How much Tylenol can you take in a day?

Tylenol (acetaminophen) doesn't generally cause side effects at recommended doses. If too much is taken, it can cause liver damage. For most adults, the maximum daily dose of Tylenol is 4,000 mg. This amount might be lower depending on your past medical history.

How much Tylenol is safe to take per day depends on your age and medical conditions. If you are not sure what the safe max dose of Tylenol is to take in one day or how much you can take at once, consult your healthcare provider. Tylenol is available in many different dosage forms and in combination products found over the counter. Keep track of how much Tylenol you take each day by checking the product labels.

Infants

For infants, your child’s pediatrician can tell you the safe dose of Tylenol. Always check with them before giving Tylenol.

Oral formulations

Over-the-counter oral Tylenol products do not have dosing information for children younger than 2 years old. Your child’s pediatrician can recommend the safest dose for your newborn or infant. The dose will depend on their body weight and age, and may be given every 4 to 6 hours. It is not recommended to give your child more than 4 doses in 24 hours.

Note: Infant’s Tylenol and Children’s Tylenol come in the same strength (160 mg/5 mL), but the Infant’s Tylenol usually comes with a dosing syringe and Children’s Tylenol comes with a dosing cup.

Rectal formulations

The suppository form of Tylenol may be used by babies who are at least 6 months old. They can be found over the counter. As with the oral formulations, it is not recommended to give your child under 11 months old more than 4 doses in 24 hours. If your baby is under 6 months old, ask their pediatrician if they can use Tylenol suppositories.

Do not use Tylenol suppositories for more than 3 days without consulting with your child’s pediatrician first.

Children

Tylenol for children comes in a variety of dosage forms over the counter. Older children can take capsules and tablets, and for younger children there are liquids, chewable tablets, dissolvable powder packs, and rectal suppositories.

Different formulations may have different strengths, so it is important to read the product label carefully to find out the dose that is safe for your child. Dosing information is available on over-the-counter products for children 2 years and older. Children 12 years and older can use the adult dosing instructions for most products. Make sure to check the max dose per day.

Oral formulations

Dosing for Tylenol oral formulations is based on your child’s age and weight. When possible, use your child’s weight first. Most products can be given every 4 to 6 hours, but check the label on your product for how often you can give it. It is not recommended to give more than 5 doses in a 24-hour period regardless of your child’s age or weight.

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Rectal formulations

The dose of Tylenol rectal suppositories is higher in the children’s versions than the dose found in the infant’s version. The children's suppositories can be used over the counter by children 3 years and older. It is not recommended to give your child more than 5 doses in a 24-hour period.

Do not use Tylenol suppositories for more than 3 days without consulting with your child’s pediatrician first.

Adults

How many Tylenol tablets or capsules adults can take depends on the strength and your health conditions. In general, adults may take up to 4,000 mg per day total. This includes all medications you might be taking that contain acetaminophen. In 2011, the maker of Tylenol reduced the maximum recommended dose to 3,250 mg per day for the 325 mg formulations and 3,000 mg for the 500 mg formulations based on suggestions from the US Food and Drug Administration.

Your product or healthcare provider might recommend a different maximum daily dose. Adults with a history of liver problems should consult their healthcare provider before taking Tylenol. The American College of Gastroenterology recommends people with liver disease should limit their daily maximum of Tylenol to 2,000 mg per day, or less with more severe disease.

Tylenol products are usually found in 325 mg (regular strength), 500 mg (extra strength), and 650 mg (8-hour) strengths. The typical dose is 2 tablets or capsules by mouth every 4-8 hours, depending on the product.

This is not all the information you need to know about Tylenol (acetaminophen) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

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