Nurse Teaching on Contraindications for Using Acetaminophen

 Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Acetaminophen as follows:
  1. Acetaminophen must be avoided in individuals allergic to any OTC medications for common cold and allergies, as many of these products have Acetaminophen in them.
  2. Acetaminophen is metabolized by the liver and Acetaminophen intake can lead to hepatic injury. Individuals with history of compromised liver function cannot metabolize Acetaminophen and this can lead to increased blood levels of Acetaminophen for longer duration, leading to toxicity. Acetaminophen should be avoided or used with extreme caution in such individuals.
  3. Acetaminophen is mainly excreted in the urine. Individuals with compromised renal functions tend to retain the active metabolite of the drug in the circulation longer, thus resulting in toxicity. Acetaminophen should be avoided or used with extreme caution in such individuals.
  4. Acetaminophen should be avoided in individuals with history of alcohol addiction. Alcohol with Acetaminophen can lead to individually can damage the liver and in combination, potentiate each other resulting in fatal liver injury.