What is the adult dose of acetaminophen?

• A. 1000-1500 mg daily
• B. 500-1000 mg every 4-6 hours
• C. 200-400 mg every 2 hours
• D. 50 mg/kg immediately

Answer: (B)

Understand dosing for adults is about how much to give per dose and how often it can be repeated safely. For acetaminophen, the typical adult per-dose amount is 500–1000 mg, repeated every 4–6 hours as needed. The important safety limit is not to exceed about 4000 mg in 24 hours, because higher total daily amounts increase the risk of liver injury.

Think of the other options in terms of practicality and safety: taking a single daily total without a per-dose interval doesn’t reflect how the drug is used or how long relief lasts; dosing every 2 hours is too frequent and increases overdose risk; a per kilogram dosing approach is standard for children, not for adults, and giving a dose “immediately” doesn’t address ongoing need for pain relief. The 500–1000 mg every 4–6 hours plan fits typical adult use and safety guidelines.