What is this medication for?
Acetaminophen belongs to a group of medicines called analgesics (pain
relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers). It works quickly to relieve
pain caused by conditions such as headache,
osteoarthritis, and
muscle pain and to reduce fever
caused by infection. Unlike acetylsalicylic
acid (aspirin), which is also an analgesic and antipyretic, acetaminophen does
not reduce inflammation.
Acetaminophen is used by itself as well as in combination medication products
for cough, cold, and pain
relief.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those
listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all
of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor
or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do
not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms
as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their
doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without
consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Acetaminophen is available from many different manufacturers in tablet, liquid, or suppository form. Tablets are generally available as 325 mg (regular strength) or 500 mg (extra strength). Chewable tablets are also available in strengths of 80 mg or 160 mg per tablet. Children's liquid is generally available as drops (80 mg/mL) or liquid (80 mg/5 mL or 160 mg/5 mL). It is extremely important that you understand which strength of liquid you are giving to a child. If you are not completely sure, ask your pharmacist. Suppositories are generally available in strengths of 120 mg, 235 mg, and 650 mg per suppository. Nonmedicinal ingredients in acetaminophen products vary between manufacturers. Be sure to read the label of ingredients if you have any allergies.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Acetaminophen can be used by all age groups safely in recommended doses. Following
are recommended doses according to age group:
0 to under 4 months: 40 mg every 4 to 6 hours to a maximum of 200 mg
in one day
4 to under 12 months: 80 mg every 4 to 6 hours to a maximum of 400 mg
in one day
12 to under 24 months: 120 mg every 4 to 6 hours to a maximum of
600 mg in one day
2 to under 4 years: 160 mg every 4 to 6 hours to a maximum of 800 mg
in one day
4 to under 6 years: 240 mg every 4 to 6 hours to a maximum of 1200 mg
in one day
6 to under 9 years: 320 mg every 4 to 6 hours to a maximum of 1600 mg
in one day
9 to under 11 years: 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours to a maximum of 2000 mg
in one day
11 to under 12 years: 480 mg every 4 to 6 hours to a maximum of
2400 mg in one day
Children (general):10 to 15 mg per kg of body weight, every 4 to
6 hours, to a maximum of 65 mg/kg in 24 hours
Adults: 325 mg to 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours to a maximum of
4000 mg in 24 hours
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as
body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor
has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the
way that you are taking the medication without talking to your doctor. Always
take acetaminophen exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Acetaminophen tablets, liquid, and suppositories can be used without regard
to food. This medicine is generally used as needed for pain or fever, except
in the case of osteoarthritis and some other chronic conditions, when it is
often taken on a regular basis in order to keep pain under control. In these
circumstances, if you miss a dose of this medicine and you remember within an
hour or so of the missed dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if
you do not remember until it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
When used for self-medication of pain, acetaminophen should not be used for
longer than ten days by adults or five days by children unless advised by a
doctor.
Store acetaminophen medications at room temperature and protect them from moisture
and light.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Acetaminophen should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to acetaminophen or any ingredients of the medication
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