Mapap Arthritis Pain: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects

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Mapap Arthritis Pain is a generic form of Tylenol Arthritis. The active ingredient in each 650 milligram Mapap Arthritis Pain capsule is acetaminophen, an analgesic painkiller. It is used to treat mild to moderate pain and fever. Mapap Arthritis Pain is available over the counter (OTC), meaning without a prescription.

Mapap Arthritis Pain can be used by adults 18 and over. It should not be used with other medications that contain acetaminophen. Taking too much acetaminophen can cause severe liver damage and lead to death.

Man experiencing arthritis pain in hand

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Mapap is available in other strengths and is used to treat different types of pain, including headaches and muscle aches. It can be given to infants, children, and adults in various formulations: liquid, capsules, regular tablets, and chewable and dissolving tablets. 

This article covers Mapap Arthritis Pain uses, dosage, side effects, and interactions. 

Mapap Arthritis Pain Uses

As with other brands and forms of acetaminophen, Mapap Arthritis Pain is used to treat arthritis pain. Because it is not a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it cannot relieve inflammation. It may be recommended to avoid the side effects that come with NSAIDs.

What Are NSAIDs?

NSAIDs are drugs frequently used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. They are helpful because they improve pain, bring down swelling, and reduce inflammation. NSAIDs have some harsh side effects, especially for people with underlying risk factors, such as high blood pressure, heart problems, or kidney or liver diseases.

For people with arthritis, analgesic pain relievers like Mapap Arthritis Pain can reduce painful symptoms and improve joint function. These drugs are specifically designed to manage pain. They are available with or without a prescription, though the prescription formulations are stronger medicines.

Acetaminophen pain relievers are sometimes combined with other medications, including opioids. Opioid pain relievers interact with opioid receptors in the body and the brain to relieve pain.

What Are Opioid Pain Relievers?

Opioids are potent analgesics that relieve severe pain. They are quite effective and safe when taken correctly and under medical supervision. But they cause harsh side effects and can lead to addiction, so they are rarely prescribed for long periods. 

Mapap pain relievers can also help with pain associated with headaches, menstrual cramps, toothaches, backaches, and muscle aches. They also treat fever.

Mapap Arthritis Pain Dosage

Mapap Arthritis Pain works like Tylenol Arthritis. As an extended relief capsule, it releases medication slowly to take away pain for up to eight hours. 

The recommended dose is two capsules containing 650 milligrams of acetaminophen in each capsule. The capsules should be swallowed and taken whole with water. Do not crush, chew, split, or dissolve capsules.

Do not take more than six capsules in 24 hours. Mapap Arthritis Pain should not be used for more than 10 days without a healthcare provider's approval.

Side Effects

All medicines cause side effects. Mapap Arthritis Pain causes side effects common with other types of acetaminophen pain relievers.  

Possible side effects of Mapap Arthritis Pain include: 

  • Vomiting 
  • Constipation 
  • Feelings of agitation 
  • Headache 
  • Sleep problems 

Most people will not experience side effects using acetaminophen pain relievers. Acetaminophen is often recommended to people who cannot take NSAIDs due to their adverse effects.

Report Side Effects

You should let your healthcare provider know if you experience any unusual side effects while using Mapap Arthritis Pain. 

Severe allergic reactions are rare with acetaminophen pain relievers. But you should get immediate medical attention if you notice any signs of a drug allergy, including:

  • Skin that is red, peeling, or blistering
  • Rash 
  • Itching 
  • Hives 
  • Swelling of the throat, face, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • Hoarseness 
  • Breathing or swallowing difficulties 

Interactions

A drug interaction can change the way a medication works. It can also increase the risk for side effects.

Let your healthcare provider know about the products you use, including prescription and OTC drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Do not stop, start, or change medication doses without talking to your healthcare provider first.

Some drugs that might interact with Mapap Arthritis Pain and acetaminophen pain relievers include Nizoral (ketoconazole), which is an antifungal medicine, and Recorlev (levoketoconazole), which is used to treat Cushing's syndrome.

Who Should Not Take Mapap

Some people should not take Mapap Arthritis Pain with other acetaminophen pain relievers. This includes anyone who is allergic to acetaminophen or has other allergies. People with a history of liver disease and those who regularly use or misuse alcohol should not take Mapap Arthritis Pain and other acetaminophen pain relievers.

Anyone who's pregnant should use caution when taking Mapap Arthritis Pain and should not do so without speaking with their healthcare provider. 

Summary 

Mapap Arthritis Pain is a generic form of Tylenol Arthritis. Its active ingredient is acetaminophen. Mapap is used to treat mild to moderate arthritis pain. It is available without a prescription as a 650 milligram capsule.

This acetaminophen pain reliever can be taken by adults ages 18 and over. Mapap Arthritis Pain should not be taken with other medicines that contain acetaminophen. Taking too much of this drug can lead to liver damage or death.

Side effects of Mapap Arthritis Pain are uncommon but can include severe allergic reactions. Mapap Arthritis Pain might interact with other medications you take. Some people might be able to take Mapap Arthritis Pain, including anyone who is pregnant, has a history of liver disease, or misues alcohol. 

A Word From Verywell

Many OTC medicines are available to help manage arthritis pain. Most are generally safe, but no medication is 100% free of side effects. Your healthcare provider can help you determine which pain relievers are best for you. 

OTC options for managing arthritis pain include acetaminophen, Advil (ibuprofen), and Aleve (naproxen sodium). Some gels and creams, including capsaicin and diclofenac gel, can be applied over the skin to manage joint pain. They can be used alone and with oral medications. 

You should consult a healthcare provider if OTC pain relievers do not help manage arthritis pain. You should not take oral pain relievers regularly. Let your healthcare provider know if you are experiencing additional symptoms, such as a depressed mood or severe fatigue. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is Mapap the same as Tylenol?

    Mapap is a generic version of Tylenol. It is available in different strengths and formulations—liquid, regular tablets and capsules, and chewable and dissolving tablets. It can be given to infants, children, teenagers, and adults. 

  • How often can you take Mapap?

    Mapap Arthritis Pain can be taken every eight hours with water at no more than six doses per 24 hours. Do not use Mapap for more than 10 days without your healthcare provider's approval. 

  • Does Mapap make you sleepy?

    Mapap does not cause sleepiness or drowsiness. Some formulations of Mapap contain an antihistamine, however. They may cause drowsiness and should be used with caution.

6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Kaiser Permanente. Mapap Arthritis Pain 650 mg tablet,extended release.

  2. National Institutes of Health. MAPAP ARTHRITIS PAIN- acetaminophen tablet, film coated, extended release.

  3. National Institutes of Health. Mapap.

  4. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Opioids.

  5. Ohashi N, Kohno T. Analgesic effect of acetaminophen: a review of known and novel mechanisms of action. Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:580289. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.580289

  6. MedlinePlus. Acetaminophen.

By Lana Barhum
Lana Barhum has been a freelance medical writer since 2009. She shares advice on living well with chronic disease.