How To Use Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is available in various forms to take by mouth and as rectal suppositories. You can take acetaminophen by mouth with or without food. Check the package label or prescription label carefully and take this medicine as directed. 

If you have been prescribed acetaminophen, follow the instructions on your prescription label and use acetaminophen exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take a higher or lower dose of this medicine or take it more or less frequently than what your doctor tells you.

If you are giving acetaminophen to a child, you should know that adult acetaminophen should not be given to children. Read the package label carefully to ensure that the acetaminophen product is suitable for children. Check the dosing instructions carefully for children's acetaminophen products to ensure you do not exceed the maximum dose.

Many combination products contain acetaminophen, for example, those used to provide relief of pain from sore throat, cold, and flu. Read the package labels to ensure that the cumulative dose from all the products combined does not exceed the maximum dose. Taking too much acetaminophen or more than the recommended maximum dose can lead to severe liver damage.

Do not cut, crush, dissolve or chew the extended-release tablets of acetaminophen - swallow them whole. 

If you are taking an acetaminophen tablet that has a score line, you may swallow the whole or split tablet after you cut the medication evenly. 

If you are taking liquid medication (an oral suspension of acetaminophen), shake the bottle well before use. Use dosing devices (a cup or syringe) to measure the dose of liquid acetaminophen accurately.

Missed dose: If you are taking acetaminophen on a regular basis and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Storage: Store acetaminophen at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in a tightly closed container. Do not store medications in the bathroom, where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused acetaminophen should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw acetaminophen in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded acetaminophen is through a drug take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on acetaminophen. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about acetaminophen, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice.

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