What is Acetaminophen Congestion/Pain? Uses, warnings & side effects

Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, medicine dropper, or medicine cup. You might need to shake the medicine just before you use it.

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

It is not safe to take more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).

You may take your medicine with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.

If you use the tablet, capsule, extended-release tablet, or liquid-filled capsule, swallow the pill whole. Do not crush, break, or chew (unless the medicine label says "chewable").

If you use powder or effervescent tablet, stir the medicine into water and drink it right away. You must use at least 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water to dissolve the effervescent tablet. Do not keep any mixture to take later.

Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

If you use the tablet, capsule, extended-release tablet, or liquid-filled capsule, swallow the pill whole. Do not crush, break, or chew (unless the medicine label says "chewable").

You may take your medicine with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.

If you use powder or effervescent tablet, stir the medicine into water and drink it right away. You must use at least 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water to dissolve the effervescent tablet. Do not keep any mixture to take later.

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, medicine dropper, or medicine cup. You might need to shake the medicine just before you use it.

It is not safe to take more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a decongestant or pain medicine. Some of these medicines may contain aspirin and should not be given to children under age 16. Aspirin can cause a serious disease called Reye's syndrome in children and teenagers who have chicken pox, flu, or similar infections. You should not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as Nardil®, Marplan®, Eldepryl®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

This medicine may make you restless. If you have trouble sleeping, take your medicine well before bedtime.

If your medicine contains aspirin and has a vinegar smell, you should not use it.

If you are allergic to aspirin, you may also be allergic to ibuprofen. Read the medicine label carefully to see if your medicine has ibuprofen in it, or ask your pharmacist.

Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse after 2 or 3 days of treatment, or if they do not improve after 7 days. Also call if you develop a severe sore throat or fever; or cough up thick yellow mucus.

This medicine might contain phenylalanine. This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (a problem with amino acids). Talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, an enlarged prostate, or an overactive thyroid.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

Children may be more sensitive to this medicine than adults, especially if they use too much medicine. Always read medicine labels closely to give your child the right amount. If you are not sure how much medicine to use, ask your pharmacist.

This medicine may make you restless. If you have trouble sleeping, take your medicine well before bedtime.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using medicine for high blood pressure or depression, a blood thinner such as Coumadin®, or an MAO inhibitor (Nardil®, Marplan®, Parnate®, Eldepryl®).

Avoid drinking alcohol or using diet pills (Accutrim®, Dexatrim®) while using this medicine.

Children may be more sensitive to this medicine than adults, especially if they use too much medicine. Always read medicine labels closely to give your child the right amount. If you are not sure how much medicine to use, ask your pharmacist.

If your medicine contains aspirin and has a vinegar smell, you should not use it.

Avoid using sleeping pills, other cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, or narcotic pain killers unless approved by your doctor.

Do not also use other medicines that contain acetaminophen, or you may be getting more than a safe amount of this medicine. Many combination medicines contain acetaminophen, including products with brand names such as Alka-Seltzer Plus®, Comtrex®, Drixoral®, Excedrin Migraine®, Midol®, Sinutab®, Sudafed®, Theraflu®, and Vanquish®. Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using to be sure they do not contain acetaminophen.

If you regularly drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, do not take acetaminophen without asking your doctor.