Drug Reference
Acetaminophen
Anilides
OTC
Calculate a pediatric doseWeight-based dosing for Acetaminophen in our pediatric calculator →
Fact box
- Therapeutic class
- Anilides
- Habit forming
- No
- Availability
- Over-the-counter (OTC)
Brand names
AcephenAcetadrylAllzitalAnabarAnacin AFAnacin Advanced Headache FormulaApadazArthriten Inflammatory PainBackaidBackaid IPFBackprinBactimicinaBupapBy AcheCapacetCetafenCombogesicComtrex Sore Throat ReliefContragesicCounterAct PainDologesicEd FlexEndocetEsgicExaprinExaprin PlusExcedrinExcedrin Mild HeadacheExcedrin PMExcedrin PM Triple ActionExcedrin Quick TabExcedrin Tension HeadacheFeverallFioricetFioricet with CodeineFrenadolHycetLegatrin PMLittle FeversMapap+39 more
Available as
300 MG · Oral Tablet21.7 MG/ML · Oral Solution33.3 MG/ML · Oral Solution325 MG · Oral Capsule20 MG/ML · Oral Solution325 MG · Oral Tablet24 MG/ML · Oral Solution500 MG · Oral Tablet400 MG · Oral Tablet650 MG · Oral Tablet65 MG/ML · Oral Solution500 MG · Oral Capsule32 MG/ML · Oral Solution450 MG · Oral Tablet5 MG/ML · Oral Solution150 MG · Oral Tablet32 MG/ML · Oral Suspension250 MG · Oral Capsule32.5 MG/ML · Oral Solution650 MG · Extended Release Oral Tablet500 MG · Oral Solution356.4 MG · Oral Capsule712.8 MG · Oral Tablet250 MG · Oral Tablet
FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.
Uses
Uses temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: headache the common cold backache minor pain of arthritis toothache muscular aches premenstrual and menstrual cramps temporarily reduces fever
How to use / dosing
Directions do not take more than directed adults and children 12 years and over take 2 gelcaps every 6 hours while symptoms last do not take more than 6 gelcaps in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor do not take for more than 10 days unless directed by a doctor children under 12 years: ask a doctor
Safety advice
Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.
PregnancyConsult your doctor
…If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.…
BreastfeedingConsult your doctor
…If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.…
AlcoholConsult your doctor
…in 24 hours with other drugs containing acetaminophen 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product Allergy alert: Acetaminophen may cause severe skin reactions.…
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverConsult your doctor
…Warnings Liver warning: This product contains acetaminophen.…
Warnings & precautions
Warnings Liver warning: This product contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if you take more than 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours with other drugs containing acetaminophen 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product Allergy alert: Acetaminophen may cause severe skin reactions. Symptoms may include: skin reddening blisters rash If a skin reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away. Do not use if you are allergic to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients in this product with any other drug containing acetaminophen (prescription or nonprescription). If you are not sure whether a drug contains acetaminophen, ask a doctor or pharmacist. Ask a doctor before use if you have liver disease. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking the blood thinning drug warfarin. Stop use and ask a doctor if new symptoms occur pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days redness or swelling is present These could be signs of a serious condition. If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Prompt medical attention is critical for adults as well as for children even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)
- NIGHTTIME COLD AND FLU (ACETAMINOPHEN, DEXTROMETHORPHAN HYDROBROMIDE, DOXYLAMINE SUCCINATE) SOLUTION [CVS WOONSOCKET PRESCRIPTION CENTER, INCORPORATED]
- AGRIFEN (ACETAMINOPHEN, DEXTROMETHORPHAN HYDROBROMIDE) CAPSULE, LIQUID FILLED [OPMX LLC]
- HEAD CONGESTION AND MUCUS (ACETAMINOPHEN, GUAIFENESIN, PHENYLEPHRINE HCL) TABLET, FILM COATED [CARDINAL HEALTH 110, LLC. DBA LEADER]
- NIGHTTIME SEVERE COLD AND FLU (ACETAMINOPHEN, DEXTROMETHORPHAN HBR, DOXYLAMINE SUCCINATE, PHENYLEPHRINE HCL) SOLUTION [CVS WOONSOCKET PRESCRIPTION CENTER, INCORPORATED]
- ACETAMINOPHEN TABLET [WILDMAN BUSINESS GROUP]
Authoritative sources
Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.