Acetaminophen / Caffeine Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 2, 2025.

Usual Adult Dose for Cold Symptoms

12 years of age or older:
Initial dose: Caffeine 130 mg-acetaminophen 1000 mg orally every 6 hours as needed
Maximum dose: Caffeine 520 mg-acetaminophen 4000 mg orally in 24 hours

Use(s): For the temporary relief of the minor pain of headache, sinusitis, colds, muscular aches, menstrual discomfort, toothache, and arthritis pain.

Usual Adult Dose for Dysmenorrhea

12 years of age or older:
Initial dose: Caffeine 130 mg-acetaminophen 1000 mg orally every 6 hours as needed
Maximum dose: Caffeine 520 mg-acetaminophen 4000 mg orally in 24 hours

Use(s): For the temporary relief of the minor pain of headache, sinusitis, colds, muscular aches, menstrual discomfort, toothache, and arthritis pain.

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis

12 years of age or older:
Initial dose: Caffeine 130 mg-acetaminophen 1000 mg orally every 6 hours as needed
Maximum dose: Caffeine 520 mg-acetaminophen 4000 mg orally in 24 hours

Use(s): For the temporary relief of the minor pain of headache, sinusitis, colds, muscular aches, menstrual discomfort, toothache, and arthritis pain.

Usual Adult Dose for Pain

12 years of age or older:
Initial dose: Caffeine 130 mg-acetaminophen 1000 mg orally every 6 hours as needed
Maximum dose: Caffeine 520 mg-acetaminophen 4000 mg orally in 24 hours

Use(s): For the temporary relief of the minor pain of headache, sinusitis, colds, muscular aches, menstrual discomfort, toothache, and arthritis pain.

Usual Adult Dose for Sinusitis

12 years of age or older:
Initial dose: Caffeine 130 mg-acetaminophen 1000 mg orally every 6 hours as needed
Maximum dose: Caffeine 520 mg-acetaminophen 4000 mg orally in 24 hours

Use(s): For the temporary relief of the minor pain of headache, sinusitis, colds, muscular aches, menstrual discomfort, toothache, and arthritis pain.

Usual Adult Dose for Headache

12 years of age or older:
Initial dose: Caffeine 130 mg-acetaminophen 1000 mg orally every 6 hours as needed
Maximum dose: Caffeine 520 mg-acetaminophen 4000 mg orally in 24 hours

Use(s): For the temporary relief of the minor pain of headache, sinusitis, colds, muscular aches, menstrual discomfort, toothache, and arthritis pain.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Use with caution in patients with liver disease. Chronic use of acetaminophen is not recommended in patients with liver disease.

Precautions

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 12 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

General:

• The recommended dose contains about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. Caffeine containing medications, foods, or beverages should be limited while taking this product because too much caffeine may cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and rapid heartbeat.
• Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant and in cases of caffeine overdose, seizures have been reported.

• Patients who consume three or more alcohol containing drinks per day should be informed to consult with their physician for advice on when and how to take acetaminophen. Chronic, heavy alcohol users may be at increased risk of liver damage when taking more than recommended dosages.
• A healthcare provider should be contacted if pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days, a fever lasts more than 3 days, new symptoms occur, redness or swelling are present, or symptoms do not get better.
• Acetaminophen can cause liver damage. Patients should not take more than 4000 mg in 24 hours, should not take other products containing acetaminophen, or drink more than 3 alcoholic drinks daily while taking this product.
• Patients should be advised to consult with their doctor before continuing to use acetaminophen if symptoms of illness worsen. Although rare, there is the possibility of acetaminophen intoxication on chronic use of the drug, and the symptoms seen during the first phase of intoxication (nausea, vomiting, anorexia, malaise, and diaphoresis) may trigger the use of more doses.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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