Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Written Dose

Tylenol 650mg q4h PO

Contraindication

active alcoholism, hepatic disease, viral hepatitis, all of which increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.

Use

Relief of mild to moderate pain, fever.

Drug classification

Central analgesic, non-narcotic analgesic, antypyretic.

Medication

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Action

Appears to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis in the CNS and, to a lesser extent, block pain impulses through peripheral action. acts centrally on hypothalmic heat-regulating center, producing peripheral vasodilation. Contra indications: active alcoholism, hepatic disease, viral hepatitis, all of which increase the risk of hepatoxicity.

Dose appropriateness

Dose is appropriate because patient is taking 650mg q4h: 650 x 6: which equals to 3900mg and the maximum dose per day is 4g.

Side effects

Hypersensitivity reaction

Nursing consideration

If given for analgesia, assess onset, type, location, duration of pain. Effect of medication is reduced if full pain response recurs prior to next dose. assess for fever. alcohol usage. assess for clinical improvement and relief of pain, fever. severe pain or fever may indicate serious illness. advise not to take more than 4 g/24h period.

Reason for taking

Patient is taking this medication because of mild pain that she rated 4 on numeric pain scale.