Acetaminophen is a common pain reliever that comes in different strengths with different dosages and directions. Download and save this chart to help ensure you’re always taking the right dosages of acetaminophen products (for example, Tylenol® dosages). Show
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen dosage daily limit is 4,000 mg Get your pain reliever dose right to avoid taking too muchHere’s what you can do to take acetaminophen safely: Take ONLY 1 medicine that contains acetaminophen at a time. Why?More than 500 OTC and prescription medicines (see examples) contain acetaminophen. Taking more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen at a time increases your chance of taking too much and that can harm your liver. Don’t take more than 4,000 mg in 24 hours. Why?4,000 mg is the acetaminophen dosage daily limit. Taking more increases your chance of harming your liver. For your safety, do not take more than 4,000 mg in 24 hours. Follow dosing directions. Why?It is important to follow the directed dose and wait the correct amount of time between doses to avoid harmful side effects. Remember: It is important to always read and follow the label. If you have any questions or are unsure which pain reliever may be right for you, talk with your healthcare professional. Try non-medicine methods to get pain relief safely Dosing & UsesAdultPediatric Dosage Forms & Strengthstablet
caplet
capsule
caplet, extended-release
tablet, oral-disintegrating
tablet chewable
solution or suspension, oral
liquid oral
syrup oral
Analgesia & Feverimmediate-release
extended-release
maximum dose
Dosing ConsiderationsWhen calculating the maximum daily dose, consider all sources of acetaminophen, including OTC, and routes of administration not to exceed the maximum recommended daily dosing Renal ImpairmentGFR≥50 mL/min: No dosage adjustment necessary GFR 10-50 mL/min: Administer q6hr GFR<10mL/min: Administer q8hr Continuous renal replacement therapy: Administer q6hr Hepatic ImpairmentUse extreme caution; avoid use as much as possible; limit therapy to short-term use at doses not to exceed 2 g/day Dosage Forms & Strengthstablet
caplet
capsule
caplet, extended-release
tablet, oral-disintegrating
tablet chewable
solution or suspension, oral
liquid oral
syrup oral
Pain & Fever ReliefWeight-based dosing
Fixed dosing
Dosing ConsiderationsWhen calculating the maximum daily dose, consider all sources of acetaminophen, including OTC, and routes of administration not to exceed the maximum recommended daily dosing InteractionsInteraction CheckerEnter a drug name and acetaminophen No Interactions Found Interactions Found
ContraindicatedSerious - Use AlternativeSignificant - Monitor CloselyMinorAll Interactions Sort By: Contraindicated (0)Serious - Use Alternative (3)
Monitor Closely (26)
Minor (49)
Adverse EffectsFrequency Not DefinedAngioedema Disorientation Dizziness Pruritic maculopapular rash Rash Hyperammonemia Stevens-Johnson syndrome Toxic epidermal necrolysis Urticaria Gastrointestinal hemorrhage Laryngeal edema Agranulocytosis Leukopenia Neutropenia Pancytopenia Thrombocytopenia Thrombocytopenic purpura Hepatotoxicity Liver failure Nephrotoxicity Pneumonitis Anaphylactoid WarningsContraindicationsHypersensitivity Severe active liver disease CautionsHypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions reported; discontinue immediately if symptoms of allergic or hypersensitivity reactions occur Acetaminophen is available in many dosage forms and products, check label carefully to avoid overdose Use caution in patients with hepatic impairment or active liver disease Risk of hepatotoxicity is higher in patients taking chronic high dose, or use of more than one acetaminophen-containing product Use caution in patients with severe renal impairment; consider dosage adjustments Consumption of 3 or more alcoholic drinks/day may increase risk of liver damage Use with caution in patients with G6PD deficiency Use caution in patients with chronic malnutrition Risk for rare, but serious skin reactions that can be fatal; these reactions include Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP); symptoms may include skin redness, blisters and rash Limit acetaminophen dose from all sources and routes to <4 g/day in adults Pregnancy & LactationPregnancyDrug crosses placenta and can be detected in cord blood, newborn serum, and urine immediately after delivery Increased risk of teratogenic effects not reported following maternal use of drug during pregnancy Use of normal doses during pregnancy not associated with increased risk of miscarriage or still birth; however, increase in fetal death or spontaneous abortion may be seen with maternal overdose if treatment delayed Wheezing and asthma in early childhood associated with frequent maternal use of drug during pregnancy LactationDrug is excreted in milk; in general, breastfeeding is generally acceptable if relative infant dose (RID) is <10%; avoid breastfeeding when RID>25% Pregnancy CategoriesA: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk. B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available. PharmacologyMechanism of ActionActs on hypothalamus to produce antipyresis May work peripherally to block pain impulse generation; may also inhibit prostaglandin synthesis in CNS PharmacokineticsPeak Plasma Time: 10-60 min (PO immediate-release); 60-120 min (PO extended-release); 6 hr (PO 500 mg, conventional tablet); 8 hr (PO 650 mg, extended-release tablet) Peak Plasma Concentration: 2.1 mcg/mL (PO 500 mg, conventional tablet); 1.8 mcg/mL (PO 650 mg, extended-release tablet) Onset: 1 hr Distribution: 1 L/kg Protein Bound: 10 to 25% Metabolism: Liver (microsomal enzyme systems); conjugation (glucuronic/sulfuric acid) Metabolites: N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine, N-acetylimidoquinone, NAPQI; further metabolized via conjugation with glutathione Half-life elimination: 1.25-3 hr (adolescents); 2-5 hr (children); 4 hr (infants); 7 hr (neonates); 2-3 hr (adults) Excretion: urine (principally as acetaminophen glucuronide with acetaminophen sulfate/mercaptate) Images
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc. Patient HandoutACETAMINOPHEN SUPPOSITORY - RECTAL (a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Acephen, Feverall WARNING: Taking too much acetaminophen may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Adults should not take more than 4000 milligrams (4 grams) of acetaminophen a day. People with liver problems and children should take less acetaminophen. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how much acetaminophen is safe to take.Do not use with any other drug containing acetaminophen without asking your doctor or pharmacist first. Acetaminophen is in many nonprescription and prescription medications (such as pain/fever drugs or cough-and-cold products). Check the labels on all your medicines to see if they contain acetaminophen, and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.Get medical help right away if you take too much acetaminophen (overdose), even if you feel well. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain, extreme tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, and dark urine.Daily alcohol use, especially when combined with acetaminophen, may damage your liver. Avoid alcohol. USES: This drug is used to treat mild to moderate pain (from headaches, menstrual periods, toothaches, backaches, osteoarthritis, or cold/flu aches and pains) and to reduce fever. HOW TO USE: See also Warning section.Use this product rectally as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.If you are giving acetaminophen to a child, be sure you use a product that is meant for children. Use your child's age (or weight) to find the right dose on the product package.First, unwrap 1 suppository. Lie down on your left side with right knee bent. If giving to a child, the child may lie on the side or flat on the back. Gently push the suppository into the rectum with your finger. After inserting the suppository, if necessary, hold the buttocks together for 30 to 60 seconds to keep the suppository in place. Remain lying down for a few minutes, and avoid having a bowel movement for an hour or longer so the drug will be absorbed. The suppository is for rectal use only.Pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the symptoms have worsened, the medication may not work as well.Do not use more than recommended. Do not use this medication for fever for more than 3 days unless directed by your doctor. For adults, do not use this product for pain for more than 10 days (5 days in children) unless directed by your doctor. If the child has a sore throat (especially with high fever, headache, or nausea/vomiting), consult the doctor promptly.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse or if you develop new symptoms. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away. SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section.This drug usually has no side effects. If you have any unusual effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. PRECAUTIONS: See also Warning section.Before using acetaminophen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, regular use/abuse of alcohol.Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.Acetaminophen passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also Warning section.Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug are: ketoconazole, levoketoconazole.This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug. OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain, extreme tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine. NOTES: Acetaminophen does not cause the stomach and intestinal ulcers that NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen may cause. However, acetaminophen does not reduce swelling (inflammation) like the NSAIDs do. Consult your doctor for more details and to see which medication might be right for you. MISSED DOSE: If you are using this medication on a regular basis and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from heat. If the room temperature is above 80 degrees F (27 degrees C), then store the medication in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Information last revised May 2022. Copyright(c) 2022 First Databank, Inc. IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs. Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature. How many 500mg Tylenol can I take for pain?To appreciate how easy it is to exceed the safe limit, consider that one extra strength Tylenol tablet contains 500 mg of acetaminophen. Take two tablets at a single dose three times a day and you are at the maximum recommended dose.
Is acetaminophen 500 mg the same as Extra Strength Tylenol?Official answer. Yes, acetaminophen is the same as Tylenol. Acetaminophen is the generic name for the brand name medication Tylenol, made by McNeil Consumer. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever for mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, muscles aches, backache, and toothaches, and fevers.
Can I take 3 Tylenol Extra Strength?With Extra Strength Tylenol, patients can take 2 pills (each of which contains 500 mg of acetaminophen) every 4 to 6 hours; however, they should not take more than 8 pills in a 24-hour period.
How many Tylenol Extra Strength 500mg Can I take at once?To help encourage the safe use of acetaminophen, the makers of TYLENOL® in 2011 lowered the maximum daily dose for single-ingredient Extra Strength TYLENOL® (acetaminophen) products sold in the U.S. from 8 pills per day (4,000 mg) to 6 pills per day (3,000 mg).
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