UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Title: IV acetaminophen

Keywords: acetaminophen,pain,narcotic,Ofirmev,intravenous (PubMed Search)

Posted: 5/5/2011 by Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD
Click here to contact Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD

IV acetaminophen has been approved for use since November 2010

It is indicated for the:

  • Treatment of mild to moderate pain
  • Combination therapy with opioids for treatment of moderate to severe pain
  • Fever reduction

The results of studies demonstrating opoid sparing effects have been mixed; some studies have not demonstrated either a reduction in opioid dose or opioid side effects.

The dose is the same for acetaminophen administered by other routes.

It must be administered over 15 minutes, and onset of activity is 15 minutes. Peak effect occurs at one hour.

The MAJOR drawback is the cost, which is $13 dollars per vial. This is compared to oral acetaminophen and ibuprofen, which are pennies.

References

Pharmacist's letter/Prescriber's letter Detail document #270212. February 2011 72:270212