Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Overview
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Tylenol is the best-known brand in Canada, and many pharmacy and store brands contain the same medicine. Outside North America it is called paracetamol.
Health Canada says more than 700 non-prescription and prescription medicines in Canada contain acetaminophen, including products for muscle pain, allergies, colds and flu and menstrual symptoms. Taking too much can cause severe or even fatal liver damage, so the daily maximum counts every product you take that contains it.
Acetaminophen on its own is sold without a prescription in Canada. If your symptoms do not improve, or you are not sure it is safe for you, BC residents can speak with a BC-licensed doctor by phone through Avee Health.
In Canada, non-prescription acetaminophen is authorized for the temporary relief of mild to moderate pain and to reduce fever. Label uses include:
- Headache, including migraine
- Muscle aches, backache, sprains and strains
- Arthritis pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Toothache
- Sore throat, aches and fever from colds and flu
- Pain and fever after immunization
Acetaminophen eases symptoms. It does not treat the cause of pain or fever, and it does not reduce swelling.
Acetaminophen
Analgesic and antipyretic
pain relief
Over-the-counter
Available
How Acetaminophen Works
Acetaminophen relieves pain and lowers fever. Unlike NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, it does little to reduce inflammation or swelling.
The liver breaks acetaminophen down. If you take too much, in one day or over several days, it can build up and damage the liver. That is why the daily limit matters so much.
Dosage Instructions of Acetaminophen
Always follow the directions on the package. Under Health Canada's labelling standard, the usual directions for adults and children 12 years and older are:
- Regular strength (325 mg): 1 or 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours. No more than 12 tablets in 24 hours.
- Extra strength (500 mg): 1 or 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours. No more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.
Never take more than 4,000 mg in 24 hours from all products combined. If you have liver disease or have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, your safe maximum may be lower than the label shows. Use the lowest dose that works for the shortest time needed.
Other products, such as extended-release caplets, have their own directions. Read the label of the product you have.
Children under 12: use a children's or infants' product and follow the dosing on its package, using the measuring device that comes with it. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure of the dose.
Do not use acetaminophen for more than 5 days for pain or 3 days for fever without talking to a doctor. It is taken as needed, so there is no missed dose to make up. Never take your next dose early or take extra to catch up.
Storage Instructions
Store acetaminophen at room temperature in its original package, as directed on the label. Keep the package closed and out of the reach of children.
Side Effects of Acetaminophen
Most people have no side effects at recommended doses. Allergic reactions and skin rashes are possible but uncommon.
Get medical help right away if you have:
- Taken more than the recommended dose, even if you feel well. Liver damage can happen without you being aware of it.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, unusual tiredness or loss of appetite (possible liver damage)
- Skin reddening, blisters or a spreading rash (possible serious skin reaction)
- Swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing (possible serious allergic reaction)
Important Safety Information About Acetaminophen
- Liver damage: severe or possibly fatal liver damage can occur if you take more than the recommended dose in 24 hours, take it with other products that contain acetaminophen, or take it while having 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day.
- Overdose: call a poison control centre or get medical help right away, even if you have no symptoms. Health Canada reports that acetaminophen overdose is a leading cause of acute liver failure in Canada, with more than 700 hospitalizations a year for accidental overdoses.
- Other products: check every label and take only one product that contains acetaminophen at a time.
- Long-term use: using it for a long time, even at the recommended dose, increases the risk of liver problems. Talk to a doctor if you need it regularly.
- Do not use it if you are allergic to acetaminophen. Ask a doctor before use if you have liver or kidney disease.
- Pregnancy: Health Canada says acetaminophen is a recommended treatment for pain or fever in pregnancy when used as directed, and that there is no conclusive evidence that using it as directed causes autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders. Follow the label and contact a health care provider if pain lasts more than 5 days or fever more than 3 days.
- Breastfeeding: ask a doctor or pharmacist before use.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about everything you take, including non-prescription products. Points to know:
- Other products with acetaminophen: many cold and flu remedies and some prescription pain medicines contain it. Taking them together can lead to an overdose.
- Warfarin and other blood thinners: ask a doctor or pharmacist before use.
- Ibuprofen: the Canadian Advil monograph advises against taking ibuprofen and acetaminophen together because it may increase the risk of kidney side effects. Ask a pharmacist before combining them.
- Alcohol: having 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day raises the risk of liver damage. Ask a doctor first.
Brands & DIN Number of Acetaminophen
Brand Names
Tylenol
Key Takeaways
- 1Acetaminophen (Tylenol) relieves pain and reduces fever. It does little for inflammation or swelling.
- 2It is sold without a prescription in Canada, and more than 700 medicines contain it.
- 3Adults and children 12 and older should never take more than 4,000 mg in 24 hours from all products combined.
- 4Taking too much can cause severe or fatal liver damage, sometimes without warning signs. Get help right away after an overdose.
- 5The risk of liver damage is higher if you have liver disease or have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day.
- 6Children under 12 need a children's product dosed as shown on its package.
- 7Talk to a doctor if pain lasts more than 5 days or fever lasts more than 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Avee Editorial
Avee Editorial Team