Acetaminophen rectal: uses, how to take it, side effects
Last updated September 6, 2026.
**Rectal acetaminophen is a suppository medicine in the analgesic and antipyretic classes that relieves pain and lowers fever.** It changes how your body senses pain and regulates temperature. Too much can seriously damage your liver, so never combine it with another acetaminophen product.
What does it treat?
You can use it temporarily for headaches, minor muscle aches, and fever, including aches during a cold. It relieves symptoms without treating their cause. Some oral cold medicines and migraine products also contain acetaminophen; check their ingredients before using a suppository.
How do you take it?
For the labeled adult 650 mg suppository, insert one rectally every 4 to 6 hours as needed, with no more than six suppositories (3,900 mg) in any 24 hours. Remove the wrapper before insertion; never swallow it. Food is unnecessary. If prescribed on a schedule, skip a missed dose when the next is nearly due; never double up. Stop and call your doctor for worsening pain, pain beyond 10 days, fever beyond 3 days or returning fever, new symptoms, or redness or swelling. These adult instructions come from the [DailyMed label](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b43974c3-4db9-4201-beee-b22596a2b241).
Side effects to know
- Common: Most people have no noticeable side effects when using acetaminophen as directed.
- Serious: Stop using it and get prompt medical help for a rash, blistering or peeling skin, yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, or upper belly pain. Face or throat swelling or breathing trouble requires emergency help.
Who should not take it?
Do not use it if you are allergic to acetaminophen or its ingredients. Ask your doctor first about liver disease or warfarin use. Do not use it if you drink three or more alcoholic drinks daily; discuss alcohol use before treatment. The label says to ask a health professional before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Do not give the adult product to children under 12 without medical guidance.
When is it an emergency?
For a possible overdose, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately, even if you feel well. Symptoms can include vomiting, loss of appetite, upper belly pain, unusual bruising, or yellow skin. Call 911 for collapse, breathing trouble, or inability to wake up. Throat swelling and widespread blistering or peeling skin also need emergency attention. See [MedlinePlus safety guidance](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681004.html).
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Common questions
What is the maximum adult dose?
For this 650 mg product, use no more than six suppositories in 24 hours. That equals 3,900 mg. Space doses 4 to 6 hours apart and do not add other acetaminophen products.
Can I drink alcohol?
Avoid alcohol while using it. Three or more alcoholic drinks daily increases the liver warning concern. If that describes your drinking, talk to your doctor before using acetaminophen.
Can I use it during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Ask your health professional before use, as the label directs. Discuss your symptoms and treatment duration. MedlinePlus notes a possible pregnancy association with childhood neurodevelopmental conditions, but causation has not been established. Review the risks and benefits together.
Do I need food before using a suppository?
No meal is required. You insert this medicine into your rectum, not your mouth. Remove its wrapper first and wash your hands before and afterward.
Would I notice an overdose right away?
You can initially feel well despite an overdose. Vomiting, upper belly pain, or yellow skin can develop. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you exceeded the directions; do not wait for symptoms.
Which medicines should I check?
Check cold medicines, sleep aids, and prescription pain medicines for acetaminophen or APAP. Do not combine them with these suppositories. Ask your doctor before use if you take warfarin.