Acetaminophen is a synthetic non-narcotic over the counter pain reliever and fever reducer. It has no anti-inflammatory effects. It should not be used for self-medication of pain for longer than ten days in adults or 5 days in children.

The usual dosage for adults is 325-650 mg every 4-6 hours for pain relief and/or fever. The maximum daily dose for adults is 4,000 mg. Weight-based dosing should be used when dosing for acetaminophen in children under 11. The recommended acetaminophen dosage is 5-10 mg/Kg per dose with a maximum of 5 doses per day for children.

Acetaminophen is the drug of choice for mild to moderate pain and fever for the following patient population:

• Children under 18
• Pregnant women
• Gout patients
• Patients undergoing anti-coagulation therapy
• Ulcer patients

Many prescription drugs for moderate to severe pain (Vicodin, Percocet, Roxilox); migraine headache (Midrin, Duradrin); and over the counter products (Nyquil,Tylenol) also contain acetaminophen. It is important to know how much acetaminophen is in each dose of acetaminophen containing preparations, to ensure not to exceed the maximum daily dose of 4,000mg.
 
Acetaminophen toxicity:
Acetaminophen toxicity may result from a single toxic dose, or from repeated ingestion of large doses of acetaminophen. Treatment is mainly symptomatic and supportive, although the antidote, acetylcycteine, is often administered. If the drug has been recently ingested, call the Arizona Poison Control Center (626-6016). Acute ingestion of acetaminophen, above the recommended dosages,  may result in liver toxicity.