Acetaminophen Dosage

For regular and extra strength acetaminophen, dosage recommendations typically start at 2 tablets every four to six hours as needed. If you are taking the extended-release version, it is recommended that you take 2 tablets every eight hours. For children ages 6 to 12, the suggested acetaminophen dose is 1 regular strength tablet every four to six hours as needed.

 

Acetaminophen Dosage: An Introduction

The dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol®) that 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 your acetaminophen dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Acetaminophen Dosing 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 acetaminophen dosing in younger children). The recommended dose 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 -- 2 tablets every four to six hours as needed, not to exceed 12 tablets in 24 hours
  • Extra strength (500 mg) acetaminophen -- 2 tablets (or gel tabs) every four to six hours as needed, not to exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours
  • Extended-release (650 mg) acetaminophen -- 2 tablets (or gel tabs) every eight hours, not to exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours
  • Liquid acetaminophen (500 mg per 15 mL) -- 2 tablespoonfuls (30 mL total) every four to six hours as needed, not to exceed 8 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 non-prescription cold and cough remedies.
(Acetaminophen Dosage Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;