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Acetaminophen is an internal analgesic available in over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that temporarily relieve minor aches and pains and reduce fevers. It is also available in prescription medicines combined with other ingredients. Acetaminophen can be the only ingredient in oral pain relievers and fever reducers, or it can be found in medicines that contain more than one active ingredient to treat migraines. Additionally, acetaminophen can be found in medicines that treat occasional sleeplessness, the multiple symptoms of the common cold, and symptoms associated with menstruation. For individuals who cannot take an oral medicine, acetaminophen is available in single-ingredient rectal suppositories.
Symptoms Treated
Symptoms Treated
More specifically:
Temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: Headache, muscular aches, back pain, minor arthritis pain, the common cold, toothache, menstrual cramps. Temporarily reduces fever.
Common Products
Other products:
- FeverAll®
- Midol®
- Pamprin®
- Percogesic®
- Theraflu®
- Vanquish®
- Store Brands (ex. Walmart’s “Equate” store brand or CVS Health store brand)
Dosing Information
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends adults take no more than 4,000 milligrams (mg) of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period. Different types of products containing acetaminophen have different strengths. That's why it is always important to read and follow the Drug Facts label. Most medicines warn against the use of an active ingredient for longer than 7-10 days. Stop use and ask a doctor if symptoms persist.
tylenol reg strength
pm caplets
vicks dayquil
advil dual
excedrin extra st
excedrin
goodys
Safety Guide
Safety Guide
Acetaminophen is approved by FDA and is safe and effective when used according to the Drug Facts label. Because so many medicines contain acetaminophen, it is important to check the label to see which medicines contain acetaminophen and to never take more than the maximum daily dose listed on the label. You should never take more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen at a time or use it for a longer period of time than what is recommended on the label. Taking too much acetaminophen can cause an overdose and may lead to liver damage.
Ask a healthcare professional before use if:
- You are currently using another medicine containing an internal analgesic active ingredient (e.g., aspirin, magnesium salicylate, naproxen sodium, ibuprofen, and ketoprofen).
- You have liver disease.
- You are taking the blood thinning drug warfarin.
- You drink three or more alcoholic drinks a day.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not use if:
- You are currently taking any other acetaminophen-containing prescription or OTC medicine. Acetaminophen may be written as APAP on prescription labels, but it is the same active ingredient. Taking too much acetaminophen can lead to an overdose and may cause liver damage.
- You are allergic to acetaminophen.
- Tamper-evident packaging features such as seals, locks, and films are not clear or seem broken.
Stop use and ask a doctor if:
- Your fever gets worse or lasts more than three days, or if your pain gets worse or lasts for more than 7-10 days.
- New symptoms occur or redness or swelling is present.
- You take too much. Immediately contact a healthcare professional or the poison control national helpline at 800.222.1222.
What are the side effects of acetaminophen?
- Severe liver damage may occur if you take more than the maximum daily adult dosage in 24 hours, or if you drink three or more alcoholic drinks every day while using the medicine.
