Dosing With Acetaminophen: An Introduction
The dosage of
acetaminophen (
Tylenol®) your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- The particular acetaminophen product
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust this amount unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Acetaminophen Dosages for Adults and Older Children
These acetaminophen dosing instructions apply to adults and children age 12 and older
(see Children's Tylenol Dosage and Infant Tylenol Dosage for information about younger children). The amount recommended depends on which acetaminophen product you are using.
For adults and children age 12 and older, the recommended dose is as follows:
- Regular-strength (325 mg) acetaminophen: Two tablets every four to six hours as needed, not to exceed 12 tablets in 24 hours
- Extra-strength (500 mg) acetaminophen: Two tablets (or geltabs) every four to six hours as needed, not to exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours
- Extended-release (650 mg) acetaminophen: Two tablets (or geltabs) every eight hours, not to exceed six tablets in 24 hours
- Liquid acetaminophen (500 mg per 15 mL): Two tablespoons (30 mL total) every four to six hours as needed, not to exceed eight tablespoonfuls in 24 hours.
It is important to avoid taking more than 4 grams (4000 mg) of acetaminophen per day. This includes other sources of acetaminophen, including many prescription pain medications and many nonprescription cold and cough remedies.
