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Actamin

Generic name: acetaminophen (oral) [ a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen ]
Brand names: Anacin AF, Children's Tylenol, Mapap, M-Pap, Pharbetol, ... show all 14 brands
Drug class: Miscellaneous analgesics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 31, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Actamin?

Actamin is used to reduce fever and relieve minor pain caused by conditions such as colds or flu, headache, muscle aches, arthritis, and menstrual cramps.

Actamin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Actamin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, Actamin may cause a severe skin reaction that can be fatal, even if you took this medicine in the past and had no reaction. Stop taking Actamin and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.

Stop taking Actamin and call your doctor at once if you have signs of liver problems:

  • stomach pain (upper right side);

  • loss of appetite;

  • tiredness, itching;

  • dark urine, clay-colored stools; or

  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Actamin side effects (more detail)

Warnings

An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death.

Call your doctor at once if you have upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

Stop taking this medicine and get medical help if you have skin redness or a blistering rash.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Actamin if you are allergic to it, or if you take other medications that contain this medicine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Actamin is safe to use if you've ever had cirrhosis of the liver, or if you drink alcohol daily.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take Actamin?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. An Actamin overdose can damage your liver or cause death.

  • Adults and teenagers at least 12 years old: Do not take more than 1000 milligrams (mg) at one time or more than 4000 mg in 24 hours.

  • Children younger than 12 years old: Do not take more than 5 doses of children's formula Actamin in 24 hours.

Do not give extra-strength Actamin to a child younger than 12 years old without medical advice.

A child's dose is based on age and weight. Carefully follow the dosing instructions provided with this medicine. Ask a doctor before giving this medicine to a child younger than 2 years.

Actamin made for infants comes with its own medicine dropper or oral syringe. Measuring with the wrong device may cause an overdose. Use only the provided dosing device provided to measure an infant's dose.

Actamin comes in many different forms such as capsules, liquid, chewable or disintegrating tablets, and dissolving powders or granules. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help.

Stop taking Actamin and call your doctor if:

  • you still have a sore throat after 2 days of use;

  • you still have a fever after 3 days of use;

  • you still have pain after 7 days of use (or 5 days if treating a child);

  • you have a skin rash, ongoing headache, nausea, vomiting, redness or swelling; or

  • your symptoms get worse, or if you have any new symptoms.

Taking Actamin may cause false results with certain blood glucose monitors. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor about the best way to monitor your blood sugar levels while using this medicine.

Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

Detailed Actamin dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Actamin is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms include vomiting, stomach pain, and yellowing of your skin or eyes.

What should I avoid while taking Actamin?

Avoid using other medicines that may contain Actamin.

Avoid drinking alcohol.

What other drugs will affect Actamin?

Other drugs may affect Actamin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Actamin drug interactions (more detail)

Popular FAQ

Paracetamol is known as acetaminophen in the U.S. Acetaminophen relieves mild-to-moderate pain, headache and fever. It's available over-the-counter as brand names such as Tylenol, Mapap or Panadol, and also as generics and store-specific brands. There are no differences in the chemical or therapeutics uses of acetaminophen and paracetamol, although recommended doses or available products may differ between countries. Continue reading

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Percocet is a combination of acetaminophen and immediate-release oxycodone taken as a tablet for pain. In general, oxycodone (an opioid) stays in the urine for 4 days, saliva for 2 days, and hair for up to 90 days. It can take about 1 day to get a dose of Percocet out of your bloodstream, but it still may be detectable on a drug test. Continue reading

Mucinex products do not help to prevent or treat the COVID-19 virus itself, but might help relieve some of the symptoms of COVID, like chest congestion, cough, or headache. Select a product that targets only the symptoms you have. Continue reading

Yes, it is safe to take ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) together if you need to for extra pain relief, such as for a dental extraction. Taking ibuprofen and acetaminophen together works better to relieve pain than taking ibuprofen and acetaminophen separately. This is because they work in different ways with few side effects. Continue reading

A fever is defined as a body temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher. Normal body temperature is usually 37°C (98.6°F), although it can be about a half degree Celsius higher or lower for some people and that’s normal for them. Continue reading

More FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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

Medical Disclaimer

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