Acetaminophen is a medication that can help treat mild to moderate pain, and it can also help reduce a fever. It may also be used for other purposes as well. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. You should take this medication by mouth with a glass of water and follow the directions on the label. A common brand name is Tylenol®.
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ACETAMINOPHEN (a set a MEE noe fen) treats mild to moderate pain. It may also be used to reduce fever.
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Aceta, Actamin, Anacin Aspirin Free, Aphen, Genapap, Genebs, Mapap, Pain & Fever, Pain and Fever, PAIN RELIEF, PAIN RELIEF Extra Strength, Pain Reliever, Panadol, PHARBETOL, Plus PHARMA, Q-Pap, Q-Pap Extra Strength, Tylenol, Tylenol CrushableTablet, Tylenol Extra Strength, Tylenol Regular Strength, XS No Aspirin, XS Pain Reliever
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Take it as directed on the package or prescription label. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
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NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Tell your care team if the pain lasts more than 10 days (5 days for children), if it gets worse, or if there is a new or different kind of pain. Also, check with your care team if a fever lasts for more than 3 days.
Do not take other medications that contain acetaminophen with this medication. Many non-prescription medications contain acetaminophen. Always read labels carefully. If you have questions, ask your care team.
If you take too much acetaminophen, get medical help right away. Too much acetaminophen can be very dangerous and cause liver damage. Even if you do not have symptoms, it is important to get help right away.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from moisture and heat. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer wanted or have expired:
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NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.