Final answer:
The recommended adult dose of acetaminophen is 325 mg to 650 mg taken every 4 to 6 hours, with a maximum daily dose of 4 grams to avoid liver damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
In adults, the recommended single dose for acetaminophen is typically 325 mg to 650 mg taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed, with a maximum daily dose not to exceed 4 grams (4,000 mg) to avoid the risk of liver damage. It's important to remember that taking a higher dose than recommended will not provide more relief and can be dangerous. Liver damage and death can occur with an overdose, particularly in those who consume three or more alcoholic beverages per day while using acetaminophen-containing medicines. Care must also be taken when administering acetaminophen to children, ensuring that infant formulations are used for infants and children's formulations are used for older children, adhering to the instructions on the medication label closely.