Acetaminophen Dosing Calculator
Acetaminophen is found in more than 500 over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription (Rx) medicines. It’s safe and effective when used as directed, but severe liver damage may occur if you take more than 4,000 milligrams (mg) of acetaminophen in a day. Some medicines have a maximum daily limit that is lower than 4,000 mg. That’s why it’s important to always read and follow the instructions on each medicine label.
This calculator is an educational tool designed to help people understand why following the labeled directions is so important. It shows how you might accidentally exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in a day by taking more than one product that contains acetaminophen or by using too much of one product.
This tool is for adult use only. For information on safe dosing for children, visit our pediatric dosing page.
To use acetaminophen safely:
- Always read and follow the medicine label, even if you have taken the medicine before. The Drug Facts label for OTC acetaminophen products states: Do not use with any other drug containing acetaminophen.
- Take only one medicine with acetaminophen at a time, unless specifically directed by your doctor. This includes OTC and prescription medicines.
- Check with a healthcare provider if you have a question about your medicines or whether they contain acetaminophen.
Instructions:
- Start typing the name of an over-the-counter or prescription medicine you are taking in the medicine name field below, and select the medicine name from the dropdown menu. Once you select the medicine, the dose unit (e.g. tablet, capsule, or milliliters) will fill in automatically.
- Under quantity, fill in the amount of the medicine (dose) you take at one time.
- For Tablets, Capsules, or Packets: Under quantity, fill in the amount of the medicine (dose) you take at one time. For example: If you take one tablet at a time, enter the number “1”. If you take two tablets at a time, enter “2”. If you are taking half of a tablet, enter “0.5”.
- For Liquid Medicines: Under quantity, enter the number of milliliters (mL) based on the dosing instructions. For example: If you take one 30 mL dose of liquid medicine, enter the number “30”. If you take one 60 mL dose of liquid medicine, enter the number “60”.
- Select the number of times per day that you are taking that dose of medication. For example: If you are taking a medicine three times a day at the same dose, enter the number “3.” If you are taking a dose two times a day, enter “2.”
While this calculator contains a representative sample of medicines with acetaminophen, it is not a complete list of all products that contain acetaminophen. Always read and follow the Drug Facts label for ingredient information, and talk to your doctor if you have any questions.
You can download your calculator results and share them with your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider as needed.
Any information supplied on the Site and/or by any employee or agent of Know Your Dose, whether by telephone, e-mail, letter, or other form of communication, does not constitute medical, legal, tax, accounting or other professional advice. Individual situations and state laws vary, and users are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions.
