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Acetaminophen

Pain Relief
Often used for: Pain and fever

What is acetaminophen?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Acetaminophen is available over the counter (OTC) without a prescription. Some products may use a combination of acetaminophen and other medicines.

Acetaminophen at home

  • Acetaminophen may be taken with or without food.
  • Chewable tablets: Chew or crush chewable tablets before swallowing.
  • Oral-disintegrating tablets: Allow to melt on the tongue and then swallow with a sip of liquid.
  • Extended-release tablets: Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew. Take extended-release tablets with a full glass of water.
  • Liquid medicine: Shake well before use. Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with the medicine.
  • Suppository: For rectal use only. Remove from the foil wrapper. Wet the suppository and insert pointed end first with gentle pressure.
  • Give a missed dose as soon as possible. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the dose. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Do not use the medicine past the expiration date.
  • Follow instructions for safe storage and disposal.
May be taken as a tablet, capsule, caplet, chewable tablet, or dissolvable tablet by mouth
May be taken as a liquid by mouth
May be given as a suppository in the rectum
May be given as a liquid into a vein

Other names

Paracetamol

Possible side effects

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Constipation
  • Liver problems
  • Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck.
  • Not all patients who take acetaminophen will experience these side effects. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Tips for families

  • Be sure to discuss these and other recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Follow the dosing instructions carefully. Do not take more often or in greater amounts than recommended.
  • Too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage or other health problems.
  • Check medicine labels. Other medicines, such as cough or cold medicines, may contain acetaminophen. Using them together could be harmful.
  • Acetaminophen may affect some lab tests. Let your health care provider know about all medicines your child takes.
  • Acetaminophen is a fever reducer. Let your health care provider know if your child has recently taken this medicine. Temperature readings to assess fever may not be accurate for up to 6 hours after a dose of acetaminophen.
  • If your child has phenylketonuria (PKU), talk to your doctor. Some acetaminophen products have phenylalanine.
  • Patients should tell their doctor if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Patients should not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.