.
Infant Tylenol takes 30 minutes to start working, Phillips says, and will reach maximum effect after one hour. If baby's fever goes away for more than 24 hours and then comes back, or if baby has a fever for more than 72 hours, call your pediatrician.
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
- breathing problems.
- fever or sore throat.
- redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth.
Each Regular Strength
TYLENOL Tablet contains
acetaminophen 325 mg.
DIRECTIONS.
| adults and children 12 years and over | · take 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed ·do not take more than 12 tablets in 24 hours |
|---|
| children 6-11 years | ·take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours as needed ·do not take more than 5 in 24 hours |
Two hours after acetaminophen is taken, it will usually reduce the fever by 2 to 3 degrees F. Repeated does of the drug are often necessary because the fever will go up and down until the illness runs its course.
Good Technique for Giving Liquid Medicine:
- Equipment: Plastic medication syringe or dropper (not a spoon)
- Child's position: Sitting up (Never lying down)
- Place the syringe beyond the teeth or gumline.
- Goal: Slowly drip or pour the medicine onto the back of the tongue.
- Do not squirt medicine into the back of the throat.
