APAP is another name for the medicine acetaminophen. The most commmon APAP side effects are mild, and some forms of the medication have no common side effects at all. Many over-the-counter and prescription products also contain medications in addition to APAP, and these can cause other side effects. Some people may also be allergic and could experience adverse reactions.
The name APAP stands for N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, which is the more technical name for acetaminophen. APAP is a painkiller and reduces fever. The United States Food and Drug Administration states that APAP is a very commonly used medication in that country. The drug itself has a good safety profile and in tablet form only causes three common side effects. These are heartburn, nausea, and gastrointestinal upset.
If a consumer takes more than one product containing the drug, the likelihood of APAP side effects occurring increases. It can be present in over-the-counter or prescription medicines. Products with APAP come under many different brand names and dosage strengths. These medicines treat a variety of complaints where the symptoms include pain and fever. These conditions range from headaches to arthritis.
It can be used in oral tablets, chewable tablets, suppositories, and capsules. The drug sometimes comes in liquid delivery forms, such as injections, drops, and syrups. All of these forms, apart from the tablets and injections, are not associated with any common side effects. The most common APAP side effects from an injection are constipation, headache, and problems sleeping. The injection may also cause nausea and vomiting.
Many medications use APAP along with other medicines. Aspirin, codeine, and caffeine are just some of these medicines. These other ingredients have their own particular side effects. For example, APAP and hydrocodone may cause dizziness, blurred vision, and vomiting. Pseudoephedrine and APAP side effects include anxiety, dizziness, and diarrhea.
An important risk of APAP is that overdosing can cause the liver to fail. A consumer who takes more than one APAP product is more likely to accidentally overdose, especially if he or she is not aware that APAP and acetaminophen are the same drug. Some people may be allergic to the medication, and this can manifest itself in parts of the face swelling up, a skin rash, or hives. Other severe side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms, such as black stools, color changes in urine, and bloody vomit. The medication may also cause deafness, tinnitus, and lethargy.