Which statement about acetaminophen dosing frequency is true?

Which statement about acetaminophen dosing frequency is true?

• A. Every 4-6 hours
• B. Every 8-12 hours
• C. Every 12-24 hours
• D. Every 24 hours

Answer: (A)

Acetaminophen is given at short intervals to maintain pain and fever relief without letting the total daily dose become unsafe. In adults, a common schedule is every 4 to 6 hours as needed, while staying within the daily maximum (typically around 4,000 mg for healthy adults). Dosing every 8–12 hours would leave gaps in relief and is unlikely to provide steady control, and intervals of 12–24 hours or 24 hours are far too long to maintain effective levels.

Acetaminophen is given at short intervals to maintain pain and fever relief without letting the total daily dose become unsafe. In adults, a common schedule is every 4 to 6 hours as needed, while staying within the daily maximum (typically around 4,000 mg for healthy adults). Dosing every 8–12 hours would leave gaps in relief and is unlikely to provide steady control, and intervals of 12–24 hours or 24 hours are far too long to maintain effective levels.