Acetaminophen (a see tah MIN o fen) is the generic name for Tylenol® (TIE len ol). Other names for this medicine are
Tempra® and Feverall®. Many grocery stores and pharmacies have their own brands. You can get acetaminophen as a liquid, chewable tablets, regular tablets or capsules, and suppositories. It comes in different strengths and does not need a prescription. Acetaminophen is used to reduce fever and treat pain. Your child’s symptoms should get better in 15 to 30 minutes after taking a dose. How to Give This Medicine
If a Dose is Vomited
Drug and Food InteractionsAcetaminophen should not be taken with the following:
WarningsIt is not safe to give your child more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams (mg)) in 24 hours. Let your child’s health care provider know if your child:
Medicine Storage
Possible Side EffectsSide effects from acetaminophen are rare. However, if a skin rash or bruises appear, stop giving the medicine and call your child’s health care provider (see next section). When to Call the DoctorCall your child’s doctor or health care provider if your child has any of these signs:
When to Call for Emergency HelpCall for emergency help if your child has any of the following after taking a medicine:
Other Advice About Medicines in General
Acetaminophen (PDF) HH-V-58©1982, revised 2020, Nationwide Children’s Hospital How long does it take for acetaminophen take to kick in?In general, the oral forms of Tylenol take up to 45 minutes to start working. But the effervescent (dissolving) tablets may work faster — they take about 20 minutes. However, specific timeframes may vary from person to person.
How do you know if acetaminophen is working?Your provider may give you several acetaminophen level tests over a day or two. Performing a series of tests about four to six hours apart helps them monitor the amount of medication in your blood. This is how they know if treatments are working.
Does acetaminophen 500 mg make you sleepy?Acetaminophen helps to reduce fever and/or mild to moderate pain (such as headache, backache, aches/pains due to muscle strain, cold, or flu). The antihistamine in this product may cause drowsiness, so it can also be used as a nighttime sleep aid.
How long does it take for acetaminophen to peak?Acetaminophen is absorbed rapidly after oral intake, and serum concentration peaks within 4 hours. The Rumack–Matthew (RM) nomogram is widely used to identify the potential risk of liver dysfunction.
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