Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen (such as Panadol, Tempra, or Tylenol) reduces fever and relieves pain. It does not reduce swelling, as do nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, but it also 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 650 mg. Doses may range from 500 mg to 1,000 mg per dose. Take every 4 hours, as needed, up to 4 times in a 24-hour period. Do not take more than 4,000 mg in a 24-hour period.
• Children: 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.

Acetaminophen dose for your child's weight

Child's weight in pounds	Child's weight in kilograms	Dose of medicine
31.0 to 36.0	14.0 to 16.5	200 mg to 240 mg
37.0 to 42.0	16.5 to 19.0	240 mg to 280 mg
43.0 to 47.0	19.5 to 21.0	280 mg to 320 mg
48.0 to 55.0	21.5 to 25.0	320 mg to 380 mg
56.0 to 75.0	25.5 to 34.0	380 mg to 500 mg
76.0 to 89.0	34.5 to 40.5	500 mg to 600 mg
over 90.0	over 40.5	650 mg (adult dose)

If your child weighs less than 31 lb, see the dosages in use of acetaminophen in young children.

Side effects of acetaminophen are rare.

• 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 kidney disease.
• Have liver disease.
• Drink alcohol heavily (3 or more drinks a day for men and 2 or more drinks a day for women).