Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDosage GuidelinesAvoiding ToxicityOverdose Symptoms
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Dosage Guidelines
Avoiding Toxicity
Overdose Symptoms
Adults can usually take two Extra Strength Tylenol at one time, but it is important to stay within the maximum daily dosage and to avoid other medications that containacetaminophen(the active ingredient in all Tylenol products).
Ellen Lindner / Verywell
Safe Dosage Guidelines
Recommended Dosage for Adults
Tylenol is available in tablet, caplet, or gelcap forms. The strengths of the different formulations vary as follows:
How Quickly Does Tylenol Work?The effects of Tylenol will generally kick in within 45 minutes of a dose. However, the effects may only be felt within one to two hours in some people.This may be due to differences in liver function or simply because the symptoms are more severe.
How Quickly Does Tylenol Work?
The effects of Tylenol will generally kick in within 45 minutes of a dose. However, the effects may only be felt within one to two hours in some people.This may be due to differences in liver function or simply because the symptoms are more severe.
Recommended Dosage in Children
Recommended DosageMaximum Daily DoseChildren 12 years and over2 tablets or gelcaps every 4 to 6 hoursNo more than 10 tablets or caplets every 24 hoursChildren 6 to 12 years1 tablet or gelcap every 4 to 6 hoursNo more than 5 tablets or caplets every 24 hoursTylenol Safety During PregnancyAccording to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), acetaminophen poses minimal risk during pregnancy and may be used as directed to manage pain and fever.With that said, a 2021 consensus statement from an international group of scientists expressed concerns that acetaminophen may be linked toautismand other neurodevelopmental disorders and advised against its use in pregnancy “unless medically indicated.“Research published in 2024 in theJournal of the American Medical Associationfound no such link.According to the FDA, acetaminophen is generally safe to use as directed during pregnancy to manage pain and fever. Even so, the FDA advises that you reach out to your healthcare provider if you have taken or intend to take Tylenol during pregnancy to discuss the possible benefits and risks.Avoiding Acetaminophen ToxicityIt is important to take Tylenol as directed to avoid liver toxicity (hepatotoxicity). Read the instructions carefully and ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain any parts you do not understand.General Tips for Safe UseIn addition to taking the correct dose, be aware that:Tylenol can be taken with or without food.Tylenol tablets, caplets, and gelcaps should be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew them.Tylenol doses need to be separated accurately (every four, six, or eight hours). Do not take a dose early. Taking larger doses will not treat your symptoms better.Tylenol should be stored in its original, light-resistant container at room temperature (between 59 F and 86 F). Avoid storing it on a sunny window sill or your glove compartment.Stop taking Tylenol and see a healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve after 10 days.You should also stop Tylenol and seek medical care if your child’s symptoms do not improve after five days or a fever worsens or persists for more than three days.If you haveliver disease, speak with a healthcare provider before using Tylenol as you are more vulnerable to hepatotoxicity.Tips to Prevent an OverdoseMany OTC and prescription drugs, including cold & flu formulas andopioids, contain acetaminophen. Taking these together with Tylenol can expose you totoxic levels of acetaminophen.For healthy adults, more than 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen per day increases the risk of hepatotoxicity. For children and people with liver disease, hepatotoxicity can occur at far lower doses.Always read product labels carefully to ensure that you are not doubling doses.You should also be aware of abbreviations for acetaminophen (such as APAP or AC) or alternate terms sometimes used on product labels (like paracetamol, acetaminoph, acetaminop, acetamin, or acetam).In addition to Tylenol, other OTC products containing acetaminophen include:NyQuilDayQuilExcedrinAlka-Seltzer PlusMucinexRobitussinGoody’sPrescription medications contain acetaminophen include:Tylenol with CodeineHydrocodone + acetaminophenPercocet (oxycodone + acetaminophen)Endocet (oxycodone + acetaminophen)Roxicet (oxycodone + acetaminophen)Fioricet (butalbital + acetaminophen)Ultracet (tramadol + acetaminophen)Overdose SymptomsTaking too much acetaminophen can be deadly. Because Tylenol is available over the counter, acetaminophen overdose is one of the most common types of overdose around the world today.The liver is responsible for breaking up and clearing many chemicals from the body, including drugs like acetaminophen. When these chemicals are consumed in excess, the liver is “overwhelmed” and cannot clear the chemicals properly. Instead, the chemicals start to accumulate and damage the liver.Drinking alcohol with acetaminophen only increases the risk of hepatotoxicity, even at lower doses. For this reason, alcohol should never be consumed while you are taking Tylenol. Moreover, if you consume three or more alcoholic drinks per day, you shouldneveruse Tylenol.Signs and symptoms of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity include:NauseaDiarrheaVomitingUpset stomachSweatingAbdominal painComaSymptoms often develop 12 hours or more after a significant overdose. Becausedrug-induced hepatotoxicitycan cause permanent, irreversible liver damage—and even death—it is imperative that you go to the nearest emergency room if an overdose is suspected.SummaryTylenol (acetaminophen) is an over-the-counter drug used to treat pain and fever.In adults, Regular Strength Tylenol can be taken every four to six hours with a maximum of 10 tablets per day. Extra Strength Tylenol can be taken every six hours, with a maximum of six tablets per day. Tylenol Arthritis can be taken every eight hours, with a maximum of six tablets per day.Taking more than the recommended dose can lead to liver toxicity and liver damage. The risk is increased if you take Tylenol with alcohol.
Tylenol Safety During Pregnancy
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), acetaminophen poses minimal risk during pregnancy and may be used as directed to manage pain and fever.
With that said, a 2021 consensus statement from an international group of scientists expressed concerns that acetaminophen may be linked toautismand other neurodevelopmental disorders and advised against its use in pregnancy “unless medically indicated.”
Research published in 2024 in theJournal of the American Medical Associationfound no such link.
According to the FDA, acetaminophen is generally safe to use as directed during pregnancy to manage pain and fever. Even so, the FDA advises that you reach out to your healthcare provider if you have taken or intend to take Tylenol during pregnancy to discuss the possible benefits and risks.
Avoiding Acetaminophen Toxicity
It is important to take Tylenol as directed to avoid liver toxicity (hepatotoxicity). Read the instructions carefully and ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain any parts you do not understand.
General Tips for Safe Use
In addition to taking the correct dose, be aware that:
Tips to Prevent an Overdose
Many OTC and prescription drugs, including cold & flu formulas andopioids, contain acetaminophen. Taking these together with Tylenol can expose you totoxic levels of acetaminophen.
For healthy adults, more than 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen per day increases the risk of hepatotoxicity. For children and people with liver disease, hepatotoxicity can occur at far lower doses.
Always read product labels carefully to ensure that you are not doubling doses.
You should also be aware of abbreviations for acetaminophen (such as APAP or AC) or alternate terms sometimes used on product labels (like paracetamol, acetaminoph, acetaminop, acetamin, or acetam).
In addition to Tylenol, other OTC products containing acetaminophen include:
Prescription medications contain acetaminophen include:
Taking too much acetaminophen can be deadly. Because Tylenol is available over the counter, acetaminophen overdose is one of the most common types of overdose around the world today.The liver is responsible for breaking up and clearing many chemicals from the body, including drugs like acetaminophen. When these chemicals are consumed in excess, the liver is “overwhelmed” and cannot clear the chemicals properly. Instead, the chemicals start to accumulate and damage the liver.
Drinking alcohol with acetaminophen only increases the risk of hepatotoxicity, even at lower doses. For this reason, alcohol should never be consumed while you are taking Tylenol. Moreover, if you consume three or more alcoholic drinks per day, you shouldneveruse Tylenol.
Signs and symptoms of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity include:
Symptoms often develop 12 hours or more after a significant overdose. Becausedrug-induced hepatotoxicitycan cause permanent, irreversible liver damage—and even death—it is imperative that you go to the nearest emergency room if an overdose is suspected.
Summary
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is an over-the-counter drug used to treat pain and fever.
In adults, Regular Strength Tylenol can be taken every four to six hours with a maximum of 10 tablets per day. Extra Strength Tylenol can be taken every six hours, with a maximum of six tablets per day. Tylenol Arthritis can be taken every eight hours, with a maximum of six tablets per day.
Taking more than the recommended dose can lead to liver toxicity and liver damage. The risk is increased if you take Tylenol with alcohol.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Jóźwiak-Bebenista M, Nowak JZ.Paracetamol: mechanism of action, applications and safety concern.Acta Pol Pharm. 2014;71(1):11-23.Tylenol.Products.Mazaleuskaya LL, Sangkuhl K, Thorn CF, FitzGerald GA, Altman RB, Klein TE.PharmGKB summary: pathways of acetaminophen metabolism at the therapeutic versus toxic doses.Pharmacogenet Genomics.2015 Aug;25(8):416–426. doi:10.1097/FPC.0000000000000150U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA has reviewed possible risks of pain medicine use during pregnancy.Bauer AZ, Swan SH, Kriebel D.Paracetamol use during pregnancy — a call for precautionary action.Nat Rev Endocrinol.2021:17:757–766. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41574-021-00553-7Ahlqvist VH, Sjogvist H, Dalman C. et al.Acetaminophen use during pregnancy and children’s risk of autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability.JAMA.2024 Apr 9;331(14):1205-1214. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.3172MedlinePlus.Acetaminophen.Rubin JB, Hameed B, Gottfried M, Lee WM, Sarkar M; Acute Liver Failure Study Group.Acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure is more common and more severe in women.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2018;16(6):936-946. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2017.11.042
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Jóźwiak-Bebenista M, Nowak JZ.Paracetamol: mechanism of action, applications and safety concern.Acta Pol Pharm. 2014;71(1):11-23.Tylenol.Products.Mazaleuskaya LL, Sangkuhl K, Thorn CF, FitzGerald GA, Altman RB, Klein TE.PharmGKB summary: pathways of acetaminophen metabolism at the therapeutic versus toxic doses.Pharmacogenet Genomics.2015 Aug;25(8):416–426. doi:10.1097/FPC.0000000000000150U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA has reviewed possible risks of pain medicine use during pregnancy.Bauer AZ, Swan SH, Kriebel D.Paracetamol use during pregnancy — a call for precautionary action.Nat Rev Endocrinol.2021:17:757–766. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41574-021-00553-7Ahlqvist VH, Sjogvist H, Dalman C. et al.Acetaminophen use during pregnancy and children’s risk of autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability.JAMA.2024 Apr 9;331(14):1205-1214. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.3172MedlinePlus.Acetaminophen.Rubin JB, Hameed B, Gottfried M, Lee WM, Sarkar M; Acute Liver Failure Study Group.Acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure is more common and more severe in women.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2018;16(6):936-946. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2017.11.042
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Jóźwiak-Bebenista M, Nowak JZ.Paracetamol: mechanism of action, applications and safety concern.Acta Pol Pharm. 2014;71(1):11-23.Tylenol.Products.Mazaleuskaya LL, Sangkuhl K, Thorn CF, FitzGerald GA, Altman RB, Klein TE.PharmGKB summary: pathways of acetaminophen metabolism at the therapeutic versus toxic doses.Pharmacogenet Genomics.2015 Aug;25(8):416–426. doi:10.1097/FPC.0000000000000150U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA has reviewed possible risks of pain medicine use during pregnancy.Bauer AZ, Swan SH, Kriebel D.Paracetamol use during pregnancy — a call for precautionary action.Nat Rev Endocrinol.2021:17:757–766. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41574-021-00553-7Ahlqvist VH, Sjogvist H, Dalman C. et al.Acetaminophen use during pregnancy and children’s risk of autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability.JAMA.2024 Apr 9;331(14):1205-1214. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.3172MedlinePlus.Acetaminophen.Rubin JB, Hameed B, Gottfried M, Lee WM, Sarkar M; Acute Liver Failure Study Group.Acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure is more common and more severe in women.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2018;16(6):936-946. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2017.11.042
Jóźwiak-Bebenista M, Nowak JZ.Paracetamol: mechanism of action, applications and safety concern.Acta Pol Pharm. 2014;71(1):11-23.
Tylenol.Products.
Mazaleuskaya LL, Sangkuhl K, Thorn CF, FitzGerald GA, Altman RB, Klein TE.PharmGKB summary: pathways of acetaminophen metabolism at the therapeutic versus toxic doses.Pharmacogenet Genomics.2015 Aug;25(8):416–426. doi:10.1097/FPC.0000000000000150
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA has reviewed possible risks of pain medicine use during pregnancy.
Bauer AZ, Swan SH, Kriebel D.Paracetamol use during pregnancy — a call for precautionary action.Nat Rev Endocrinol.2021:17:757–766. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41574-021-00553-7
Ahlqvist VH, Sjogvist H, Dalman C. et al.Acetaminophen use during pregnancy and children’s risk of autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability.JAMA.2024 Apr 9;331(14):1205-1214. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.3172
MedlinePlus.Acetaminophen.
Rubin JB, Hameed B, Gottfried M, Lee WM, Sarkar M; Acute Liver Failure Study Group.Acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure is more common and more severe in women.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2018;16(6):936-946. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2017.11.042
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