Paracetamol Dosage Calculator

The U.S. OTC labels set the maximum at 6 Extra Strength caplets (3,000 mg) or 10 Regular Strength tablets (3,250 mg) in any 24-hour period — unless a doctor directs otherwise. The FDA liver warning starts above 4,000 mg in 24 hours. This tool conservatively tracks a 3,000 mg daily cap and will not schedule any dose that would push your 24-hour total above it.

Extra Strength (500 mg caplets): every 6 hours while symptoms last. Regular Strength (325 mg tablets): every 4–6 hours while symptoms last. Do not shorten the interval to fit more doses in — the 24-hour maximum is what protects you, and the planner above enforces the minimum interval from your last logged dose.

Be careful: many cold, flu, sinus, and prescription pain products also contain acetaminophen (sometimes listed as “APAP”). The label says do not use with any other drug containing acetaminophen, because the combined total can silently exceed the daily maximum. Use the combination checker above to add up every product you take.

From the Regular Strength tablet label: children 6 years to under 12 take 1 tablet (325 mg) every 4–6 hours while symptoms last, with a maximum of 5 tablets (1,625 mg) in 24 hours and no more than 5 days of use unless a doctor directs. Children under 6 years: the label says ask a doctor — this tool does not estimate doses for them. For weight-based infant and young-child liquid dosing, see the infant/children's Tylenol dosage calculator.

This tool covers tablet labels for ages 6 and over: adult Extra Strength and Regular Strength schedules, a 24-hour total tracker, a combination-product checker, and the children's 6-to-under-12 tablet row from the label. The infant/children's tool covers weight-based acetaminophen liquid for infants and young children (15 mg/kg per dose, max 5 doses in 24 hours). Use the tool that matches the product and age.

Per the label: stop use and ask a doctor if pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days, or if fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days. For children 6 to under 12, the label says do not use for more than 5 days unless directed by a doctor. The planner flags this when you enter consecutive days.

The label warns that severe liver damage may occur if you have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using the product, and says to ask a doctor before use if you have liver disease. If either applies to you, talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking it.

Get medical help or contact Poison Control right away (U.S.: 1-800-222-1222) — do not wait for symptoms. Quick medical attention is critical for adults as well as children even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms. Do not take any more until a professional advises you.

Both are OTC pain relievers and fever reducers, but the drugs and labels differ. Paracetamol (acetaminophen): 500 mg every 6 hours or 325 mg every 4–6 hours, max 3,000–3,250 mg per day, with a liver warning about combining acetaminophen products and alcohol. Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin): 200 mg every 4–6 hours, max 1,200 mg per day, with a stomach-bleeding warning and no combining with other NSAIDs. See the comparison table above. This tool does not recommend one over the other — a pharmacist can help you choose.

No. It is an educational estimate that applies the U.S. OTC Drug Facts label rules (Extra Strength: 2 × 500 mg caplets every 6 hours, max 6 caplets / 3,000 mg per 24 hours; Regular Strength: 2 × 325 mg tablets every 4–6 hours, max 10 tablets / 3,250 mg per 24 hours; children 6 to under 12: 1 × 325 mg tablet every 4–6 hours, max 5 tablets / 1,625 mg per 24 hours) to the doses you log, tracked against a conservative 3,000 mg daily cap. It does not know your health history, other medicines, or conditions. Always follow the label on your package and check with a doctor or pharmacist when unsure.