Acetaminophen Flashcards
How does acetaminophen differ from salicylates?
Acetaminophen does not cause gastric irritation, affect platelet
aggregation, or have anti-inflammatory properties. It also does
not affect the levels of uric acid.
Katzung BG, Masters, SB, & Trevor AJ. Basic and Clinical
Pharmacology. 12th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2012: 650.
What are the two primary indications for the use of
acetaminophen?
Analgesia and antipyrexia
Ouellette RG, Joyce JA.Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthesiology.
Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning; 2011: 81.
What is the adult oral dose of acetaminophen in the
treatment of fever and acute pain?
325-650 mg every 4-6 hours
Ouellette RG, Joyce JA.Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthesiology.
Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning; 2011: 81.
What is the half-life of acetaminophen?
2-3 hours
Katzung BG, Masters, SB, & Trevor AJ. Basic and Clinical
Pharmacology. 12th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2012: 650.
What is the lethal dose of acetaminophen?
15 grams or greater
Katzung BG, Masters, SB, & Trevor AJ. Basic and Clinical
Pharmacology. 12th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2012: 650.
List symptoms associated with larger doses of
acetaminophen.
Dizziness, disorientation, and excitement
Katzung BG, Masters, SB, & Trevor AJ. Basic and Clinical
Pharmacology. 12th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2012: 650.
What are some early symptoms associated with
acetaminophen-induced liver damage?
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
Katzung BG, Masters, SB, & Trevor AJ. Basic and Clinical
Pharmacology. 12th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2012: 650.
What drug is administered in the treatment of
acetaminophen toxicity?
Acetylcysteine. It is most effective if administered within the first 8
hours of overdose.
Stoelting RK, Hillier SC. Pharmacology and Physiology in
Anesthetic Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and
Wilkins; 2006: 285.
