New Acetaminophen Dosing Instructions for OTC Products to Help Ensure Appropriate Use

August 4, 2011 3:50 PM Topics: Over the counter

To decrease the potential for accidental overdose, McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. has announced that single-ingredient Extra Strength Tylenol^® (acetaminophen) products sold in the US will include new dosing instructions beginning in fall 2011. The new dosing instructions will lower the maximum daily dose from 8 pills per day (4,000 mg) to 6 pills per day (3,000 mg). McNeil also plans to lower the maximum daily dose for Regular Strength Tylenol and other adult acetaminophen-containing products beginning in 2012. The manufacturer notes that consumers can continue to use their Tylenol and other adult acetaminophen-containing products as currently labeled. McNeil also announced that, starting in 2012, Bottle Cap Messaging on select Extra Strength Tylenol products will be introduced. Messages will be printed directly on bottle caps to remind consumers to always read and follow the label instructions. More information about these efforts to help encourage appropriate acetaminophen use is available in a McNeil press release.