How Much Tylenol Can I Take While Pregnant?

Medically reviewed by Lindsay Cook, PharmD

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is generally safe to take for pain and fever during pregnancy as long as you don't exceed the maximum dose mentioned on the package label. Tylenol is often the safest option for over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief during pregnancy, and it is generally recommended over other analgesics.

As a best practice, talk to your healthcare provider before taking Tylenol or any medication while pregnant.

This article will discuss the safety profile of Tylenol when taken during pregnancy.

How Much Tylenol Is Safe to Take While Pregnant?

If you are pregnant, it is generally safe to take a regular Tylenol dosage of two tablets or capsules of 325 milligrams (mg) each every four to six hours.

Do not take more than 10 tablets or capsules daily (3,250 mg), even if your symptoms haven't resolved.

Check the package label to determine the appropriate dose, and talk to your healthcare provider to ensure the medication is safe for you.

Can I Take Tylenol Extra Strength While Pregnant?

Tylenol Extra Strength is also considered safe during pregnancy. However, keep in mind that it does contain a more acetaminophen per dose than regular Tylenol, so fewer doses are needed.

Upon your healthcare provider’s approval, Tylenol Extra Strength can be taken at the recommended adult dose of two 500 mg caplets every six hours while symptoms last. Do not take more than six caplets in 24 hours to prevent toxicity due to overdose.

Can I Take Other Acetaminophen-Containing Drugs While Pregnant?

Other medications that contain Tylenol's active ingredient, acetaminophen, such as Tylenol PM, Tylenol Cold and Flu, and Tylenol Sinus—as well as other brands and generics of acetaminophen—are also available. These products contain a combination of acetaminophen with other medications to help manage various conditions in addition to pain or fever. If you are pregnant, you may be able to take these medications as long as all of the ingredients are deemed safe for pregnant.

If you're looking for a combination product, check the ingredients on the package label first to ensure all of the components within the medication are safe to take while pregnant.

Tylenol PM contains acetaminophen and diphenhydramine (an allergy medication that is also known as Benadryl), which are both considered safe during pregnancy for short-term use. No more than two Tylenol PM caplets should be taken per day at bedtime.

Tylenol Cold and Flu is another product that contains acetaminophen with other medications for cough, including dextromethorphan and guanfacine, in addition to phenylephrine for congestion. However, phenylephrine may not be a good choice, especially during the first trimester. In some studies, phenylephrine has been linked to potential birth defects.

Tylenol Sinus is another combination product that contains acetaminophen with other drugs, such as guanfacine and phenylephrine. Since phenylephrine can cause potential harm, Tylenol Sinus should be avoided.

It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any of these agents. For information about ingredients in individual or combination products, you can check the active ingredients list on the package label.

Are There Any Safety Concerns With Tylenol Use During Pregnancy?

As long as you follow the dosage instructions and only use it as needed, there are no safety concerns with taking Tylenol while pregnant. Still, like all medications, Tylenol's label advises anyone who is pregnant to consult a healthcare provider before using it.

A few studies have evaluated potential negative effects on neurological development, asthma, and male reproductive development, but these studies have not proven any association between acetaminophen and these conditions.

A 2019 study suggests in utero exposure to acetaminophen use during pregnancy may lead to a higher risk of autism spectrum disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) developing in childhood. The study looked at potential associations between cord plasma acetaminophen metabolites and diagnosed ADHD and/or ASD in childhood.

Another study suggests that short-term use of acetaminophen in pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of ADHD in childhood. However, the trial indicated long-term use (22 to 28 days) may be associated with ADHD.

Still, more research is needed to clarify the possible connection between these conditions and Tylenol use, as many of the current studies have limitations. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists maintains that Tylenol is still one of the safest pain relievers during pregnancy. It is generally recommended to only use Tylenol as needed and at the lowest effective dose for a short time.

Tylenol can cause liver damage if taken in quantities exceeding 4,000 mg per day. Signs and symptoms of liver damage from Tylenol toxicity may include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and weakness.

Alternatives to Tylenol While Pregnant

Tylenol is generally considered the safest option during pregnancy for pain and fever.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) for pain, are not considered as safe as Tylenol. However, they may be used up until 20 weeks of gestation. Use of NSAIDs later than 20 weeks of gestation can potentially cause kidney issues in the fetus.

Related: What Cold Medicine Can I Take While Pregnant?

Summary

Generally, Tylenol is safe to take during pregnancy, as long as you are using the recommended dose and taking it only as needed.

When pregnant, ask your healthcare provider which medications are and are not safe to take at each gestational stage. You can do this at one of your routine visits or call your provider's office if you have a question about a specific medication. Reading the medication's label is also another way to find safety information.

While Tylenol is safe to take while pregnant, be wary of combination products also containing acetaminophen and make sure to check all of the ingredients listed. Some medications may not be safe during pregnancy. Therefore, check with your healthcare provider to evaluate your condition before considering treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum dose of Tylenol that I can take while pregnant?

You may take a maximum adult dose of 4,000 mg per day of acetaminophen, assuming you have no contraindications (reasons that prevent you from using it) or conditions needing dose adjustments. It is important to track the total amount of acetaminophen taken daily to prevent drug toxicity and overdose.

The maximum dose can be found on the package label, usually under the heading "warnings." You can also determine the individual dose of each tablet by either looking at the front of the package or under the active ingredient.

Are there any alternatives to Tylenol to relieve pain while pregnant?

Tylenol is generally the safest analgesic to use during pregnancy. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medications to ensure it is the best option for you.

What pain relievers should I not take while pregnant?

Do not take NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin, especially after 20 weeks of gestation, to prevent kidney damage in the fetus. If you are unsure about any products and their contents, consider asking your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Where can I get information about Tylenol doses?

You can consider checking the package label under "directions" to find dosing recommendations. You can also check for information about the maximum daily dose under the warning section. For any incidence of overdose, you can get medical help or call Poison Control right away at 800-222-1222.

What can I use Tylenol for?

It is best to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medications. Tylenol is usually used to treat pain and fever. Some combination medications that include Tylenol may be used to manage other conditions.

Are there any potential drug allergies that I should worry about?

Any medication has the potential to cause allergies, so it is important to ask your healthcare provider and check the package label for a list of ingredients. An allergic reaction may cause redness in the skin, rash, and/or blisters. Tylenol is usually well tolerated, but it is important to watch out for any potential allergies, especially during pregnancy.

The author would like to recognize and thank Ghassan Alyaseen for contributing to this article.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.