What is the duration of action for oral acetaminophen (PO)?

Oral acetaminophen generally has a duration of action that falls within the range of 3 to 8 hours. This means that after ingestion, individuals can expect effective pain relief to occur within this time frame. The metabolism of acetaminophen occurs in the liver, where it is converted into inactive compounds that are then excreted by the kidneys. Factors such as dosage, individual metabolism, and the presence of food in the stomach can all influence the duration of action.

While acetaminophen begins to work relatively quickly, its efficacy is sustained for several hours, which makes it a popular choice for managing mild to moderate pain. This duration is beneficial for patients suffering from various types of pain, such as headache, muscle aches, or dental pain, allowing for scheduled dosing to maintain therapeutic effects throughout the day.