Acetaminophen

Aliases: APAP, Tylenol

Indications: Fever with or without seizures, or pain

Contraindications:  Allergy, hypersensitivity, severe hepatic impairment, or severe active liver disease 

Concentrations: 

Tablets: 325mg or 500mg

Liquid: 32 mg/mL

Dosing

Adult:

Indication Dose Route Note 
Pain Fever Up to 1000 mg PO One time only 

Pediatric:

Indication Dose Route Note 
Pain Fever 15 mg/kg (Max: 1000 mg) PO One time only 
Use Handtevy or Approved Pediatric Reference Guide for Amount to Administer 

Precautions: Pregnancy Category B. Use in caution with known thrombocytopenia and/or Liver Disease.

Adverse/Side Effects: N/V, abdominal pain 

Class: Analgesic, Antipyretic 

Mechanism of Action: Equivalent to Aspirin in both analgesic and antipyretic effects. Unlike Aspirin, Acetaminophen has little effect on platelet function, no effect on homeostasis, and it is not known to produce gastric bleeding. Acetaminophen is not an NSAID, as it has no anti-inflammatory properties. Absorption is rapid. APAP is processed in the Liver.  

Onset of ActionPeak EffectDuration of Action 
< 1 hour10 to 60 minutes 4 to 6 hours