Acetaminophen is a common pain reliever that comes in different strengths with different dosages and directions. Download and save this chart to help ensure you’re always taking the right dosages of acetaminophen products (for example, Tylenol® dosages).
Acetaminophen
ACETAMINOPHEN REGULAR STRENGTH for example Tylenol® Regular Strength 325 mg per pill |
2 pills every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms last |
Do not take more than 10 pills in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor |
ACETAMINOPHEN EXTRA STRENGTH for example Tylenol® Extra Strength 500 mg per pill |
2 pills every 6 hours while symptoms last |
Do not take more than 6 pills in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor |
ACETAMINOPHEN EXTENDED RELEASE for example Tylenol® 8HR Arthritis Pain 650 mg per pill |
2 pills every 8 hours |
Do not take more than 6 pills in 24 hours |
Acetaminophen dosage daily limit is 4,000 mg
Get your pain reliever dose right to avoid taking too much
Here’s what you can do to take acetaminophen safely:
Take ONLY 1 medicine that contains acetaminophen at a time. Why?
More than 500 OTC and prescription medicines (see examples) contain acetaminophen. Taking more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen at a time increases your chance of taking too much and that can harm your liver.
Don’t take more than 4,000 mg in 24 hours. Why?
4,000 mg is the acetaminophen dosage daily limit. Taking more increases your chance of harming your liver. For your safety, do not take more than 4,000 mg in 24 hours.
Follow dosing directions. Why?
It is important to follow the directed dose and wait the correct amount of time between doses to avoid harmful side effects.
Remember: It is important to always read and follow the label. If you have any questions or are unsure which pain reliever may be right for you, talk with your healthcare professional.
Try non-medicine methods to get pain relief safely
Use these charts to guide proper dosage for your patients 12 and older
ACTIVE INGREDIENT ACTIVE INGREDIENT, DOSAGE* & DIRECTIONS | DOSAGE FREQUENCY* | DIRECTIONS | |
Acetaminophen 325 mg (in each capsule) | 2 capsules every 4-6 hours while symptoms last | Not to exceed 10 capsules in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor Total labeled daily dose: | |
PROFESSIONAL DISCRETIONARY DOSAGE: If pain or fever persists at the total labeled daily dose, healthcare professionals may exercise their discretion and recommend up to 4000 mg/day.† | IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPER USE: Read and follow the label on all TYLENOL® products. Do NOT use with any other product containing acetaminophen. |
*Consult TYLENOL® Regular Strength liquid gels packaging for dosing children under 12 years.
†The efficacy and safety of TYLENOL® at 4000 mg/day are well established.
ACTIVE INGREDIENT ACTIVE INGREDIENT, DOSAGE* & DIRECTIONS | DOSAGE FREQUENCY* | DIRECTIONS | |
Acetaminophen 325 mg (in each tablet) | 2 tablets every 4-6 hours while symptoms last | Not to exceed 10 tablets in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor Total labeled daily dose: | |
PROFESSIONAL DISCRETIONARY DOSAGE: If pain or fever persists at the total labeled daily dose, healthcare professionals may exercise their discretion and recommend up to 4000 mg/day.† | IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPER USE: Read and follow the label on all TYLENOL® products. Do NOT use with any other product containing acetaminophen. |
*Consult TYLENOL® Regular Strength tablet packaging for dosing children under 12 years.
†The efficacy and safety of TYLENOL® at 4000 mg/day are well established.
ACTIVE INGREDIENT | DOSAGE FREQUENCY | DIRECTIONS | |
Acetaminophen 160 mg (in each 5 mL) | Take every 4 hours while symptoms last | Not to exceed 5 doses in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor | |
IF POSSIBLE, USE WEIGHT TO DOSE; OTHERWISE, USE AGE. | |||
WEIGHT | AGE | DOSE* | |
Under 24 lbs | Under 2 years | Ask a doctor | |
24-35 lbs | 2-3 years | 5 mL | |
36-47 lbs | 4-5 years | 7.5 mL | |
48-59 lbs | 6-8 years | 10 mL | |
60-71 lbs | 9-10 years | 12.5 mL | |
72-95 lbs | 11 years | 15 mL | |
96 lbs and over | Adults and children 12 years and over | 20 mL | |
PROFESSIONAL DISCRETIONARY DOSAGE: If pain or fever persists at the total labeled daily dose, healthcare professionals may exercise their discretion and recommend up to 4000 mg/day.† Note: For children under 12 years, the maximum daily amount is 5 doses in 24 hours. | IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPER USE: Read and follow the label on all TYLENOL® products. Do NOT use with any other product containing acetaminophen. |
mL = milliliter
*Or as directed by a doctor.
†The efficacy and safety of TYLENOL® at 4000 mg/day are well established.
ACTIVE INGREDIENT ACTIVE INGREDIENT, DOSAGE* & DIRECTIONS | DOSAGE FREQUENCY* | DIRECTIONS | |
Acetaminophen 500 mg (in each caplet) | 2 caplets every 6 hours while symptoms last | Not to exceed 6 caplets in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor Total labeled daily dose: | |
PROFESSIONAL DISCRETIONARY DOSAGE: If pain or fever persists at the total labeled daily dose, healthcare professionals may exercise their discretion and recommend up to 4000 mg/day.† | IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPER USE: Read and follow the label on all TYLENOL® products. Do NOT use with any other product containing acetaminophen. |
*For children under 12 years, at healthcare professional's discretion.
†The efficacy and safety of TYLENOL® at 4000 mg/day are well established.
ACTIVE INGREDIENT ACTIVE INGREDIENT, DOSAGE* & DIRECTIONS | DOSAGE FREQUENCY* | DIRECTIONS | |
Acetaminophen 500 mg (in each tablet) | 2 tablets every 6 hours while symptoms last | Not to exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor Total labeled daily dose: | |
PROFESSIONAL DISCRETIONARY DOSAGE: If pain or fever persists at the total labeled daily dose, healthcare professionals may exercise their discretion and recommend up to 4000 mg/day.† | IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPER USE: Read and follow the label on all TYLENOL® products. Do NOT use with any other product containing acetaminophen. |
*For children under 12 years, at healthcare professional's discretion.
†The efficacy and safety of TYLENOL® at 4000 mg/day are well established.
ACTIVE INGREDIENT ACTIVE INGREDIENT, DOSAGE* & DIRECTIONS | DOSAGE FREQUENCY* | DIRECTIONS | |
Acetaminophen 500 mg (in each powder) | 2 powders every 6 hours while symptoms last | Not to exceed 6 powders in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor Total labeled daily dose: | |
PROFESSIONAL DISCRETIONARY DOSAGE: If pain or fever persists at the total labeled daily dose, healthcare professionals may exercise their discretion and recommend up to 4000 mg/day.† | IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPER USE: Read and follow the label on all TYLENOL® products. Do NOT use with any other product containing acetaminophen. |
*For children under 12 years, at healthcare professional's discretion.
†The efficacy and safety of TYLENOL® at 4000 mg/day are well established.
ACTIVE INGREDIENT ACTIVE INGREDIENT, DOSAGE* & DIRECTIONS | DOSAGE FREQUENCY* | DIRECTIONS | |
Acetaminophen 500 mg (in each gelcap) | 2 gelcaps every 6 hours while symptoms last | Not to exceed 6 gelcaps in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor Total labeled daily dose: | |
PROFESSIONAL DISCRETIONARY DOSAGE: If pain or fever persists at the total labeled daily dose, healthcare professionals may exercise their discretion and recommend up to 4000 mg/day.† | IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPER USE: Read and follow the label on all TYLENOL® products. Do NOT use with any other product containing acetaminophen. |
*For children under 12 years, at healthcare professional's discretion.
†The efficacy and safety of TYLENOL® at 4000 mg/day are well established.
ACTIVE INGREDIENT ACTIVE INGREDIENT, DOSAGE* & DIRECTIONS | DOSAGE FREQUENCY* | DIRECTIONS | |
Acetaminophen 650 mg (in each bi-layer tablet) | 2 bi-layer tablets every 8 hours with water | Not to exceed 6 bi-layer tablets in 24 hours Total labeled daily dose: | |
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPER USE: Read and follow the label on all TYLENOL® products. Do NOT use with any other product containing acetaminophen. |
*For children under 18 years of age, at healthcare professional’s discretion.
ACTIVE INGREDIENT ACTIVE INGREDIENT, DOSAGE* & DIRECTIONS | DOSAGE FREQUENCY* | DIRECTIONS | |
Acetaminophen 650 mg (in each bi-layer tablet) | 2 bi-layer tablets every 8 hours with water | Not to exceed 6 bi-layer tablets in 24 hours Total labeled daily dose: | |
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPER USE: Read and follow the label on all TYLENOL® products. Do NOT use with any other product containing acetaminophen. |
*Do not use in children under 12 years of age.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS ACTIVE INGREDIENTS, DOSAGE* & DIRECTIONS | DOSAGE FREQUENCY* | DIRECTIONS | |
Acetaminophen 500 mg (in each caplet) | 2 caplets at bedtime | Not to exceed 2 caplets in 24 hours Total labeled daily dose: | |
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPER USE: Read and follow the label on all TYLENOL® products. Do NOT use with any other product containing acetaminophen. |
*Do not use in children under 12 years of age.
This is not a complete list.