Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Tylenol Dosage Guide
Acetaminophen (Analgesic and Antipyretic)
Tylenol is the leading brand of acetaminophen, used to treat pain and reduce fever for all ages.
Quick Dosage Overview
Below is a summary of standard tylenol dosing for adults and children. For detailed charts, see the dedicated sub-pages linked below.
Adult Dosage
Standard acetaminophen dosing for adults
| Age/Weight | Dose | Frequency | Max Daily | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (Regular Strength 325 mg) | 650 mg (2 tablets) | Every 4–6 hours as needed | 3,250 mg (10 tablets) | Do not exceed 10 tablets in 24 hours. |
| Adults (Extra Strength 500 mg) | 1,000 mg (2 caplets) | Every 6 hours as needed | 3,000 mg (6 caplets) | Do not exceed 6 caplets in 24 hours. This is the most commonly used adult formulation. |
| Adults (8-Hour Arthritis Pain 650 mg ER) | 1,300 mg (2 caplets) | Every 8 hours | 3,900 mg (6 caplets) | Extended-release tablets. Do not crush, chew, or dissolve. Swallow whole. |
| Adults (Tylenol PM) | 2 caplets (1,000 mg acetaminophen + 50 mg diphenhydramine) | Once at bedtime | 2 caplets | For nighttime use only. Do not use for more than 2 weeks without medical advice. |
- Dose
- 650 mg (2 tablets)
- Frequency
- Every 4–6 hours as needed
- Max Daily
- 3,250 mg (10 tablets)
Do not exceed 10 tablets in 24 hours.
- Dose
- 1,000 mg (2 caplets)
- Frequency
- Every 6 hours as needed
- Max Daily
- 3,000 mg (6 caplets)
Do not exceed 6 caplets in 24 hours. This is the most commonly used adult formulation.
- Dose
- 1,300 mg (2 caplets)
- Frequency
- Every 8 hours
- Max Daily
- 3,900 mg (6 caplets)
Extended-release tablets. Do not crush, chew, or dissolve. Swallow whole.
- Dose
- 2 caplets (1,000 mg acetaminophen + 50 mg diphenhydramine)
- Frequency
- Once at bedtime
- Max Daily
- 2 caplets
For nighttime use only. Do not use for more than 2 weeks without medical advice.
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Children's Dosage
Pediatric acetaminophen dosing by age group
| Age/Weight | Dose | Frequency | Max Daily | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 months | Consult pediatrician | As directed | As directed | Only administer to infants under 3 months on specific instruction from a pediatrician. |
| 4–11 months (6–8 kg / 12–17 lbs) | 80 mg (2.5 mL Infants' Tylenol) | Every 4–6 hours | 400 mg (5 doses) | — |
| 12–23 months (8–10 kg / 18–23 lbs) | 120 mg (3.75 mL Infants' Tylenol) | Every 4–6 hours | 600 mg (5 doses) | — |
| 2–3 years (11–15 kg / 24–35 lbs) | 160 mg (5 mL Children's Tylenol) | Every 4–6 hours | 800 mg (5 doses) | — |
| 4–5 years (16–21 kg / 36–47 lbs) | 240 mg (7.5 mL Children's Tylenol) | Every 4–6 hours | 1,200 mg (5 doses) | — |
| 6–8 years (22–27 kg / 48–59 lbs) | 320 mg (10 mL Children's Tylenol) | Every 4–6 hours | 1,600 mg (5 doses) | — |
| 9–11 years (28–32 kg / 60–71 lbs) | 400 mg (12.5 mL Children's Tylenol) | Every 4–6 hours | 2,000 mg (5 doses) | — |
- Dose
- Consult pediatrician
- Frequency
- As directed
- Max Daily
- As directed
Only administer to infants under 3 months on specific instruction from a pediatrician.
- Dose
- 80 mg (2.5 mL Infants' Tylenol)
- Frequency
- Every 4–6 hours
- Max Daily
- 400 mg (5 doses)
- Dose
- 120 mg (3.75 mL Infants' Tylenol)
- Frequency
- Every 4–6 hours
- Max Daily
- 600 mg (5 doses)
- Dose
- 160 mg (5 mL Children's Tylenol)
- Frequency
- Every 4–6 hours
- Max Daily
- 800 mg (5 doses)
- Dose
- 240 mg (7.5 mL Children's Tylenol)
- Frequency
- Every 4–6 hours
- Max Daily
- 1,200 mg (5 doses)
- Dose
- 320 mg (10 mL Children's Tylenol)
- Frequency
- Every 4–6 hours
- Max Daily
- 1,600 mg (5 doses)
- Dose
- 400 mg (12.5 mL Children's Tylenol)
- Frequency
- Every 4–6 hours
- Max Daily
- 2,000 mg (5 doses)
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Weight-Based Dosage
Dosing calculated by body weight
| Age/Weight | Dose | Frequency | Max Daily |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7–5 kg (6–11 lbs) | 40 mg | Every 4–6 hours | 200 mg (5 doses) |
| 6–8 kg (12–17 lbs) | 80 mg | Every 4–6 hours | 400 mg (5 doses) |
| 8–10 kg (18–23 lbs) | 120 mg | Every 4–6 hours | 600 mg (5 doses) |
| 11–15 kg (24–35 lbs) | 160 mg | Every 4–6 hours | 800 mg (5 doses) |
| 16–21 kg (36–47 lbs) | 240 mg | Every 4–6 hours | 1,200 mg (5 doses) |
| 22–27 kg (48–59 lbs) | 320 mg | Every 4–6 hours | 1,600 mg (5 doses) |
| 28–32 kg (60–71 lbs) | 400 mg | Every 4–6 hours | 2,000 mg (5 doses) |
| 33–43 kg (72–95 lbs) | 480 mg | Every 4–6 hours | 2,400 mg (5 doses) |
- Dose
- 40 mg
- Frequency
- Every 4–6 hours
- Max Daily
- 200 mg (5 doses)
- Dose
- 80 mg
- Frequency
- Every 4–6 hours
- Max Daily
- 400 mg (5 doses)
- Dose
- 120 mg
- Frequency
- Every 4–6 hours
- Max Daily
- 600 mg (5 doses)
- Dose
- 160 mg
- Frequency
- Every 4–6 hours
- Max Daily
- 800 mg (5 doses)
- Dose
- 240 mg
- Frequency
- Every 4–6 hours
- Max Daily
- 1,200 mg (5 doses)
- Dose
- 320 mg
- Frequency
- Every 4–6 hours
- Max Daily
- 1,600 mg (5 doses)
- Dose
- 400 mg
- Frequency
- Every 4–6 hours
- Max Daily
- 2,000 mg (5 doses)
- Dose
- 480 mg
- Frequency
- Every 4–6 hours
- Max Daily
- 2,400 mg (5 doses)
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any medication.
What Is Tylenol?
Tylenol is the most widely recognized brand name for acetaminophen in the United States. Manufactured by Kenvue (formerly Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health), Tylenol has been a household name in pain relief and fever reduction for over 60 years. It is available in a wide array of formulations for adults, children, and infants, making it one of the most versatile OTC medications available. Tylenol is available in regular-strength (325 mg), extra-strength (500 mg), and extended-release (650 mg) formulations for adults. The children's line includes liquid suspensions, chewable tablets, and dissolvable powders, while Infants' Tylenol comes as a concentrated oral suspension. Specialty products include Tylenol PM (with diphenhydramine for sleep), Tylenol Cold + Flu, and Tylenol Arthritis Pain (extended-release). Because acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol and is also found in more than 600 other OTC and prescription products, the risk of accidental overdose is a significant public health concern. The FDA and the makers of Tylenol have implemented prominent warnings on packaging to help consumers avoid taking too much acetaminophen from multiple sources. When used as directed, Tylenol is considered one of the safest pain relievers available.
How Tylenol Works
Tylenol's active ingredient, acetaminophen, is believed to work primarily in the central nervous system by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins in the brain. This reduces pain perception and lowers elevated body temperature. Unlike NSAIDs, Tylenol does not have a significant anti-inflammatory effect and does not irritate the stomach lining. This makes it suitable for people with stomach sensitivity, those taking blood thinners, or those who cannot take NSAIDs for other medical reasons.
Common Uses
Tylenol is commonly used to treat the following conditions:
Available Forms
Tylenol is available in the following formulations:
Warnings & Precautions
Tylenol Warnings
- Tylenol contains acetaminophen. Do not take with other acetaminophen-containing products to avoid overdose.
- Check all prescription and OTC medication labels for acetaminophen content before use.
- Severe liver damage may occur if you take more than the recommended dose.
- Do not drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks daily while using Tylenol.
- Do not use for more than 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever without consulting a doctor.
- Keep Tylenol out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, contact Poison Control immediately.
- Tylenol PM contains diphenhydramine and may cause drowsiness. Do not drive after taking Tylenol PM.
Critical Safety Information
Do Not Ignore
- LIVER DAMAGE WARNING: This product contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if an adult takes more than 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours, takes it with other drugs containing acetaminophen, or consumes 3 or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.
- OVERDOSE WARNING: Taking more than the recommended dose can cause serious health problems, including liver damage. In case of overdose, get medical help immediately or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Quick medical attention is critical even if you do not notice any symptoms.
- ALLERGY ALERT: Acetaminophen may cause severe skin reactions. Stop use and seek medical attention if you develop skin reddening, blisters, or rash.
Side Effects
Like all medications, tylenol can cause side effects. Contact your doctor if you experience serious side effects.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea (uncommon at recommended doses)
- Headache
- Generally very well tolerated when used as directed
Serious Side Effects
- Liver damage or liver failure (primary risk, especially with overdose)
- Severe skin reactions: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Severe allergic reaction: swelling, hives, difficulty breathing
- Blood disorders (extremely rare): anemia, thrombocytopenia
- Kidney damage with chronic high-dose use
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Drug Interactions
Tylenol may interact with the following medications or substances. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
- Warfarin (Coumadin): Regular Tylenol use can increase the blood-thinning effects of warfarin. Occasional use is usually safe, but notify your doctor.
- Alcohol: Increases liver damage risk significantly. Avoid Tylenol if you drink 3 or more alcoholic beverages daily.
- Isoniazid: Increases the risk of liver toxicity when combined with Tylenol.
- Seizure medications (carbamazepine, phenytoin): May increase the rate of acetaminophen metabolism, raising the risk of liver damage.
- Other acetaminophen products (NyQuil, DayQuil, Percocet): Risk of accidental overdose if combined with Tylenol.
- Cholestyramine: May reduce absorption of Tylenol if taken simultaneously.
Tylenol Dosage Calculator
Use this tool to estimate a weight-based dose. This is for reference only and does not replace advice from a healthcare provider.
Dosage Calculator
Estimate a weight-based dose for reference purposes only.
Important: This calculator provides rough estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing, especially for children, elderly patients, or individuals with medical conditions. If you are ill, seek medical attention immediately.
Detailed Dosage Guides
Explore our in-depth tylenol dosage guides for specific populations and use cases:
Frequently Asked Questions About Tylenol
Sources & References
- 1.Tylenol Official Website - Product InformationAccessed 2025-01-15
- 2.FDA - Acetaminophen InformationAccessed 2025-01-15
- 3.Mayo Clinic - Acetaminophen (Oral Route)Accessed 2025-01-15
- 4.NIH - LiverTox: AcetaminophenAccessed 2025-01-15
- 5.Cleveland Clinic - AcetaminophenAccessed 2025-01-15