Name of Dose

Mechanism Side Effects/

Drug Classificat Frequen Specific Contraindicat Nursing
of Action Adverse
Generic ion cy Indication ions Implications
(Classification) Effects
(Brand) Route

Acetaminoph antipyretics 250 mg Antipyretics: Common cold,  CNS: BEFORE:

en , analgesics “U” flu, other viral Contraindicate Headache
(nonopioid) PRN Reduces fever by and bacterial d with allergy  Advise parents or
Panadol, po acting directly on infections with to CV: Chest pain, caregivers to check
Tapanol, the hypothalamic pain and fever acetaminophen dyspnea, concentrations of
Tempra, heat-regulating . myocardial liquid preparations.
Tylenol, center to cause damage when Errors have
Paracetamol vasodilation and  Use doses of 5- resulted in serious
sweating, which cautiously with 8g/day are liver damage.
helps dissipate impaired ingested daily
heat. hepatic for several  Assess fever;
function. weeks or when note presence of
doses of 4 associated signs
Analgesics:
g/day are (diaphoresis,
ingested for 1 tachycardia, and
Site and yr. malaise).
mechanism of
action unclear Take the drug
Hematologic: 
hematuria, only for complaints
anuria; indicated; it is not
neutropenia, an anti-
leukopenia, inflammatory
thrombocytope agent.
nia.
DURING:
Metabolic:
Hypoglycemia  Adults should
not take
GI: Hepatic acetaminophen
Failure, longer than 10
Hepatotoxicity days and children
(overdose), not longer than 5
jaundice. days unless
directed by health
care professional,
if continued fever,
 severe or recurrent
GU: Acute pain occurs
renal failure (possible serious
(high illness).
doses/chronic
use)  Advise mother or
caregiver to take
medication exactly
Derm: rash, as directed and not
urticaria. to take more than
the recommended
amount.
 Give drug with
food if GI upset
occurs.

AFTER:

 Advise patient to
consult health care
professional if
discomfort or fever
is not relieved by
routine doses of
this drug or if fever
is greater than
39.5°C (103°F) or
lasts longer than 3
days.

 Discontinue
drug if
hypersensitivity
reactions occur.

 Treatment of
overdose: Monitor
serum levels
regularly, N-
acetylcysteine
should be available
as a specific
antidote; basic life
support measures
may be necessary.

 Report rash,
unusual bleeding
or bruising,
yellowing of skin or
eyes, changes in
voiding patterns.