ACETAMINOPHEN

 (Tylenol; Tempra; paracetamol)

Standard Prescription

acetaminophen __mg PO {PR} Q__H {PRN} (__mg/kg/dose)

Dosages

1 to 3 months:
10 mg/kg/dose PO Q4H PRN (max 60 mg/kg/day)
20 mg/kg/dose PR Q6H PRN (max 80 mg/kg/day)

>3 months:
10 to 15 mg/kg/dose PO Q4H PRN (max 75 mg/kg/day)
20 mg/kg/dose PR Q6H PRN (max 80 mg/kg/day)

Usual adult dose:
325 to 650 mg/dose PO Q4 to 6H PRN (max 4 g/24 hr)

Intravenous for pain management post-operatively in patients unable to take oral or rectal acetaminophen.

>1 month to 2 year:
15 mg/kg/dose IV Q6H PRN (max 60 mg/kg/day)

>2 years and < 50 kg:
12.5 mg/kg/dose IV Q4H PRN    OR
15 mg/kg/dose IV Q6H PRN
(max single dose 750 mg, 75 mg/kg/day not to exceed 3750 mg/day)

>2 years and > 50 kg:
12.5 mg/kg/dose IV Q4H PRN    OR
15 mg/kg/dose IV Q6H PRN
(max single dose 1000 mg, 75 mg/kg/day not to exceed 4000 mg/day)

Mechanism of Action

Analgesic.

Forms Supplied

tablet: 325 mg, 500 mg, 80 mg chewable

elixir: 32 mg/mL

drops: 80 mg/mL

suppository: 120 mg, 325 mg, 650 mg

injectable: 10 mg/mL (1000 mg/100 mL manufacturer bag)

Comments

Hepatotoxic in overdose, both chronic and acute.

Doses apply to normal healthy children (i.e. no hepatic or renal compromise).

Rectal administration results in unpredictable serum levels and a much slower onset of action compared to oral.

Intravenous formulation is restricted to those who are unable to take acetaminophen orally or rectally and require acetaminophen for post-operative pain management.

*limited data for IV use in less than 2 years of age*

References

32, 44

Last Edited

2023-08-16 23:15:56