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Over-the-counter medicine (sold without a prescription)A pain reliever and fever reducer

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen · Say it: uh-SEE-toh-MIN-uh-fen

Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer. It is used to temporarily ease minor aches and pains and to lower fever.

Brand names: Pain Reliever Extra StrengthTYLENOL Regular StrengthExtra Strength Pain ReliefTYLENOL Extra StrengthChildrens Pain Relief

Reading levelLanguage

Used for

Minor pain of arthritis

Comes as

Caplets (the label does not list a strength)

Common side effects

Key facts
Generic nameAcetaminophen
Brand namesPain Reliever Extra Strength, TYLENOL Regular Strength, Extra Strength Pain Relief, TYLENOL Extra Strength, Childrens Pain Relief
Type of medicineA pain reliever and fever reducer
How it is soldOver-the-counter medicine (sold without a prescription)
Comes asCaplets (the label does not list a strength)
Routeoral
Boxed warningNo
Label date2026-06-15

💊 What is Acetaminophen used for?

How it works

How it is usually taken

  • The label says to swallow the caplets whole. Do not crush, chew, split, or dissolve them. Take them with water. Follow the directions on the package, which say not to take more than directed. The label also says not to use it for more than 10 days unless a doctor tells you to.

Comes as

  • Caplets (the label does not list a strength)

⚠️ Acetaminophen side effects

Common side effects

    Get medical help right away if

    • Get medical help right away if you notice a severe skin reaction. Signs may include skin reddening, blisters, or a rash. If this happens, the label says to stop use and seek medical help right away.
    • Stop use and ask a doctor if your pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days.
    • Stop use and ask a doctor if your fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days.
    • Stop use and ask a doctor if new symptoms occur or if redness or swelling is present. The label says these could be signs of a serious condition.

    🛑 Who should not take Acetaminophen, and who should be careful

    The label says not to take it if

    • You are allergic to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients in this product.
    • You are taking any other drugs that contain acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. If you are not sure whether a drug contains acetaminophen, ask a doctor or pharmacist.
    • You are a child under 12 years of age, according to the Muscle Aches and Pain label.

    Tell your doctor before taking it if

    • Ask a doctor before use if you have liver disease.
    • Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking the blood thinning drug warfarin.
    • The label warns that severe liver damage may occur if you take 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product.
    • The label warns that acetaminophen may cause severe skin reactions.

    🔀 Acetaminophen with other medicines, food and alcohol

    The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

    • Other drugs containing acetaminophen: the label says not to use this product with them.
    • Warfarin, a blood thinning drug: ask a doctor or pharmacist before use.
    • Alcohol: the label warns that 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day may cause severe liver damage while using this product.

    Alcohol and food

    The label warns that taking 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product may cause severe liver damage.

    🤰 Acetaminophen in pregnancy and breastfeeding

    Pregnancy

    The label does not say.

    Breastfeeding

    The label does not say.

    🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

    Storage

    The label does not say.

    If a dose is missed

    The label does not say.

    If too much is taken

    The label warns that severe liver damage may occur if you take more than the maximum daily amount listed on the package, or if you take it with other drugs containing acetaminophen. Follow the overdose warning on the label and the directions on the package.

    🗒️ Questions to ask about Acetaminophen

    🎯 Check what you understood

    1. According to the label, what should you do with the caplets?

    2. Which of these does the label say can cause severe liver damage?

    3. When should you stop use and ask a doctor, according to the label?

    ❓ Acetaminophen: frequently asked questions

    What is acetaminophen used for?

    The label says it temporarily relieves minor aches and pains, including arthritis pain, backache, headache, toothache, and the common cold. It also temporarily reduces fever.

    How should I take acetaminophen caplets?

    The label says to swallow the caplets whole with water. Do not crush, chew, split, or dissolve them. Follow the directions on the package.

    How long can I use acetaminophen?

    The label says not to use it for more than 10 days unless a doctor directs you to. If your pain lasts more than 10 days, the label says to stop use and ask a doctor.

    Is acetaminophen safe to use with alcohol?

    The label warns that taking 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product may cause severe liver damage. Ask a doctor or pharmacist for guidance about your own situation.

    Can children use this medicine?

    The Muscle Aches and Pain label says children under 12 years of age should not use it. The Arthritis Pain label is directed to adults, so ask a doctor or pharmacist about children.

    🧪 Tests and reports linked to Acetaminophen

    The label text mentions these. If you have one of these reports, get every line of it explained.

    📖 Medical words used on this page

    • Allergic reaction

      An allergic reaction is when the immune system overreacts to something harmless, such as a medicine or food, causing symptoms from a rash to swelling.

    • Allergy alert

      An allergy alert is a warning on an over-the-counter medicine label about allergic reactions the ingredient can cause, and what to do if one happens.

    • Bronchodilator

      A bronchodilator is a medicine that relaxes the muscles around the airways so they open wider and breathing becomes easier.

    • Caplet

      A caplet is a tablet shaped like a capsule: smooth, oblong and often coated, so it is easier to swallow. It is still a solid tablet.

    • Dysmenorrhea

      Dysmenorrhea is the medical word for painful periods, usually cramping pain in the lower tummy before or during menstruation.

    • Edema

      Edema is swelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues, often in the feet, ankles and legs.

    • Fever reducer

      A fever reducer (antipyretic) is a medicine that lowers a high temperature, such as acetaminophen (paracetamol), ibuprofen or aspirin.

    • Inactive ingredients

      Inactive ingredients are the parts of a medicine that are not the drug itself, such as fillers, colours, coatings and preservatives.

    • Liver damage

      Liver damage means injury to liver cells. On medicine labels it is a warning that taking too much, or mixing with alcohol, can harm the liver.

    • Over-the-counter

      Over-the-counter (OTC) means a medicine you can buy without a prescription, from a pharmacy, shop or supermarket.

    • Overdose

      An overdose means taking more of a medicine or substance than the body can safely handle, which can cause harmful or life-threatening effects.

    • Pediatric

      Pediatric means relating to children. On medicine labels it refers to babies, children and teenagers, usually under 18 years old.

    • Premenstrual and menstrual cramps

      Premenstrual and menstrual cramps are aching or cramping pains in the lower belly just before and during a period, caused by the womb contracting.

    📖 Medical words on this page

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    Source: official FDA drug label (label updated 2026-06-15). Read the full label on DailyMed

    MedicDecode explains the official label in plain words. It is not medical advice and does not replace your doctor or pharmacist. Never start, stop or change a medicine because of what you read here.