Best Acetaminophen for Headache of 2026

Bonnie Salem Avatar
Bonnie Salem
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2026

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Acetaminophen is a popular over-the-counter medication used to relieve mild to moderate headaches. It is an effective pain reliever and fever reducer that works by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the brain. It is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquid suspension. Acetaminophen is a safe and well-tolerated medication when used as directed, but it is important to avoid taking more than the recommended dose to prevent liver damage. It is also important to note that acetaminophen should not be used for headaches caused by a more serious underlying condition.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Tylenol Extra Strength Caplets Cover #TOP 1
Tylenol Extra Strength Caplets
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Tylenol Infants Acetaminophen Medicine, Dye Free Cherry, 2 fl. oz Cover #TOP 2
Tylenol Infants Acetaminophen Medicine, Dye Free Cherry, 2 fl. oz
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Tylenol Extra Strength Acetaminophen Rapid Release Gels, 100 ct Cover #TOP 3
Tylenol Extra Strength Acetaminophen Rapid Release Gels, 100 ct
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Acetaminophen for Headache

#TOP 1

Tylenol Extra Strength Caplets

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White
Tylenol Extra Strength Caplets Cover
Tylenol Extra Strength Pain Relief Pills, Acetaminophen 500mg Caplets, Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer Medicine for Headache, Backache, Toothache & Minor Arthritis, 100 Count Bottle

Tylenol Extra Strength Caplets are a pain reliever and fever reducer containing 500 mg acetaminophen for effective temporary relief of minor aches and pains. It is recommended for headaches, backaches, menstrual cramps, toothaches, and pain caused by the common cold. This extra strength acetaminophen pain reliever is safe when used as directed and can be used by adults and children who are 12 years and older. Tylenol is the #1 doctor recommended brand for pain relief and fever reduction.

What We Like
Fast-acting pain relief
Easy to swallow caplets
Gentle on stomach
Consistent, reliable results
Good value pricing

Tylenol Infants Acetaminophen Medicine, Dye Free Cherry, 2 fl. oz

300450167620
2 Ounce
Tylenol Infants Acetaminophen Medicine, Dye Free Cherry, 2 fl. oz Cover
Infants' Tylenol Liquid Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer Medicine, Acetaminophen Oral Suspension for Sore Throat, Headache & Teething, Kids Fever Reducer; Dye-Free Cherry Flavor, 2 fl oz, Pack of 1

Relieve your little one's minor aches and pains due to common cold, flu, sore throat, and toothache with Tylenol Infants Acetaminophen Medicine. Its 5-milliliter dose contains 160 milligrams of acetaminophen, which is a known pain reliever and fever reducer. It comes in a kid-friendly cherry flavor that is gentle on little tummies, and is formulated to be alcohol, aspirin, and ibuprofen-free. The package includes a SimpleMeasure dosing syringe that dispenses the proper dosage for your child's age and weight. It is recommended for children aged 2-3 years old and can also be used for teething pain in infants.

What We Like
Fast fever and pain relief
Easy, accurate dosing syringe
Dye-free, gentle formula
Pediatrician recommended
Mild, kid-friendly flavor
#TOP 3

Tylenol Extra Strength Acetaminophen Rapid Release Gels, 100 ct

JO48810
White
Tylenol Extra Strength Acetaminophen Rapid Release Gels, 100 ct Cover
Tylenol Extra Strength Acetaminophen Rapid Release Gels, Pain Reliever & Fever Reducer, Gelcaps with Laser-Drilled Holes for Fast Release, Gentle on Stomach, 500 mg Per Gelcap, 100 Count OTC Medicine

Tylenol Extra Strength Acetaminophen Rapid Release Gels come in a 100-count bottle and are designed to provide fast relief from minor aches, pains, and fever. The unique laser-drilled holes in each gelcap quickly release 500mg of acetaminophen for extra strength pain relief. This oral pain reliever is suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and older and can be used to treat headaches, toothaches, backaches, cramps, and pain caused by the common cold.

What We Like
Fast pain relief
Easy to swallow
Long-lasting effect
Effective for multiple pains
Good value for price

Tylenol Children's Chewables 160 mg

580828
Purple
24 Count
Tylenol Children's Chewables 160 mg Cover
Children's Tylenol Chewables with 160 mg Acetaminophen, Pain Reliever & Fever Reducer for Kids' Cold + Flu Symptoms, Headache, Sore Throat & Toothache, Aspirin-Free, Grape Flavor, 24 ct

Tylenol Kids Chewables offer effective relief for your child's minor aches, pains, and cold symptoms. Each chewable tablet contains 160 mg of acetaminophen, which helps reduce fever and alleviate discomfort from headaches, sore throats, and even toothaches. The kid-friendly grape flavor makes it easy for children aged 2 to 11 to take their medicine without fuss. Plus, this formula is free from ibuprofen and aspirin, ensuring a gentle option for their tummies while providing trusted relief. With over 60 years of reliability, Tylenol is the top choice for parents seeking pediatric pain and fever solutions.

What We Like
Easy for kids to chew
Good taste for children
Convenient for travel
No need for swallowing pills
Effective symptom relief
#TOP 5

Amazon Basic Care Extra Strength Pain Relief Caplets

Amazon Basic Care
SB-123
White
500 Count
Amazon Basic Care Extra Strength Pain Relief Caplets Cover
Amazon Basic Care Extra Strength Pain Relief, Acetaminophen Caplets, 500 mg, Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer, 500 Count (Packaging may vary)

Amazon Basic Care Extra Strength Pain Relief Caplets contain Acetaminophen 500mg which is similar to Extra Strength Tylenol Caplets. It offers temporary relief for minor aches and pains caused by different factors such as toothache, headache, and backache. The product can also be used to reduce fever for adults and children aged 12 years and above. Pain can be caused by injury or illness, but the product can help ease the pain for a brief time or longer duration.

What We Like
Affordable price
Same active ingredient
Effective pain relief
Large quantity package
Reliable performance
#TOP 6

Amazon Basic Care Acetaminophen PM, Pain Reliever Plus Nighttime Sleep Aid

Amazon Basic Care
SB-123
Blue
Amazon Basic Care Acetaminophen PM, Pain Reliever Plus Nighttime Sleep Aid Cover
Amazon Basic Care Acetaminophen PM Caplets, Pain Reliever Plus Nighttime Sleep Aid, Extra Strength, Helps Occasional Minor Aches, Pains and Headache Relief, 100 Count, Packaging may vary

Amazon Basic Care Acetaminophen PM is a pain reliever and nighttime sleep aid that contains 500 mg of acetaminophen and 25 mg of diphenhydramine HCl in each caplet. It helps relieve minor aches and pains and promotes restful sleep for adults and children 12 years and over. The extra-strength formula is non-habit forming and contains no aspirin or gluten.

What We Like
Combines pain relief and nighttime sleep aid
Easy-to-swallow caplets
Non-habit forming
Effective for relieving minor pain with sleeplessness
Child-resistant cap
#TOP 7

Tylenol Extra Strength Dissolve Packs with Acetaminophen, Berry, 32 Count

041532
Multi
32 Count
Tylenol Extra Strength Dissolve Packs with Acetaminophen, Berry, 32 Count Cover
Tylenol Extra Strength Dissolve Powder Packs, 500 mg Acetaminophen Pain Reliever & Fever Reducer Medicine, Fast Relief for Minor Aches & Pains, Ibuprofen- & Aspirin-Free, On-the-Go Berry Flavor, 32 Ct

Tylenol Extra Strength Dissolve Packs feature a great tasting Berry flavor and temporarily relieve minor aches and pains due to common cold, headache, backache, muscle aches, minor pain of arthritis, menstrual cramps, and toothache. Each packet contains 500 mg of acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer, and is both ibuprofen-free and aspirin-free. This portable pain medicine dissolves in seconds on the tongue with no water needed, and is safe for both adults and children 12 years of age and older. It's a convenient form to have on hand whenever pain hits.

What We Like
No water needed
Fast pain relief
Easy to carry
Gentle on stomach
Convenient single-dose packets
#TOP 8

Tylenol Regular Strength Tablets

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White
Tylenol Regular Strength Tablets Cover
Tylenol Regular Strength Tablets with 325 mg of Acetaminophen, Fever Reducer & Pain Reliever for Headache, Backache, Muscle Aches, Joint Pain & Menstrual Cramps, 100 ct

Tylenol Pain Reliever is a 100-count bottle of acetaminophen tablets that provides temporary relief of minor aches and pains, as well as helps reduce fever. Each tablet contains 325 mg of acetaminophen, which effectively relieves pain and has a great safety profile when used as directed. This pain reliever can be used by adults and children 6 years and older. It is ideal for alleviating common pain symptoms like headache, backache, toothache, menstrual cramps, and pain caused by the common cold. With Tylenol Pain Reliever, you can experience effective relief and get back to feeling your best. It is the #1 doctor recommended brand for pain relief and fever reduction.

What We Like
Temporary relief of aches and pains
Reduces fever
Excellent safety profile
#TOP 9

Tylenol Extra Strength Acetaminophen Caplets, 500 mg, Pain Relief & Fever Reducer for Headache

0800005
Red Box
Tylenol Extra Strength Acetaminophen Caplets, 500 mg, Pain Relief & Fever Reducer for Headache Cover
Tylenol Extra Strength Acetaminophen Caplets, 500 mg, Pain Relief & Fever Reducer for Headache, Backache, Toothache, Menstrual Cramps & Pain, Travel-Friendly Packaging, 2-Caplet Pouches, 50 Count

Features
Fever Reducer And Headache Medicine: Tylenol Extra Strength Temporarily Reduces Fever And Relieves Pain; Indicated For Adults And Children 12 Years And Older
Extra Strength Pain Relief Pills: Each Tylenol Caplet Contains 500 Mg Acetaminophen For Fast, Effective Relief Of Minor Aches And Pains; Can Be Used For Headache, Backache, Toothache, Minor Pain Of Arthritis, And Menstrual Cramps
Travel Size Medicine In Convenient Pouches: This Tylenol Extra Strength Pack Includes 50 Two-Caplet Pouches For Easy, On-The-Go Use; Perfect For Travel, Work, First Aid Kits, Or Keeping In Your Bag For Pain Relief Anytime
Long-Lasting Relief And Safety: Formulated For Fast And Long Lasting Relief With An Excellent Safety Profile When Used As Directed; Tylenol Does Not Contain Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Or Caffeine
FSA & HSA Eligible: Tylenol Is The #1 Doctor-Recommended Brand For Pain Relief And Fever Reduction. FSA/HSA Eligibility Requirements May Vary. Please Check With Your FSA Or HSA Administrator To Confirm If This Item Qualifies Before Purchasing
#TOP 10

Amazon Basic Care Acetaminophen 650 mg

Amazon Basic Care
54479
White
Amazon Basic Care Acetaminophen 650 mg Cover
Amazon Basic Care Acetaminophen Extended-Release Tablets, 650 mg, Arthritis Pain, 400 Count

Amazon Acetaminophen Pain Relief offers effective support for those dealing with minor arthritis pain. Each tablet contains 650 mg of acetaminophen, which is designed to relieve pain and reduce fever. This product is particularly useful for alleviating various discomforts, such as muscular aches, backaches, and menstrual cramps. Additionally, the extended-release formula ensures that you experience longer-lasting relief without the worry of taking multiple doses. Plus, it’s gluten-free and aspirin-free, making it a safe choice for many users. The child-resistant cap adds an extra layer of safety for households with children.

What We Like
Affordable price
Effective pain relief
Extended-release formula
Large quantity per bottle
Easy-to-swallow coating
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which painkiller is best for headache?

Studies show aspirin to be the OTC medication that works best for relieving pain, and they show that ibuprofen works better than acetaminophen. Talk to your doctor about what's best for you....Try these over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers:. Acetaminophen.Aspirin.Ibuprofen.Naproxen.

2. Is ibuprofen or acetaminophen better for headaches?

For most run-of-the-mill headaches, it's usually best to try acetaminophen (Tylenol and generic) first. It doesn't pose the risk of stomach bleeding and heart attack associated with the regular use of most nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a class of painkillers that includes ibuprofen (Advil and generic).

3. How much acetaminophen is good for a headache?

The standard adult dose for Tylenol is two 325 mg capsules every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed 10 tablets in 24 hours. 3 The maximum daily amount of acetaminophen should not exceed 4,000 mg.

4. Can acetaminophen make your headache worse?

Common pain relievers such as aspirin and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may contribute to medication overuse headaches — especially if you exceed the recommended daily dosages.

Editor's Notes

During our acetaminophen for headache research, we found 24 acetaminophen for headache products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,328,936 customer reviews through our big data system to write the acetaminophen for headache list. We found that most customers choose acetaminophen for headache with an average price of $14.54.

The acetaminophen for headache are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of acetaminophen for headache, including Tylenol and more. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Bonnie Salem Avatar

Bonnie Salem is a stay-at-home mother with two-year-old twins and has spent almost half of her life surrounded by baby products. As a mother and a professional copywriter, she has an insightful and unique eye for researching products suitable for infants. Bonnie Salem is an expert in health and nutrition who lives with her family in New Jersey. She has over 15 years of working experience in an institute of medicine after graduating from the University of Toronto. She is highly interested in personal health and wellness.