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acetaminophen

Pharmaranks rates Acetaminophen 3.4/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Acetaminophen is a medication used to treat Fever, Pain.

Generic · by Fresenius Kabi USA

Generic of Infants' Feverall

68/100Limited · 1 source

Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 21, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Acetaminophen
Form
Injectable, Suspension, Tablet, Tablet, extended release
Strength
Acetaminophen 1GM/100ML (10MG/ML)
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Generic
May treat
fever, pain
Manufacturer
Fresenius Kabi USA
What the pharmacy pays
~$0.03 per ml — not your price
FDA application
NDA204767

What is Acetaminophen?

From the FDA label:Acetaminophen is a non-salicylate antipyretic and non-opioid analgesic agent. Its chemical name is N-acetyl-p-aminophenol. Its structural formula is: M.W. 151.16 Acetaminophen Injection, for intravenous use, is a sterile, clear, colorless, non-pyrogenic, isotonic formulation of acetaminophen intended for intravenous infusion. Each 100 mL contains 1,000 mg of Acetaminophen, USP; 3,670 mg of mannitol, 10 mg of cysteine, and hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide as pH adjusters, in water for injection. Acetaminophen Injection has a pH between 5.0 and 6.3, and an osmolality of approximately 290 mOsm/kg. Structural Formula

How to use

Acetaminophen is sold in more than one form (Injectable, Suspension, Tablet and Tablet, extended release), and each is dosed differently. The instructions below come from the FDA label for application NDA204767 — follow the label that came with the product you were actually prescribed.

Acetaminophen Injection may be given as a single or repeated dose. ( 2.1 ) Acetaminophen Injection should be administered only as a 15-minute intravenous infusion. ( 2.4 ) Adults and Adolescents Weighing 50 kg and Over : 1,000 mg every 6 hours or 650 mg every 4 hours to a maximum of 4,000 mg per day. Minimum dosing interval of 4 hours. ( 2.2 ) Adults and Adolescents Weighing Under 50 kg: 15 mg/kg every 6 hours or 12.5 mg/kg every 4 hours to a maximum of 75 mg/kg per day. Minimum dosing interval of 4 hours. ( 2.2 ) Children: Children 2 to 12 years of age: 15 mg/kg every 6 hours or 12.5 mg/kg every 4 hours to a maximum of 75 mg/kg per day. Minimum dosing interval of 4 hours. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 General Dosing Information Acetaminophen Injection, for intravenous use, may be given as a single or repeated dose for the treatment of acute pain or fever. No dose adjustment is required when converting between oral acetaminophen and acetaminophen injection dosing in adults and adolescents who weigh 50 kg and above. Calculated maximum daily dose of acetaminophen is based on all routes of administration (i.e., intravenous, oral, and rectal) and all products containing acetaminophen. Exceeding the maximum mg/kg daily dose of acetaminophen as described in Tables 1 and 2 may result in hepatic injury, including the risk of liver failure and death. To avoid the risk of overdose, ensure that the total…

Side effects

The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Hepatic Injury [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Serious Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Allergy and Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] The most common adverse reactions in patients treated with acetaminophen were nausea, vomiting, headache, and insomnia in adult patients; nausea, vomiting, constipation, pruritus, agitation, and atelectasis in pediatric patients. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC at 1-800-551- 7176 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed cannot be directly compared to rates in other clinical trials and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adult Population A total of 1,020 adult patients have received acetaminophen in clinical trials, including 37.3% (n=380) who received 5 or more doses, and 17% (n=173) who received more than 10 doses. Most patients were treated with acetaminophen 1,000 mg every 6 hours. A total of 13.1% (n=134) received acetaminophen 650 mg every 4 hours. All adverse reactions that occurred in adult patients treated with either acetaminophen or placebo in repeated dose, placebo-controlled clinical trials at an incidence ≥…

FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)

Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label

Risk of Medication Errors and Hepatotoxicity Take care when prescribing, preparing, and administering Acetaminophen Injection to avoid dosing errors which could result in accidental overdose and death. In particular, be careful to ensure that: the dose in milligrams (mg) and milliliters (mL) is not confused; the dosing is based on weight for patients under 50 kg; infusion pumps are properly programmed; and the total daily dose of acetaminophen from all sources does not exceed maximum daily limits. Acetaminophen Injection contains acetaminophen. Acetaminophen has been associated with cases of acute liver failure, at times resulting in liver transplant and death. Most of the cases of liver injury are associated with the use of acetaminophen at doses that exceed the maximum daily limits, and often involve more than one acetaminophen-containing product [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. WARNING: RISK OF MEDICATION ERRORS AND HEPATOTOXICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning Take care when prescribing, preparing, and administering Acetaminophen Injection to avoid dosing errors which could result in accidental overdose and death. Acetaminophen Injection contains acetaminophen. Acetaminophen has been associated with cases of acute liver failure, at times resulting in liver transplant and death. Most of the cases of liver injury are associated with the use of acetaminophen at doses that exceed the recommended maximum daily limits, and often involve more than one acetaminophen-containing product. ( 5.1 )

Warnings

Important safety information

Administration of acetaminophen in doses higher than recommended (by all routes of administration and from all acetaminophen-containing products including combination products) may result in hepatic injury, including the risk of liver failure and death. ( 5.1 ) Use caution when administering acetaminophen in patients with the following conditions: hepatic impairment or active hepatic disease, in cases of alcoholism, chronic malnutrition, severe hypovolemia, or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance ≤ 30 mL/min). ( 5.1 ) Discontinue acetaminophen immediately at the first appearance of skin rash and if symptoms associated with allergy or hypersensitivity occur. Do not use in patients with acetaminophen allergy. ( 5.2 , 5.4 ) Take care when prescribing, preparing, and administering acetaminophen injection to avoid dosing errors which could result in accidental overdose and death. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Hepatic Injury Administration of acetaminophen in doses higher than recommended may result in hepatic injury, including the risk of liver failure and death [see Overdosage ( 10 )] . Do not exceed the maximum recommended daily dose of acetaminophen [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 )] . The maximum recommended daily dose of acetaminophen includes all routes of administration and all acetaminophen-containing products administered, including combination products. Use caution when administering acetaminophen in patients with the following conditions: hepatic impairment or active hepatic disease, alcoholism, chronic malnutrition, severe hypovolemia (e.g., due to dehydration or blood loss), or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance ≤ 30 mL/min) [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 , 8.7 )] . 5.2 Serious Skin Reactions Rarely, acetaminophen may cause serious skin reactions such as acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which can be fatal. Patients should be informed about the signs of serious skin reactions, and use of the drug should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash or any other sign of hypersensitivity. 5.3 Risk of Medication Errors Take care when prescribing, preparing, and administering acetaminophen injection in order to avoid dosing errors which could result in accidental overdose and death. In particular, be careful to ensure that: the dose in milligrams (mg) and milliliters (mL) is not confused; the dosing is based on weight for patients under 50 kg; infusion pumps are properly programmed; and the total daily dose of acetaminophen from all sources does not exceed maximum daily limits [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 )] . 5.4 Allergy and Hypersensitivity There have been post-marketing reports of hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis associated with the use of acetaminophen. Clinical signs included swelling of the face, mouth, and throat, respiratory distress, urticaria, rash, and pruritus. There were infrequent reports of life-threatening anaphylaxis requiring emergent medical attention. Discontinue acetaminophen immediately if symptoms associated with allergy or hypersensitivity occur. Do not use acetaminophen in patients with acetaminophen allergy.

Who should not take Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is contraindicated: in patients with known hypersensitivity to acetaminophen or to any of the excipients in the intravenous formulation. in patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Acetaminophen is contraindicated: In patients with known hypersensitivity to acetaminophen or to any of the excipients in the IV formulation. ( 4 ) In patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease. ( 4 )

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

Signs and Symptoms In acute acetaminophen overdosage, dose-dependent, potentially fatal hepatic necrosis is the most serious adverse effect. Renal tubular necrosis, hypoglycemic coma, and thrombocytopenia may also occur. Plasma acetaminophen levels > 300 mcg/mL at 4 hours after oral ingestion were associated with hepatic damage in 90% of patients; minimal hepatic damage is anticipated if plasma levels at 4 hours are < 150 mcg/mL or < 37.5 mcg/mL at 12 hours after ingestion. Early symptoms following a potentially hepatotoxic overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, and general malaise. Clinical and laboratory evidence of hepatic toxicity may not be apparent until 48 to 72 hours post-ingestion. Treatment If an acetaminophen overdose is suspected, obtain a serum acetaminophen assay as soon as possible, but no sooner than 4 hours following oral ingestion. Obtain liver function studies initially and repeat at 24-hour intervals. Administer the antidote N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as early as possible. As a guide to treatment of acute ingestion, the acetaminophen level can be plotted against time since oral ingestion on a nomogram (Rumack-Matthew). The lower toxic line on the nomogram is equivalent to 150 mcg/mL at 4 hours and 37.5 mcg/mL at 12 hours. If serum level is above the lower line, administer the entire course of NAC treatment. Withhold NAC therapy if the…

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

Interactions

Substances that induce or regulate hepatic cytochrome enzyme CYP2E1 may alter the metabolism of acetaminophen and increase its hepatotoxic potential. ( 7.1 ) Chronic oral acetaminophen use at a dose of 4,000 mg/day has been shown to cause an increase in international normalized ratio (INR) in some patients who have been stabilized on sodium warfarin as an anticoagulant. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Effects of Other Substances on Acetaminophen Substances that induce or regulate hepatic cytochrome enzyme CYP2E1 may alter the metabolism of acetaminophen and increase its hepatotoxic potential. The clinical consequences of these effects have not been established. Effects of ethanol are complex, because excessive alcohol usage can induce hepatic cytochromes, but ethanol also acts as a competitive inhibitor of the metabolism of acetaminophen. 7.2 Anticoagulants Chronic oral acetaminophen use at a dose of 4,000 mg/day has been shown to cause an increase in international normalized ratio (INR) in some patients who have been stabilized on sodium warfarin as an anticoagulant. As no studies have been performed evaluating the short-term use of acetaminophen in patients on oral anticoagulants, more frequent assessment of INR may be appropriate in such circumstances.

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

Dosage forms

Injectable, Suspension, Tablet and Tablet, extended release

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

Ways to save

Ask for the generic

Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →

Request a 90-day supply

Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.

Use copay cards

Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.

Compare alternatives

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Frequently asked questions

What does Acetaminophen treat?
Acetaminophen (Acetaminophen) may be used to treat fever, pain, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
How is Acetaminophen rated?
pharmaranks gives Acetaminophen a composite score of 3.4 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
How much does Acetaminophen cost?
Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $0.03 per ml, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins.
Is there a coupon or discount for Acetaminophen?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Acetaminophen. To pay less, Acetaminophen is already a generic — usually the lowest-cost version — so the main levers are comparing cash prices between pharmacies and using a pharmacy discount-card service. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Acetaminophen?
Acetaminophen is marketed by Fresenius Kabi USA. You can see Fresenius Kabi USA's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Acetaminophen a brand-name or generic drug?
Acetaminophen is a generic medication; its active ingredient is Acetaminophen. Generics contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name original and are usually lower cost.
Is Acetaminophen available over the counter?
No. Acetaminophen is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Acetaminophen come in?
Acetaminophen is currently marketed as injectable, suspension, tablet and tablet, extended release, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
Is Acetaminophen FDA-registered?
Acetaminophen is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA204767. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Has Acetaminophen been recalled by the FDA?
Acetaminophen has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
Is Acetaminophen safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Acetaminophen a recall-safety score of 68/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Acetaminophen?
Acetaminophen's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Hepatic Injury [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Serious Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Allergy and Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] The most common adverse reactions i… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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acetaminophen

68/100