Acetaminophen
Topic Overview
Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) reduces fever and relieves pain. It does not reduce inflammation, as do nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, but it is less likely to cause stomach upset and other side effects.
Be sure to follow the nonprescription medicine precautions.
Dosage
- Adults: The usual dose is 325 mg to 650 mg. Take every 4 to 6 hours, as needed, up to 4 times in a 24-hour period. The maximum dose may vary from 3,000 mg to 4,000 mg, but do not take more than 4,000 mg in a 24-hour period. Follow all instructions on the label.
- Children: Check with your child's doctor or a pharmacist if your child is less than 2 years old or less than 24 pounds. Give acetaminophen every 4 hours as needed. Do not give more than 5 doses in a 24-hour period. Dosages are based on the child's weight. There are different acetaminophen products for infants and children.
- Acetaminophen can be found in many forms and comes in different doses.
- Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Do not give your child more than the maximum dose recommended on the label.
- Be careful when giving your child over-the-counter cold or flu medicines and acetaminophen (Tylenol) at the same time. Many of these medicines already contain acetaminophen. Too much acetaminophen can be harmful.
- If you give medicine to your baby, follow your doctor's or pharmacist's advice about what amount to give. Do not use acetaminophen if your child is allergic to it.
- Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are different products with different dosing recommendations. Talk to your child's doctor or a pharmacist before switching back and forth between doses of acetaminophen and ibuprofen. When you switch between two medicines, there is a chance your child will get too much medicine. Studies have not shown any added benefit from alternating these medicines.
- Talk to your doctor or a pharmacist before you give medicine to reduce a fever in a baby who is 3 months of age or younger. This is to make sure a young baby's fever is not a sign of a serious illness. The exception is if your baby has just had an immunization. Fevers sometimes occur as a reaction to immunizations. After immunizations, you can give your baby medicine to reduce a fever.
Caution: Do not use this dose table with any other concentration of this medicine. Use only with the concentration of 160 mg in 5 mL. Check the label on your medicine to find the concentration.
Child's weight in pounds | Child's weight in kilograms | Dose in milligrams | Dose in milliliters |
---|---|---|---|
less than 11.0 | less than 5.4 | Ask a doctor or a pharmacist | Ask a doctor or a pharmacist |
12.0–17.0 | 5.5–7.9 | 80 mg | 2.5 mL |
18.0–23.0 | 8.0–10.9 | 120 mg | 3.75 mL |
24.0–35.0 | 11.0–15.9 | 160 mg | 5 mL |
36.0–47.0 | 16.0–21.9 | 240 mg | 7.5 mL |
48.0–59.0 | 22.0–26.9 | 320 mg | 10 mL |
60.0–71.0 | 27.0–31.9 | 400 mg | 12.5 mL |
72.0–95.0 | 32.0–43.9 | 480 mg | 15 mL |
Side effects of acetaminophen are rare if it is taken in correct doses.
- Nausea and rash are the most common.
- High doses of acetaminophen can cause liver and kidney damage.
Reasons not to take acetaminophen
Do not take acetaminophen if you:
- Have liver disease.
- Drink alcohol heavily (3 or more drinks a day for men and 2 or more drinks a day for women).
Related Information
Credits
Current as ofJune 3, 2018
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
John Pope MD - Pediatrics
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
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Current as of: June 3, 2018
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & John Pope MD - Pediatrics & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & David Messenger MD