Gastroenteritis is a common ailment, causing a variety of symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, headaches, nausea and vomiting. Acetaminophen, marketed under the brand name Tylenol^® , is an effective solution for some of these symptoms. Whether used by adults, children or babies, this medication reduces fever and can help relieve headaches and muscular pains, which are rarer but possible. However, it is important to adopt a suitable diet and to know when to seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.

The role of acetaminophen in gastrointestinal treatment

Different forms of acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is available in a variety of forms: tablets, capsules, liquids and suppositories. It's important to select the form best suited to your needs, and to respect the dosage indicated on the product label. For children, it's best to ask your pharmacist to calculate the dose according to their weight.

Acetaminophen can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as oral rehydration solutions, to help manage the symptoms of gastroenteritis.

• Tablets and capsules: these forms are generally recommended for adults and children over 12.
• Liquid and chewable tablets: these forms are often preferred by young children, as they are easier to swallow.
• Suppositories: this form may be useful if you or your child has difficulty swallowing or is vomiting.

It's also essential to note that acetaminophen, while effective, is not an antidote and does not treat the underlying cause of gastroenteritis. It is therefore advisable to consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.

Fever reduction with acetaminophen

Acetaminophen, known for its antipyretic properties, is commonly used to combat fever, particularly in cases of gastroenteritis.

• Its action is rapid: it begins to reduce fever in about 30 minutes after administration.
• It can be taken in various forms (tablets, liquid, suppositories), depending on the patient's age and preferences.
• It is generally well tolerated, even in children. However, it should not be taken lightly.
• The recommended dose should not be exceeded, and treatment should not be prolonged without the advice of a healthcare professional.

Precautions to take with acetaminophen

Acetaminophen, while generally safe when used as directed, requires certain precautions.

• Never exceed the maximum recommended daily dose. Overdoses can cause severe liver toxicity.
• Avoid acetaminophen if you have impaired liver function.
• Check all your medications. Acetaminophen is often included in over-the-counter cough and cold products. Make sure you're not taking several medications containing acetaminophen at the same time.
• People suffering from severe acute malnutrition and older people should be given a reduced dose. Ask your pharmacist about the optimal and maximum dose for you.
• Be careful with children. Children's doses are based on weight, not age. Consult your pharmacist to calculate the appropriate dosage for your child's weight.

Acetaminophen vs ibuprofen: which one to choose to relieve gastro symptoms?

To relieve symptoms associated with gastroenteritis, acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol^® ) is generally preferred to ibuprofen (e.g. Advil^MD ).

• Acetaminophen is often preferred, as it is generally well tolerated and has fewer gastrointestinal side effects. It is effective in relieving mild to moderate pain, including headaches and muscle aches, and in reducing fever.

• Ibuprofen, on the other hand, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can relieve pain and fever. However, it can be irritating to the digestive system, which is not ideal for gastroenteritis. This makes it a less good choice for this particular indication.

It is recommended that you consult your pharmacist to select the most appropriate medication for you, based on your symptoms, your health condition and any medications you are taking on a regular basis.

Frequently asked questions about acetaminophen and gastroenteritis

Should I take acetaminophen if I'm vomiting?

Acetaminophen is not indicated for the treatment of vomiting. However, if acetaminophen is taken to treat other symptoms, such as fever and headache, and vomiting occurs after taking the drug, the course of action may vary according to the circumstances.  If vomiting occurs shortly after taking the drug, it is likely that the acetaminophen has not had time to be properly absorbed by the body. In this case, it may be necessary to repeat the dose. However, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional before doing so. Your pharmacist can help you determine whether a repeat dose is necessary, based on the time elapsed between taking the medication and vomiting.

Finally, in the event of persistent vomiting, it's important to look for an underlying cause. Vomiting can lead to dehydration, which requires specific and rapid treatment.

How long does acetaminophen last?

The effect of acetaminophen can vary according to a number of factors, such as the dose administered, the individual's weight and overall state of health. Generally speaking, the analgesic and antipyretic effects of acetaminophen begin about 30 minutes after oral ingestion.

• The effect of a single dose of acetaminophen generally lasts between 4 and 6 hours.
• Some more concentrated formulations may have a longer duration of action, up to 8 hours.

It's crucial to respect the intervals between doses, and not to exceed the total dose recommended by your healthcare professional, to avoid a potentially dangerous overdose.

What to do when symptoms stop?

Once the symptoms of gastroenteritis have disappeared, it is necessary to adopt certain measures to promote the body's full recovery.

Gradual reintroduction of foods: Start with foods that are easy to digest, such as rice, lean meats and fish or cooked vegetables, before gradually reintroducing other fattier and sweeter foods into your diet.

• Hydration: Continue to hydrate regularly to compensate for the water lost during illness.
• Rest: Make sure you get enough rest to allow your body to recover fully.
• Follow-up consultation: If you've needed to see a healthcare professional during your illness, a follow-up can be useful to make sure everything's going well.
• Prevention: To avoid a recurrence, follow basic hygiene rules, such as frequent hand washing with warm, soapy water,[3] especially after using the toilet and before meals.

It's crucial to note that every individual is different, and the time required for full recovery can vary.