Intravenous Acetaminophen in the Emergency Department

• Published in: Journal of emergency nursing Vol. 39; no. 1; pp. 92 - 96
• Main Authors: Kwiatkowski, Jennifer L., Walker, Pamela L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Mosby, Inc 01.01.2013; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Accident and emergency departments; Acetaminophen - administration & dosage; Acetaminophen - economics; Acetaminophen - pharmacokinetics; Administration, Oral; Administration, Rectal; Adult; American literature; Analgesics; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic - administration & dosage; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic - pharmacokinetics; Costs and Cost Analysis; Emergency medical care; Emergency Service, Hospital; Food and Drug Administration; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Male; Nursing; Parenteral nutrition; Patient care; Patient safety; Pharmacology; Short term; Side effects; United States > US
• ISSN: 0099-1767; 1527-2966
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jen.2012.08.005

Although intravenous acetaminophen has been marketed in over 80 countries since 2001, the product was only recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, in November 2010. Much debate surrounds who should receive intravenous acetaminophen. A major limitation for use is increased cost compared with oral or rectal administration. However, potential pharmacokinetic advantages and a reduction in adverse effects compared with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids have warranted further examination. The emergency department is one patient care area where the availability of an intravenous formulation is beneficial for urgent, short-term administration. Although there is limited American literature to support the use of intravenous acetaminophen, a few European studies in the emergency department raise the consideration for its use. Here, Kwiatkowski and Walker discuss the intravenous acetaminophen in the emergency department.