Tylenol (Acetaminophen) for Pain Relief After Surgery
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is an over the counter (OTC) medication that can be effective for pain control. It can relieve mild to moderate pain. Below is a table showing examples of the doses and frequency you are able to take this medication. Please note that some prescribed pain medications already contain Tylenol (see examples below the table). We have included a daily medication log you can use to record your use of Tylenol.
Important note: Do not have more than 4,000 mg (milligrams) of Tylenol in any 24-hour period.
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Medication
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Dose
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Frequency
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Timing Example
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Tylenol
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650 mg (2 pills)
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Every 4 hours
Every 6 hours
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8 am, 12 noon, 4 pm, 8 pm, 12 midnight
8 am, 2 pm, 8 pm, 2 am
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Tylenol Extra Strength
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500 mg (1 pill)
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Every 4 hours
Every 6 hours
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8 am, 12 noon, 4 pm, 8 pm, 12 midnight
8 am, 2 pm, 8 pm, 2 am
|
|
Tylenol Extra Strength
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1,000 mg (2 pills)
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Every 6 hours
Every 8 hours
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8 am, 2 pm, 8 pm, 2 am
8 am, 4 pm, 12 midnight
|
|
Examples of other prescribed pain medications that contain Tylenol are:
- Percocet (325 mg Tylenol and 5 mg oxycodone)
- Tylenol No. 3 (300 mg Tylenol and 30 mg codeine)
- Norco (325 mg Tylenol and 5 mg hydrocodone)
Medication Daily Log for Tylenol
Your last dose of Tylenol was at: _______________
| Medication / Dose |
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Total for 24 hours |
| Day 1: |
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Total:
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| Day 2: |
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Total:
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Day 3:
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Total:
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Day 4:
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Total:
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| Day 5: |
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Total:
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©2022 NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.