IUD Insertion: How to Prepare and What to Expect
Considering getting an IUD but worried about the IUD insertion? Here’s your guide to IUD insertion, including how it works, what to expect, and how to prepare.
acetaminophen
Used for Fever, Pain
Used for Fever, Pain
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic used for pain relief and to reduce fever in adults and children. It comes in many forms, including tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, liquids, powders, and suppositories. Your dose depends on your age and the product you take. Side effects are rare when taken as directed, but could include nausea and headache. Taking too much could cause serious liver problems.
What is Acetaminophen (Tylenol)?
How Acetaminophen (Tylenol) works
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an analgesic (pain reliever). The exact way it works isn’t fully known, but it likely blocks proteins called cyclooxygenase (COX) to reduce pain signals and fever.
When does Acetaminophen (Tylenol) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Tylenol, Mapap, M-Pap |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Analgesic |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Over-the-counter |
More on Acetaminophen (Tylenol) essentials
Side effects of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Headache
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reactions: hives, rash, skin blisters, peeling skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing
- Liver damage: swelling of your stomach, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, confusion, dark or brown urine
When do Acetaminophen (Tylenol) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
M
H
D
W
M
Risk for serious allergic skin reaction
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.
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The following Acetaminophen (Tylenol) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Bloody or black, tarry stools
bloody or cloudy urine
fever with or without chills (not present before treatment and not caused by the condition being treated)
pain in the lower back and/or side (severe and/or sharp)
pinpoint red spots on the skin
sore throat (not present before treatment and not caused by the condition being treated)
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
sudden decrease in the amount of urine
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
yellow eyes or skin
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$5.040
GoodRx discount
$5.04
Pros and cons of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Pros
- Very well tolerated, side effects are rare
- Safe for both adults and children
- Available over the counter in many different forms
- Doesn't make you sleepy
Cons
- Doesn't help with inflammation and swelling
- Risk of liver damage at high doses
- Might not work as well to treat moderate-to-severe pain
- Can interact with alcohol and raise your risk of liver problems
Pharmacist tips for Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Follow the directions on the label or from your healthcare professional when taking acetaminophen (Tylenol). Different products and strengths have different instructions.
- You can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) on an empty stomach if you prefer. If it's hurting your stomach, try taking it with food to help.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) non-chewable pills: Swallow the non-chewable pills whole. Breaking, crushing, or chewing these pills will damage their special coating and affect how acetaminophen (Tylenol) gets absorbed into your body.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) liquids: Use a proper measuring tool to take your dose. Shake the bottle well before each use.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) powder packets: Pour the powder onto your tongue and let it dissolve. You don’t need to mix it with water.
- Limit alcohol while taking acetaminophen (Tylenol). Drinking alcohol with this medication can raise your risk of liver problems.
- Avoid using multiple medications containing acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is found in many OTC and prescription medications, which can raise your risk of overdose.
- Don’t take more than the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) (usually 4,000 mg for adults or 75 mg/kg for children). Taking too much can cause serious liver damage.
- Tell your care team about all medications you take with acetaminophen (Tylenol). This is because acetaminophen (Tylenol) can interact with other medications. Some combinations, like with warfarin, can raise your risk of bleeding.
- Stop taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) and contact a healthcare professional if pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days (adults) or 5 days (children under 12), or if a fever lasts more than 3 days. Also call if you have new symptoms, redness, or swelling. These could be signs of a more serious condition.
- Store acetaminophen (Tylenol) up and away from children. If you think someone has accidentally taken too much medication, call a Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.
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Risks and warnings for Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Liver damage
- Risk factors: Drinking 3 or more alcoholic beverages a day | Taking other medications containing acetaminophen | Taking too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) | History of liver problems
Taking too much acetaminophen can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening liver damage. For adults, the typical maximum is 4,000 mg per day, but it can be lower depending on your healthcare professional's recommendations and your risk for liver damage. For children, it's around 75 mg/kg (no more than 4,000 mg per day).
Speak to your care team before taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you have liver problems. Limit or avoid alcohol while taking this medication to protect your liver.
Call your provider right away if you notice signs of liver problems, such as dark urine, feeling very tired, stomach pain, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Accidental overdose
- Risk factors: Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) with other acetaminophen-containing medications
Many OTC cough, cold, and pain products (and some prescription pain medications) contain acetaminophen. Don’t take more than one product with acetaminophen (Tylenol) at the same time. This can lead to an accidental overdose and serious, sometimes fatal, liver damage.
Keep track of how much acetaminophen you take each day. If you or someone else may have taken too much, get medical help or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away, especially if you have severe stomach pain, vomiting, or confusion.
Allergic skin reactions
Although rare, acetaminophen (Tylenol) can cause serious skin reactions. These can include rash, blisters, redness, or peeling skin. Stop taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) and get medical help right away if you notice these symptoms.
More on Acetaminophen (Tylenol) warnings
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) dosage
The average cost for 30 tablets of 325mg of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is $6.15 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 0.00% off the average retail price of $6.15. 
Bottle of oral solution
Suppository
Tablet
Bottle of oral solution| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 473ml of 160mg/5ml | 1 bottle | $17.55 | $17.55 |
| 118ml of 160mg/5ml | 1 bottle | $8.00 | $8.00 |
Suppository| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 650mg | 12 suppositories | $12.98 | $1.08 |
| 325mg | 12 suppositories | $15.03 | $1.25 |
| 120mg | 12 suppositories | $12.30 | $1.03 |
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 325mg | 30 tablets | $6.15 | $0.21 |
Typical dosage for Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
acetaminophen (Tylenol)] comes in many forms and strengths, such as tablets, chewables, liquids, powders, and suppositories. Your dose depends on your age and the product you use. There are different products for adults and children.
The maximum daily dose is generally 4,000 mg.
Always follow your healthcare professional's directions or the instructions on the package. The examples below show common doses, but they don’t include every product.
-
Acetaminophen 325 mg (regular strength) tablet
- Age 12 years and older: The typical dose is 2 tablets (650 mg) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
- Age 6 to under 12 years: The typical dose is 1 pill (325 mg) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
- Age under 6 years: Ask your child's pediatrician.
-
Acetaminophen 500 mg (extra strength) caplet, gelcap, or powder packets
- Age 12 years and older: The typical dose is 2 pills or powder packets (1,000 mg) by mouth every 6 hours as needed.
- Age under 12 years: Ask your child's pediatrician.
-
Acetaminophen 650 mg (arthritis pain) extended-release tablet
- Age 18 years and older: The typical dose is 2 tablets (1,300 mg) by mouth every 8 hours.
- Age under 18 years: Ask your child's pediatrician.
-
Acetaminophen 160 mg/5 mL liquid: Each 5 mL contains 160 mg of acetaminophen.
- Age 12 years and older: The typical dose is 20 mL by mouth every 4 hours as needed.
- Age 2 to under 12 years: The dose depends on your child’s age and weight, so check for detailed instructions on the packaging. The typical dose ranges from 5 mL to 15 mL by mouth every 4 hours as needed.
- Age under 2 years: Ask your child's pediatrician.
Acetaminophen is also available as an injection into the veins given by a healthcare professional in a hospital.
More on Acetaminophen (Tylenol) dosage
Interactions between Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and other drugs
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Acetaminophen (Tylenol). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
More on Acetaminophen (Tylenol) interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acenocoumarol
- Carbamazepine
- Fosphenytoin
- Lixisenatide
- Phenytoin
- Warfarin
- Zidovudine
How much does Acetaminophen (Tylenol) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
What are alternatives to Acetaminophen (Tylenol)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Acetaminophen (Tylenol). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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