Tylenol Dosage: An Introduction
The dose of
Tylenol® (
acetaminophen) your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- The particular Tylenol product
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Dose of Tylenol for Adults and Older Children
The recommended dose depends on which Tylenol product you are using. For adults and children age 12 and older, the recommended dose is as follows:
- Regular strength (325 mg) Tylenol -- 2 tablets every four to six hours as needed, not to exceed 12 tablets in 24 hours
- Extra-strength (500 mg) Tylenol -- 2 tablets (or gel tabs) every four to six hours as needed, not to exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours
- Extended-release (650 mg) Tylenol -- 2 tablets (or gel tabs) every eight hours, not to exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours
- Liquid Tylenol (500 mg per 15 mL) -- 2 tablespoonfuls (30 mL total) every four to six hours as needed, not to exceed 8 tablespoonfuls in 24 hours.
It is important to avoid taking more than 4 grams (4000 mg) of Tylenol per day. This includes other sources of acetaminophen, including many prescription pain medications and non-prescription cold and cough remedies.
