Acetaminophen is an analgesic that is used to alleviate mild aches and pains temporarily due to headache, muscle aches, back pain, minor arthritis pain, common cold, toothache, premenstrual and menstrual cramps.
To temporarily relieve fever, acetaminophen is also used. Tylenol, Tylenol Arthritis Pain, Tylenol Ext, Little Fevers Children's Fever/Pain Reliever, Little Fevers Infant Fever/Pain Reliever, and PediaCare Single Dose Acetaminophen Fever Reducer/Pain Reliever are sold under the following distinct brand names.
What are the Uses of Acetaminophen Tablet?
Acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) tablet is a widely used over-the-counter medication known for its pain-relieving and fever-reducing properties. It is well-tolerated and commonly recommended for mild to moderate conditions.
Conditions Acetaminophen is Used to Treat
Mild to moderate pain (headaches, backaches, menstrual cramps, toothaches)
Fever (due to infections like cold or flu)
Osteoarthritis-related joint pain
Muscle aches and body pain
Secondary Benefits of Acetaminophen
Pain relief in patients with gastric ulcers who cannot tolerate NSAIDs
As an alternative pain reliever for people with cardiovascular risks
Used in combination with other medications for stronger pain relief (e.g., in cold and flu formulations or post-surgical pain)
How is this Drug meant to be Used?
Acetaminophen tablets must be taken by mouth, with or without food, as a pill, chewable tablet, capsule, suspension or solution (liquid), extended-release (long-acting) tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet (a tablet that dissolves rapidly in the mouth).
Acetaminophen is also a suppository for rectal usage. Acetaminophen is available without a prescription, but to treat some conditions, your doctor can prescribe acetaminophen. Follow the instructions on the box or drug label closely, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any aspect you do not understand.
If you are giving your child acetaminophen, carefully read the package label to make sure it's the correct product for the child's era. Do not offer acetaminophen products to children that are made for adults. For younger children, certain items for adults and older children can contain too much acetaminophen.
To find out how much medicine the child needs, check the package number. If you are aware of how much your child weights, send the dosage on the chart that fits that weight. If you do not know the weight of your infant, prescribe a dosage that fits the age of your child. If you don't know how much medicine to give your child, ask your child's doctor.
Acetaminophen comes as a cure for cough and cold symptoms in combination with other medicines. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on the product that is most suitable for your symptoms. Check the product labels carefully before using 2 or more items at the same time. Both products can contain the same active ingredient(s) and can cause you to overdose if you take them together. This is particularly relevant if a child is given cough and cold medicine.
Swallow the tablets whole with prolonged-release; do not cut, chew, crush, or dissolve them.
Place the 'Meltaways' (orally disintegrating tablet) in your mouth and allow it to dissolve or chew before swallowing.
To mix the drug equally, shake the suspension well before each application. To measure each dose of the solution or suspension, always use the measuring cup or syringe given by the manufacturer.
Do not switch dosing devices for different products; only use the product packaging system that comes with it.
How Does Acetaminophen Tablet Work?
Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is a common pain reliever and fever reducer.
It works by blocking the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) in the brain.
This reduces the production of prostaglandins, chemicals that cause pain and fever.
By lowering prostaglandin levels, it helps ease pain and control body temperature.
Unlike NSAIDs, acetaminophen does not reduce inflammation in the body.
It is gentle on the stomach and less likely to cause digestive issues.
Commonly used for headaches, muscle aches, backaches, arthritis, colds, and fevers.
Considered safe when used as directed, but high doses may harm the liver.
Ideal for people needing pain relief without strong anti-inflammatory action.
Types and Strengths for Dosage
Tablet - 325mg and 500mg
Caplet - 325mg, 500mg and 650mg
A capsule - 325mg, 500mg
Extended-release caplet -650mg
The oral-disintegrating tablet- 80mg, 160mg
Chewable tablet- 80mg
Alternative or suspension, oral- 160mg/5mL
An oral liquid- 160mg/5mL and 500mg/5mL
Oral Syrup- 160mg/5mL
Acetaminophen Dosage
Typical Dosage Instructions (as per doctor's advice):
Always take acetaminophen exactly as prescribed by your doctor or as directed on the label.
For adults, the usual dose is 500 mg to 1000 mg every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 4000 mg in a 24-hour period.
For children, dosage depends on age and weight, typically measured in milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you are on a normal schedule and skip a dose of this drug, take it as soon as you recall. If the time for the next dose is close, skip the skipped dose. At your normal time, take your next dose. To catch up with it, do not double the dose.
What happens if an Overdose?
Call a poison control center immediately if someone has overdosed and has severe signs such as passing out or difficulty breathing. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain, intense tiredness, yellowing of the eyes/skin, dark urine may be signs of overdose.
Symptoms of Acetaminophen Overdose
Nausea and vomiting soon after taking too much medicine
Loss of appetite or discomfort in the upper stomach area
Sweating, pale skin, and weakness
Confusion or unusual tiredness
Dark urine and yellowing of skin or eyes (signs of liver damage)
Pain in the right side of the abdomen (where the liver is located)
Breathing difficulties or rapid breathing in severe cases
Coma or death may occur in extreme cases without immediate treatment
Important: If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical help immediately. Prompt treatment can prevent serious complications like liver failure.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Low count of red and white blood cells and low count of platelets (pancytopenia)
Precautions and Warnings
If you are allergic to acetaminophen, any other drugs, or any of the ingredients in this product, notify your doctor and pharmacist. For a list of ingredients, ask your pharmacist or check the label on the box.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist what you are taking or expect to take with prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, or herbal items. Medicines for pain, fever, cough, and colds; and phenothiazines (medicines for psychiatric illness and nautical disorders) should be considered.
If you have ever developed a rash since taking acetaminophen, tell your doctor.
If you are pregnant, are trying to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, tell your doctor. Give your doctor a call if you get pregnant while taking acetaminophen.
Do not use acetaminophen if you drink three or more alcoholic drinks per day. When taking acetaminophen, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of alcoholic beverages
It should be understood that the combination of cough and cold acetaminophen products containing nasal decongestants, antihistamines, cough suppressants, and expectorants should not be used in children younger than 2 years of age. In young children, the use of these drugs may cause severe and life-threatening effects or death. Combination cough and cold products should be used cautiously in children 2 through 11 years of age and only according to the instructions on the bottle.
You should be aware that certain brands of acetaminophen chewable tablets can be sweetened with aspartame if you have phenylketonuria (PKU, an inherited disorder in which a special diet must be adopted to avoid mental retardation). A phenylalanine source.
Possible Interactions with Other Medications
If you have been directed to use this medicine by your doctor, your doctor or pharmacist will already be aware of it and will be watching you for any possible drug reactions. Before consulting with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first, do not start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication.
Extreme reactions with acetaminophen and other medications do not occur
Acetaminophen's Mild Interactions include:
Isoniazid
Axitinib
Daclizumab
Dapsone topical
Eltrombopag
Busulfan
Exenatide injectable suspension
Flibanserin
Imatinib
Lomitapide
Tetracaine
Ivacaftor
lixisenatide
Warfarin
Exenatide injectable solution
Mipomersen
Important Safety Information About Acetaminophen
Taking too much acetaminophen can seriously damage your liver and may even lead to liver failure or death.
Follow the dosage instructions exactly as given by your doctor or written on the label.
Never take more than one acetaminophen-containing product at the same time.
Check drug labels for these names that mean acetaminophen: APAP, Acetaminophen, Acetaminoph, Acetaminoph AC.
If you're unsure whether your medication contains acetaminophen, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not take more than 4000 mg (4 grams) of acetaminophen in 24 hours.
Always check the total daily dose if using multiple medications with acetaminophen.
If you have liver disease or drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day, avoid using acetaminophen unless your doctor says it's safe.
Stop taking the medicine and call your doctor immediately if you think you've taken too much even if you feel okay.
Acetaminophen is gentler on the stomach than NSAIDs (like aspirin or ibuprofen), but it does not reduce swelling (inflammation).
How Should Acetaminophen Be Stored?
Store it away from heat and moisture at room temperature. Never store your things in the washrooms. Unless told to do so, do not flush drugs down the toilet or dump them into a drain. When it gets expired or no longer in needed, properly discard this product. Consult with your pharmacist, doctor or local business for waste disposal.
Recommended Storage Temperature for Acetaminophen
Store at a temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
Temporary exposure between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) is acceptable.
What Happens If Acetaminophen Is Not Stored Properly?
Improper storage may cause the medicine to lose effectiveness.
High humidity or heat can break down the active ingredients.
Using degraded acetaminophen may lead to reduced results or health risks.
Yes, paracetamol and acetaminophen are the same medication. "Acetaminophen" is the name commonly used in the United States, while "paracetamol" is used in many other countries.
Acetaminophen is generally safe when used as directed. However, taking too much can harm your liver. Always follow dosage instructions and avoid combining it with other acetaminophen-containing products.
No, acetaminophen and aspirin are different. Acetaminophen relieves pain and reduces fever, while aspirin also reduces inflammation and has blood-thinning properties.
No, acetaminophen is not a blood thinner. It does not affect blood clotting like aspirin or other NSAIDs do, making it a safer option for people with bleeding risks.
Another name for acetaminophen is paracetamol. It is also sold under brand names like Tylenol, Panadol, and Crocin, depending on the region.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
040 68334455
WhatsApp
Patient Portal
Home Care
