Type of Medication and How it Works
Acetaminophen is a medication used to relieve pain and fever. It may also be prescribed to be given prior to another medication to help prevent some of the side effects that commonly occur with that medication.
Show All- Give only the amount prescribed by your child’s doctor.
- Your child should not take this medication more than 5 times in one day.
- If giving your child a liquid, carefully measure each dose using an oral syringe or medicine spoon.
- Acetaminophen is also found in many over-the-counter and prescription medications. Care should be taken to avoid taking more than the recommended amount of acetaminophen per dose per day.
- Contact your doctor if you give your child too much medicine.
- Double check the strength of the acetaminophen product. There are several different strengths available for different types of liquids and chewable tablets.
- Check the labels on all over-the-counter medicines you give your child to make sure they do not contain acetaminophen. Too much acetaminophen may be harmful.
- If using a suspension, you must shake the bottle well before withdrawing the dose.
- Do not crush or chew extended release products.
If you have been instructed to give this medicine to your child on a regular schedule and miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the regular dosing schedule. Do NOT give double the dose to catch up.
- Difficulty breathing
- Skin rashes
- Hives or itching
- Nausea or vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Type of Acetaminophen | Available Dose |
Tablets | 325 mg, 500 mg |
Tablets, chewable | 80 mg, 160 mg |
Tablets, orally disintegrating | 80 mg, 160 mg |
Capsules | 500 mg |
Caplets or Gelcaps | 500 mg |
Caplets or Gelcaps, extended release | 650 mg |
Suspension or solution | 160 mg per 5 ml |
Suspension or solution, DROPS | 80 mg per 0.8 ml |
Liquid | 160 mg per 5 ml OR 500 mg per 15 ml |
Elixir, 7% alcohol | 160 mg per 5 ml |
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
