What side effects are possible with this medication?
A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal
doses. A side effect may be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, but does
not occur in everyone. Not everyone will experience side effects, and which
side effects a person experiences cannot be anticipated.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking
this medication. If you develop any of these side effects (or any other side
effects not listed here) or they change in intensity, speak to your doctor or
pharmacist for advice on managing them and on the risks and benefits of
the medication.
- rectal discomfort (suppositories)
Click here to learn about serious side effects that can potentially occur with any medication. These examples are provided for information purposes only and are not meant to be exhaustive. Always consult your doctor for sound medical advice specific to your particular medication and treatment.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Be sure to inform your doctor of all your medical conditions before you
begin taking a medication. Some conditions can affect how you should take this
medication.
Alcohol: Chronic excessive use of alcohol may increase the risk of liver
damage due to acetaminophen, even when acetaminophen is used at normal doses.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless
the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication,
contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are
a breast-feeding mother and are taking acetaminophen, it may affect your baby.
Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
An interaction between medications does not always mean that you must stop
taking one of them. The following medications may affect the way acetaminophen
works, be affected by acetaminophen, or increase the risk of side effects:
- acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)
- alcohol
- carbamazepine
- combination medications containing acetaminophen
- cholestyramine
- phenobarbital
- phenytoin
- warfarin
If you are taking any of these or other medications (including non-prescription,
herbal, and supplement products), speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending
on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to change your therapy
or suggest ways of managing any interactions. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine
from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications,
you should let your prescriber know if you use them.