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How Much Tylenol is Too Much
Tylenol?
This article is written and owned by Shattuck Pharmacy and is
intended for information and reference purposes only. This is not to
replace the consultation of your Pharmacist or Physician. Before
making ANY change in your drug therapy consult and seek your
physician's approval. If you are experiencing a life threatening
emergeny Call 911 and seek Emergency Medical Services.
Cold and Cough season brings the need for pain relievers and fever reducers. A long
time standby remedy has been Tylenol (Acetaminophen, APAP; N-Acetyl-PAminophenol). This medication is marketed not only for its medicinal quality, but for
NOT causing stomach upset and risks of stomach ulceration; this medicine is noted for
being well tolerated. With this quality, it seems obvious to choose Tylenol over
Ibuprofen (active ingredient in Motrin and Advil), but how much Tylenol should one
take? This question does not stop here; the next question is how much am I taking when
I take ___________? The cumulative effect of multiple sources of APAP is still the
same; too much APAP can cause serious side effects. These mainly consist of hepatic
effects (liver enzymes increase, liver damage). In addition to too much APAP, too much
alcohol consumption while using APAP containing products, can amplify these side
effects. The key to using this medicine, as with any medicine, is to take the minimum
amount needed to alleviate symptoms.
The recommended maximum adult dosage (ages 12+) is 4 grams (4000 mg) total of
Tylenol spanned over 24 hours, while the children’s dosage (ages 6-11) is 2 grams (2000
mg) total dosage over 24 hours. Each Regular Strength Tylenol contains 325mg of
acetaminophen; each Extra Strength Tylenol contains 500mg of acetaminophen; and each
Tylenol 8hr or Tylenol Arthritis contains 650mg of acetaminophen.
These are the doses of Tylenol for both adults and children.
Regular Strength Tylenol 325mg: Adult (ages 12yr+) dosage is 1-2 tab(s) every 4-6
hours while symptoms last; NOT to exceed 12 total tabs per 24hr period;
and Children’s (ages 6-11yr) dosage is 1 tab every 4-6 hours while symptoms last; NOT
to exceed 5 total tabs per 24hr period.
Extra Strength Tylenol 500mg: Adult (ages 12yr+) dosage is 1-2 tab(s) every 4-6
hours while symptoms last; NOT to exceed 8 total tabs per 24hr period;
and Children (ages under 12yr) are NOT to use this product as it contains too much
active ingredient and will provide more than the recommended dose (overdose) and may
cause liver damage.
Tylenol Arthritis 650mg: Adult (ages 12yr+) dosage is 1-2 tab(s) every 4-6 hours
while symptoms last; NOT to exceed 8 total tabs per 24hr period;
and Children (ages under 12yr) are NOT to use this product as it contains too much
active ingredient and will provide more than the recommended dose (overdose) and may
cause liver damage.
Remember the cumulative total (24 hour period) dosage of Acetaminophen containing
products is 4 grams (4000mg/24hrs).
Many medications utilize acetaminophen as an active ingredient; check to see what you
may be taking for your symptoms, it may contain APAP. Check with your primary care
physician if you are taking multiple sources of acetaminophen, and verify that you are
taking a safe dosage.
By:
Jeremy KW Spiewak, CPhT, MA RPhT, BA Chemistry
Edited By:
Maryann Mackowiak, RN, CPhT, MA RPhT
Aileen Lemoine, MA RPh, BS Pharmacy
References:
Tylenol. Drug Facts and Comparisons® eAnswers [online]. 2010. Available through
Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Accessed November 14, 2010
Additional Resources:
http://www.tylenol.com