Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a widely used over-the-counter analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer). It is commonly used for temporary relief of mild-to-moderate pain and to reduce fever. Unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), it has minimal anti-inflammatory properties and is gentler on the stomach.
Dosage by Body Weight
Adults: 325 mg to 1000 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 4000 mg (4g) in a 24-hour period. Pediatric dosing is strictly based on weight (typically 10-15 mg/kg per dose). Always consult a healthcare provider before administering to infants under 3 months.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine / Consult doctor
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Infants under 3 months or weighing less than 5 kg require direct medical supervision before administration.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 60 mg to 80 mg
- Frequency
- Every 4 to 6 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours. Equivalent to approximately 2.5 mL of pediatric suspension (120mg/5mL).
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 100 mg to 120 mg
- Frequency
- Every 4 to 6 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours. Equivalent to approximately 4 mL to 5 mL of pediatric suspension (120mg/5mL).
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 150 mg to 180 mg
- Frequency
- Every 4 to 6 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours. Equivalent to approximately 5 mL of pediatric suspension (160mg/5mL).
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 240 mg
- Frequency
- Every 4 to 6 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours. Equivalent to approximately 7.5 mL of pediatric suspension (160mg/5mL).
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine / Consult doctor | Use only if prescribed | Infants under 3 months or weighing less than 5 kg require direct medical supervision before administration. |
| 5-7 kg | 60 mg to 80 mg | Every 4 to 6 hours as needed | Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours. Equivalent to approximately 2.5 mL of pediatric suspension (120mg/5mL). |
| 8-10 kg | 100 mg to 120 mg | Every 4 to 6 hours as needed | Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours. Equivalent to approximately 4 mL to 5 mL of pediatric suspension (120mg/5mL). |
| 11-15 kg | 150 mg to 180 mg | Every 4 to 6 hours as needed | Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours. Equivalent to approximately 5 mL of pediatric suspension (160mg/5mL). |
| 16-20 kg | 240 mg | Every 4 to 6 hours as needed | Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours. Equivalent to approximately 7.5 mL of pediatric suspension (160mg/5mL). |
Formulation
Purpose
Relief of mild to moderate pain (such as headache, toothache, muscle aches, sore throat, and period pain) and reduction of fever.
Generic Name
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)Branded Drug Names
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.