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Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library Acetaminophen Rectal

Acetaminophen Rectal

Important warning:

Taking or using too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage, sometimes serious enough to require liver transplantation or cause death. You might accidentally receive or use too much acetaminophen if you do not follow the directions on the prescription or package label carefully, or if you take or use more than one product that contains acetaminophen.

To be sure that you take or use acetaminophen safely, you should

  • not take or use more than one product that contains acetaminophen at a time. Read the labels of all the prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking or using to see if they contain acetaminophen. Be aware that abbreviations such as APAP, AC, Acetaminophen, Acetaminoph, Acetaminop, Acetamin, or Acetam may be written on the label in place of the word acetaminophen. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for help determining if the product you are taking or using contains acetaminophen.
  • take or use acetaminophen exactly as directed on the prescription or package label. Do not take or use more acetaminophen or take it or use it more often than directed, even if you still have fever or pain.
  • do not take or receive more than 4000 mg of acetaminophen per day from all sources. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help determining how much acetaminophen you can take.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
  • not take or use acetaminophen if you drink three or more alcoholic drinks every day. Talk to your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while you are taking acetaminophen.
  • stop taking or using your medication and call your doctor right away if you think you have taken or received too much acetaminophen, even if you feel well.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you have questions about the safe use of acetaminophen or acetaminophen-containing products.

Important notice:

On September 22, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), issued a safety warning indicating that taking or using acetaminophen while pregnant may be associated with the development of neurological conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Hyperactivity Deficit Disorder (ADHD) in children. Although no evidence to date has been able to show that acetaminophen use in pregnancy causes these disorders, some studies have shown an association. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits or using acetaminophen during pregnancy.

Why is this medicine prescribed?

Why is this medicine prescribed?

Acetaminophen rectal is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to reduce a fever.Acetaminophen is in a class of medications called analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers). It works by changing the way the body senses pain and by cooling the body.

 Are there other uses for this medicine?

Are there other uses for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

 How should this medicine be used?

How should this medicine be used?

Acetaminophen rectal comes as a suppository to use rectally. Acetaminophen rectal is available without a prescription, but your doctor may prescribe acetaminophen to treat certain conditions.

Follow the directions on the package or prescription label carefully. Do not use more than directed on the label.

If you are giving acetaminophen rectal to your child, read the package label carefully to make sure that it is the right product for the age of the child. Do not give children acetaminophen products that are made for adults.

Many acetaminophen products also come in combination with other medications such as those to treat cough and cold symptoms. Check product labels carefully before using two or more products at the same time. These products may contain the same active ingredient(s) and taking or using them together could cause you to receive an overdose.

Stop giving acetaminophen rectal to your child and call your child's doctor if your child develops new symptoms, including redness or swelling, or your child's pain lasts for longer than 5 days, or fever get worse or lasts longer than 3 days.

To insert an acetaminophen suppository into the rectum, follow these steps:

  1. Wash your hands.
  2. Remove the wrapper.
  3. Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your chest. (A left-handed person should lie on the right side and raise the left knee.)
  4. Using your finger, insert the suppository into the rectum, about 1/2 to 1 inch (1.25 to 2.5 centimeters) in infants and children and 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in adults. Hold it in place for a few moments.
  5. Remain lying down for 5 minutes to prevent the suppository from coming out.
  6. Wash your hands thoroughly and resume your normal activities.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

 What special precautions should I follow?

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using acetaminophen rectal,

  • tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while using acetaminophen rectal. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver diseaseor if you drink three or more alcoholic drinks every day.

  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using acetaminophen rectal, call your doctor.

 What special dietary instructions should I follow?

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

 What should I do if I forget to take a dose?

What should I do if I forget to take a dose?

This medication is usually used as needed. If your doctor has told you to use acetaminophen rectal regularly, use the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one.

 What side effects can this medicine cause?

What side effects can this medicine cause?

Acetaminophen rectal may cause side effects.

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using acetaminophen rectal and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical attention:

  • red, peeling, or blistering skin; rash
  • yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes; upper belly pain; dark urine; pale stools

Acetaminophen may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are using this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

 What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.

 What should I do in case of overdose?

What should I do in case of overdose?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

If someone takes more than the recommended dose of acetaminophen rectal, get medical help immediately, even if the person does not have any symptoms. Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

  • nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, upper belly pain
  • extreme tiredness or flu-like symptoms
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes
What other information should I know?

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about acetaminophen rectal.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

 Brand name(s)

Brand name(s)

  • Acephen Rectal Suppository®
  • Feverall Rectal Suppository®
  • Neopap Supprettes Rectal Suppository®
  • Tylenol Rectal Suppository®
  • also available generically

This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

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