Drug Notes - Acetaminophen (Into the rectum) | Lima Memorial Health System

Acetaminophen (Into the rectum)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen (Tylenol®).

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. It is not safe to use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the label directions on the medicine package. Never take rectal suppositories by mouth.
Wash your hands with soap and water before using this medicine. Remove the foil or wrapper from the suppository before inserting it.
To make the suppository easier to insert, you may use a lubricating gel such as K-Y® Jelly, but do not use petroleum jelly (Vaseline®).
Lie on your left side with your left leg straight or slightly bent, and your right knee bent upward. Gently push the pointed end of the suppository into the rectum about 1 inch.
Keep lying down for about 15 minutes to keep the suppository from coming out before it melts. Then, wash your hands again.
Never share your medicine with anyone.

If you are using the medicine on a regular schedule and you miss a dose or forget to use the medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. You may store the suppositories in the refrigerator, but do not freeze them.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen can damage your liver and drinking alcohol can increase this risk. If you regularly drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, do not take acetaminophen without asking your doctor.
Do not also use other medicines that contain acetaminophen, or you may be getting more than a safe amount of this medicine.
Many combination medicines contain acetaminophen, including products with brand names such as Alka-Seltzer Plus®, Comtrex®, Drixoral®, Excedrin Migraine®, Midol®, Sinutab®, Sudafed®, Theraflu®, and Vanquish®. Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using to be sure they do not contain acetaminophen.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver or kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if you develop new symptoms such as redness or swelling. If you have been using this medicine for a fever and the fever lasts longer than 3 days, stop using the medicine and call your doctor.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen may affect the results certain laboratory tests.

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Blood in stools or black, tarry stools
Dark-colored urine or pale stools
Lightheadedness, fainting, weakness, sweating
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, severe stomach pain
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Yellow skin or eyes

Last Updated: 9/6/2024