Acetaminophen
(uh-seet-uh-MIN-oh-fin)
Definition | How to Take| Missed dose | Side effects | Special Instructions | Dosage Forms Available | Contact us
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.
How to take this medication
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 or per day.
What to do if you miss a dose
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.
Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects occur
Special Instructions
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.
Dosage Forms Available
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
Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Patient Education Program V 5108 8/98
rev. 9/05, 8/07
