Acetaminophen Extra Strength oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD (2024)

Warnings:

Taking too much acetaminophen may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Adults should not take more than 4000 milligrams (4 grams) of acetaminophen a day. People with liver problems and children should take less acetaminophen. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how much acetaminophen is safe to take.

Do not use with any other drug containing acetaminophen without asking your doctor or pharmacist first. Acetaminophen is in many nonprescription and prescription medications (such as pain/fever drugs or cough-and-cold products). Check the labels on all your medicines to see if they contain acetaminophen, and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

Get medical help right away if you take too much acetaminophen (overdose), even if you feel well. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain, extreme tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, and dark urine.

Daily alcohol use, especially when combined with acetaminophen, may damage your liver. Avoid alcohol.

How to use Acetaminophen Extra Strength

Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

There are many brands and forms of acetaminophen available. Read the dosing instructions carefully for each product because the amount of acetaminophen may be different between products. Do not take more acetaminophen than recommended. (See also Warning section.)

If you are giving acetaminophen to a child, be sure you use a product that is meant for children. Use your child's weight to find the right dose on the product package. If you don't know your child's weight, you can use their age.

For suspensions, shake the medication well before each dose. Some liquids do not need to be shaken before use. Follow all directions on the product package. Measure the liquid medication with the provided dose-measuring spoon/dropper/syringe to make sure you have the correct dose. Do not use a household spoon.

For rapidly-dissolving tablets, chew or allow to dissolve on the tongue, then swallow with or without water. For chewable tablets, chew thoroughly before swallowing.

Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Swallow the tablets whole.

For effervescent tablets, dissolve the dose in the recommended amount of water, then drink.

Pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the symptoms have worsened, the medication may not work as well.

Do not take this medication for fever for more than 3 days unless directed by your doctor. For adults, do not take this product for pain for more than 10 days (5 days in children) unless directed by your doctor. If the child has a sore throat (especially with high fever, headache, or nausea/vomiting), consult the doctor promptly.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse or if you develop new symptoms. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

Side Effects

See also Warning section.

This drug usually has no side effects. If you have any unusual effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

See also Warning section.

Before taking acetaminophen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, regular use/abuse of alcohol.

Liquid products, chewable tablets, or dissolving/effervescent tablets and powders may contain sugar or aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. If you have any of these conditions, ask your doctor or pharmacist about using these products safely.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.

Acetaminophen passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Interactions

See also Warning section.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are: ketoconazole, levoketoconazole.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Does Acetaminophen Extra Strength interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain, extreme tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine.

Notes

Acetaminophen does not cause the stomach and intestinal ulcers that NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen may cause. However, acetaminophen does not reduce swelling (inflammation) like the NSAIDs do. Consult your doctor for more details and to see which medication might be right for you.

Missed Dose

If you are taking this medication on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Images

Acetaminophen Extra Strength oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD (1)

Acetaminophen Extra Strength 500 mg tablet

Color: whiteShape: oblongImprint: L484

This medicine is a white, oblong, tablet imprinted with "L484".

Acetaminophen Extra Strength oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD (2)

Acetaminophen Extra Strength 500 mg tablet

Color: redShape: roundImprint: 44 531

This medicine is a white, oblong, tablet imprinted with "L484".

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Acetaminophen Extra Strength oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD (2024)

FAQs

What two drugs should not be taken with acetaminophen? ›

Examples of medications that can increase the risk of side effects from acetaminophen include phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), and carbamazepine (Tegretol). These medications may make liver damage from acetaminophen more likely. Before starting acetaminophen, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

What is the most serious side effect of acetaminophen? ›

More serious side effects, although rare, can occur. These include jaundice, fever, allergic reactions, blistering or peeling skin, fever and blood in the stool. Severe skin reactions and acute liver damage are the most serious side effects of acetaminophen.

Are there any side effects from taking Tylenol Extra Strength? ›

In general, acetaminophen (the active ingredient contained in Tylenol Extra Strength) is well-tolerated when administered in therapeutic doses. The most commonly reported adverse reactions have included nausea, vomiting, constipation.

When should you not take acetaminophen? ›

tell your doctor if you have ever developed a rash after taking acetaminophen. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking acetaminophen, call your doctor. if you drink three or more alcoholic beverages every day, do not take acetaminophen.

What not to drink with acetaminophen? ›

It is not safe to take acetaminophen (paracetamol, Tylenol) while drinking alcohol. Together, acetaminophen and alcohol can irritate the stomach and, in severe cases, cause ulcers, internal bleeding, and liver damage.

Who Cannot have acetaminophen? ›

For some health conditions, talk with your doctor first.

Ask your doctor about taking acetaminophen if you have liver disease or have three or more alcoholic drinks a day. If you're at higher risk for liver damage from acetaminophen -- even at the recommended dose -- your doctor may advise you not to take it.

What is the safest pain reliever for seniors? ›

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually safer for older adults than other pain medicines. Topical pain medicines (also called topical analgesics) can also help. When common pain medicines don't work to manage pain, your healthcare provider may suggest other medicines, such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants.

Is it safe to take acetaminophen every day? ›

It is considered safe to take acetaminophen every day as long as you follow the recommended dosage guidelines of taking it every 4 to 6 hours, only take what you need, and do not exceed the maximum dosage of 4,000 mg per day (note that some experts believe a maximum limit of 3,000 mg per day is safer for those who take ...

Does acetaminophen affect blood pressure? ›

What Is New? Regular acetaminophen use increases both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in individuals with hypertension, with an effect similar to that of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. This rise in blood pressure is seen both in those taking and not taking antihypertensive therapy.

Is 2 Extra Strength Tylenol too much? ›

An overdose of Tylenol can cause liver toxicity that could be fatal. 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 contain acetaminophen (the active ingredient in all Tylenol products).

Does Tylenol affect bowel movements? ›

Common Side Effects of Tylenol (Acetaminophen):

Constipation. Diarrhea. Dizziness. Headache.

How many days is it safe to take Tylenol Extra Strength? ›

Do not take more than directed.
adults and children 12 years and overtake 2 caplets every 6 hours while symptoms last do not take more than 6 caplets in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor do not take for more than 10 days unless directed by a doctor
children under 12 yearsask a doctor

What should you not mix with Tylenol? ›

Drug interactions of Tylenol include carbamazepine, isoniazid, rifampin, alcohol, cholestyramine, and warfarin. Tylenol is often used during pregnancy for short-term treatment of fever and minor pain during pregnancy.

What is the difference between Tylenol and acetaminophen? ›

“Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer,” Reeder says. “Tylenol is the brand usually associated with over-the-counter acetaminophen.” While Tylenol's only active ingredient is acetaminophen, there are hundreds of other medications that include acetaminophen.

Why is acetaminophen not good for you? ›

Taking too much acetaminophen can damage the liver, sometimes leading to a liver transplant or death. The body breaks down most of the acetaminophen in a normal dose and eliminates it in the urine. But some of the drug is converted into a byproduct that is toxic to the liver.

Can you take two different medicines with acetaminophen? ›

Don't take more than one OTC medicine containing acetaminophen. Don't take a prescription and an OTC medicine containing acetaminophen unless advised to do so by your health care professional.

Can you mix acetaminophen with anything? ›

Acetaminophen can be safely mixed with NSAIDs, such as aspirin and naproxen (Aleve). Follow the same guidelines as if you were taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen together. Ibuprofen, however, shouldn't be mixed with other NSAIDs. This is because all NSAIDs use the same mechanisms to relieve pain.

What drug food interacts with acetaminophen? ›

Reduces Effectiveness. Food, especially foods high in pectin (including jellies), carbohydrates, and many types of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and others) can interfere with acetaminophen absorption.

Does acetaminophen raise blood pressure? ›

What Is New? Regular acetaminophen use increases both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in individuals with hypertension, with an effect similar to that of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. This rise in blood pressure is seen both in those taking and not taking antihypertensive therapy.

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