Tylenol Dosages for Adults: Your GoodRx Guide

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is one of the most popular pain relievers in the U.S. It treats mild to moderate aches and pains, and it can also be used to lower fever. But with multiple Tylenol products available, it can be hard to know how much to take. To help make it easier, we’ve put together a guide reviewing adult Tylenol dosages.

Note: The manufacturers of Tylenol make several combination medications for sleep, cough, cold symptoms, and more. This guide will cover dosages for Tylenol products that only contain acetaminophen. If you're unsure how to take the Tylenol product you have, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

What’s the typical Tylenol dosage for adults?

Tylenol comes in a few different doses, ranging from 325 mg to 650 mg. Below, you’ll find the standard adult dosage for each version. Adolescents 12 years and older can follow the adult instructions for most Tylenol products. For younger kids, check out our kid’s Tylenol dosage guide for more information.

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Regardless of which Tylenol product you take, you should only self-treat with it for a few days. No more than 10 days in a row for pain, and no more than 3 days in a row for fever. If you feel you need Tylenol longer than that, let your healthcare provider know.

Tylenol regular strength

Tylenol regular strength comes as an oral tablet and a liquid gel capsule. Each tablet or capsule contains 325 mg of acetaminophen.

The adult Tylenol regular strength dosage is 2 pills (650 mg) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Don’t take more than 10 pills (3,250 mg) in 24 hours.

Tylenol extra strength

Tylenol extra strength comes as an oral tablet, rapid-release gel capsule, and oral powder packet. Each version contains 500 mg of acetaminophen per dose. Tablets and capsules should be swallowed with water. Powder packets are poured directly on your tongue and will quickly dissolve without water.

The adult Tylenol extra strength dosage is 2 pills or powder packets (1,000 mg) by mouth every 6 hours as needed. Don’t take more than 6 pills or powder packets (3,000 mg) in 24 hours.

Tylenol 8HR

Tylenol 8HR comes as an extended-release tablet. Each tablet contains 650 mg of acetaminophen. Tylenol 8HR has two packaging options: one labeled for arthritis pain and one for muscle aches and pains. The medication and directions are the same for both products.

The adult Tylenol 8HR dosage is 2 tablets (1,300 mg) by mouth every 8 hours with water. Don’t chew, cut, or crush the tablets. Don’t take more than 6 tablets (3,900 mg) in 24 hours.

Tylenol family suspension

Tylenol family suspension is an oral liquid medication. It contains 160 mg of acetaminophen in every 5 mL of liquid. This version of Tylenol has a wide range of dosing and can be safely given to both children and adults. So, it can be convenient to have on hand if the whole household isn’t feeling well.

The adult Tylenol family suspension dosage is 20 mL (640 mg) by mouth every 4 hours as needed. Don’t take more than 100 mL (3,200 mg) in 24 hours. For accurate doses, be sure to use the enclosed medicine cup. For the adult dosage, the cup needs to be filled to the 10 mL line twice.

Are there any dosage adjustments for medical conditions?

Talk to your healthcare provider before taking Tylenol if you have liver problems. Having liver problems can raise your risk for liver damage with this medication. While Tylenol can still be a safe option, you may need to take a lower dose.

If you have liver issues, discuss safe Tylenol dosages with your healthcare provider first. In some cases, providers might suggest avoiding it altogether.

What happens if you miss a dose of Tylenol?

Tylenol is usually taken only when you need it. So, you shouldn’t have to worry about skipping doses. Just take a dose if symptoms return and follow the recommended maximum daily doses.

If a healthcare provider has told you to take Tylenol regularly, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Never take extra medication to make up for forgotten doses.

What should you do if you take too much Tylenol?

Taking too much Tylenol can cause liver damage. In some cases, this can be severe enough to need a liver transplant or even be deadly. Never take more Tylenol than directed or take it more often than directed. Even if you feel well, contact your healthcare provider if you’ve taken too much Tylenol. You can also contact Poison Control for guidance at 1-800-222-1222.

It’s important not to combine Tylenol with other medications that contain acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter (OTC) products and even some prescription pain medications.

Be sure to carefully read the label for all OTC medications that you’re taking. And ask your pharmacist if any of your prescription pain relievers contain acetaminophen. For most adults, the maximum safe amount of acetaminophen from all sources is 4,000 mg per day. But as discussed above, people with liver problems may need to take a lower amount.

How to save on Tylenol

There are many ways to save on Tylenol, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication. By having your healthcare provider write a prescription for OTC Tylenol, GoodRx can help you save. Generic Tyelnol's price at certain pharmacies is as low as $3.01 with a free GoodRx discount.

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Written by:

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh, has 10 years of experience as a pharmacist. She has worked in a variety of settings, including retail, hospital, and ambulatory care.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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