Published February 5, 2013 (revised December 23, 2024)
Acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol) is well known as an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever and fever reducer. Acetaminophen is an ingredient that is also found in many OTC and prescription medicines, such as flu and cold medicines, for both adults and children.
Acetaminophen has received public attention as a cause of liver damage when more than the recommended amount is taken. In 2011, the Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition (AAC) was formed to educate people about the safe and effective use of acetaminophen. The Coalition is made up of leading healthcare organizations, healthcare providers, and consumer organizations. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a member of the Coalition, issued a statement reminding consumers about the dangers of taking too much acetaminophen.
Some of the key points you should know about using acetaminophen safely include the following:
There is a large selection of both prescription and non-prescription medicines that contain acetaminophen in combination with other active ingredients. For example, many cold medicines contain acetaminophen to help reduce fever and pain, a decongestant to treat nasal stuffiness, and a cough suppressant. Combining two or more products containing acetaminophen can be harmful.
It is important to read the active ingredients on the Drug Facts label before taking the medicine.
OTC medicines: The FDA makes sure that labels on OTC medicines list all the active ingredients in the Drug Facts section of the label. Go to KnowYourDose to learn how to read an OTC label.
Prescription medicines: Because of limited space on prescription labels, sometime an abbreviation for acetaminophen, APAP, is used instead. APAP stands for N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, a chemical name for acetaminophen. So, if a prescription medicine contains acetaminophen, you may not see the word acetaminophen written out on the prescription label. For example, the pain reliever Percocet contains oxycodone (a powerful pain medicine) and acetaminophen. The prescription label for a generic brand of Percocet may list "oxycodone and APAP" on the label.
Familiarize yourself with the recommended daily dosage of acetaminophen. Taking too much can lead to severe liver damage.
Adults: The current maximum recommended adult dose is 4,000 milligrams per day. Depending on the medicine you are taking, each tablet or liquid dose of acetaminophen may vary. Carefully read the label to determine how much acetaminophen you are taking in each dose. Follow the dosing schedule as directed on the label. For example, do not take a dose sooner than recommended.
Children ages two years and up: The recommended dosage of acetaminophen for children two years and older depends on the child’s weight. OTC package labels will provide recommendations by both the age and weight of your child. However, to get the most accurate dose, it’s best to know your child’s current weight is. The maximum dosing should not exceed five doses in 24 hours.
Children ages two and younger: Currently, OTC products containing acetaminophen do not include dosing instructions for children less than two. Parents are instructed to call their physician for dosing instruction.
Be aware that the maximum amount of acetaminophen that can be safely ingested may not be the same for every person. If you have a history of liver disease, drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, or take other medications that can affect the liver, ask your doctor what the safest dose of acetaminophen is for you.
Is It Safe to Crush Medicine Tablets So They Are Easier to Swallow?
Most pills you need to swallow are available commercially in the dosage strengths commonly prescribed for patients. Or, if need be, a liquid or suspension might be available. But this is not always the case. Occasionally, the exact dose of medication you need is not available commercially, so part of a tablet or capsule may be needed.
Provide Two Ways to Identify Yourself When Picking Up a Prescription
Good catch! A mother picking up a prescription for her son was supposed to receive methylphenidate for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Instead she was given a cardiac drug intended for another patient. The mother noticed the error because the pharmacist mentioned the medicine was for “chest pains.” It turned out that the two patients had the same name. Before leaving the pharmacy with your prescription, always make sure to verify your name and another identifier, such as your date of birth or address. It’s also important for pharmacists to provide drug information when you pick up your prescriptions. After all, that’s how this error was prevented.
Most Accidental Poisonings in Children Occur When Medicine is NOT in Its Normal Storage Location
Anyone who takes care of children knows that they have to make their home safe. Whether it's putting up a gate to keep an adventurous child from falling, or covering electrical outlets to keep a curious child away from danger, a safe home is job one. The risk of child poisonings with medicines in the home, however, may not be considered and addressed. 1
.png)