How Acetaminophen works on Arthritis:
Acetaminophen
a.k.a N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP) belongs to a drug class
known as analgesics (pain reliever) and antipyretics (fever
reducer). Acetaminohen does not reduce the inflammation associated
with arthritis. The exact mechanism how acetaminophen works
is still unknown. It is thought that acetaminophen reduces
pain by increasing the "threshold of pain", which
means that it would require large amounts of pain to be developed
before a person taking this drug can feel it.
Side
Effects and Precautions of Acetaminophen:
Hepatotoxicity
is associated with acetaminophen overdose. Smoking may interfere
with the effectiveness of this medication and smokers may
need higher dose. Long term use of Acetaminophen may decrease
the kidney function. The most common side effect with acetaminophen
is lightheadedness. Acetaminophen is well tolerated and safer
to use compared to traditional NSAIDs.
Forms,
Dosage and Brand Names of Acetaminophen:
Sudafed®,
Theraflu®, and Tylenol® Maximum dosage
Adults:
4,000 mg per day.
Pregnant women:- Acetaminophen has not been reported to cause
birth defects or other complications. Consult your doctor
for proper dosage.
Children:
Dose must be determined by the doctor
References about Acetaminophen and Arthritis:
Hochberg
MC, Altman RD, Brandt KD, Clark BM, Dieppe PA, Griffin MR,
Moskowitz RW, Schnitzer TJ. Guidelines for the medical management
of osteoarthritis. Part I. Osteoarthritis of the hip.American
College of Rheumatology. Arthritis Rheum. 1995 Nov;38(11):1535–1540.
Hochberg
MC, Altman RD, Brandt KD, Clark BM, Dieppe PA, Griffin MR,
Moskowitz RW, Schnitzer TJ. Guidelines for the medical management
of osteoarthritis. Part II. Osteoarthritis of the knee.American
College of Rheumatology. Arthritis Rheum. 1995 Nov;38(11):1541–1546.
Recommendations
for the medical management of osteoarthritis of the hip and
knee: 2000 update. American College of Rheumatology Subcommittee
on Osteoarthritis Guidelines. Arthritis Rheum. 2000 Sep;43(9):1905–1915.
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last updated: May 02, 2008
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