¿Qué es el acetaminofén?

Acetaminophen is a common pain reliever and fever reducer. It is one of the most common active drug ingredients in the U.S. and found in more than 500 over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines. Even if you did not know the word “acetaminophen”, you probably do know some common brands that contain acetaminophen, such as Tylenol®, Nyquil®, Dayquil®, Percocet®, and Vicodin®.

¿Cómo actúa el acetaminofén?

El acetaminofén ayuda a aliviar el dolor bloqueando los signos de dolor dentro del sistema nervioso central (cerebro y médula espinal). Acetaminophen works differently than NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), the other main type of pain reliever. ¿Qué son los AINE?

¿Qué debo saber sobre el acetaminofén?

  • Take ONLY 1 medicine that contains acetaminophen at a time. Why? More than 500 medicines contain acetaminophen, including prescription and OTC medicines such as back pain remedies, headache remedies, sleep remedies, and cold and flu symptom treatments. If you take more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen at a time, it increases your chance of taking too much (more than 4,000 mg in 24 hours), and that could harm your liver.

Medicamentos de venta libre

Marcas de medicamentos de venta libre que contienen acetaminofén

Ejemplos

  • Tylenol®
  • NyQuil®/DayQuil®
  • Excedrin®
  • Alka-Seltzer Plus®
  • Mucinex®
  • Robitussin®
  • Goody’s®
Medicamentos recetados

Medicamentos con receta que contienen acetaminofén

Ejemplos

  • Vicodin®, Norco®, Lortab® (Hydrocodone)
  • Percocet®, Endocet®, Roxicet® (Oxycodone)
  • Tylenol® with Codeine (Codeine)
  • Fioricet® (Butalbital)
  • Ultracet® (Tramadol)

Esta no es una lista completa de medicamentos de venta libre y con receta médica con productos que contienen acetaminofén. Check the ingredients in your medicine and always read and follow the label. If you are unsure, ask your healthcare professional.

El acetaminofén es seguro y eficaz si se usa de acuerdo con las indicaciones. For OTC acetaminophen dosage (for example, Tylenol® dosage), always read and follow the directions on the Drug Facts Label. You can also download an acetaminophen dosing chart.

Consejos de seguridad importantes:

  • Take ONLY 1 medicine that contains acetaminophen at a time.

  • Don’t take more than 4,000 mg in 24 hours.

  • Take the dose directed on the label and wait the right amount of time between doses to avoid harmful side effects. Get dosing chart.

  • Check the ingredients in your medicine and always read and follow the label.