Top Acetaminophen Brands: Choose the Best Pain Reliever

Acetaminophen, commonly known for its pain-relieving and fever-reducing properties, is a staple in many medicine cabinets around the world. With numerous brands offering this versatile medication, choosing the best option for your needs can be a daunting task. Some brands are renowned for their consistent quality and efficacy, making them trusted names among both healthcare professionals and patients. To help guide your choice, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best acetaminophen brands available today. Discover the top picks and what sets them apart below.

Illustration of acetaminophen

Best brands of acetaminophen in 2025

Tylenol

Tylenol, introduced in 1955 by McNeil Laboratories and later acquired by Johnson & Johnson in 1959, is a leading brand of acetaminophen, a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer. In 2019, Tylenol held an 11.1% market share of U.S. analgesic tablet sales and is known as the #1 doctor-recommended brand for pain relief. Before a crisis in 1982, Tylenol held a 37% market share, demonstrating its dominance in the painkiller field, and while it experienced a drop, the brand recovered to its original market share. With a global valuation of $9.8 billion USD as of 2022, Tylenol continues to be a trusted household name. For more details, visit Tylenol's official website.

Equate

Equate brand offers acetaminophen products, including 500 mg caplets and 650 mg extended-release tablets, that are considered a cost-effective alternative to name brands, with some users reporting fast pain relief within 15-20 minutes, while others experience relief in 30 minutes; each caplet of Equate Extra Strength Acetaminophen contains 500mg of the active ingredient, and it is used to relieve minor aches and pains, including headaches, backaches, and arthritis, also temporarily reducing fever, and users should not exceed 4000 mg in 24 hours to avoid liver damage. You can find more information about Equate acetaminophen products.

CVS Health

CVS Health is a significant producer of acetaminophen, offering various formulations like extra-strength caplets and liquid solutions, with their 500mg acetaminophen caplets being a widely available option. While specific market share data for CVS Health's acetaminophen production is not readily available, they are a major player in the over-the-counter market, and it's important to note that the private label acetaminophen market share grew to 62% by 2013. They have faced supply challenges and purchasing limits, especially during periods of high demand. Their products are widely available in their pharmacies and online, competing with brand names such as Tylenol. You can find their Extra Strength Acetaminophen product on their website.

Rite Aid

Rite Aid is a trusted brand since 1962, offering various acetaminophen products, including extra-strength 500mg caplets and rapid-release gelcaps, designed for effective pain and fever reduction. Their acetaminophen products are available in multiple forms such as tablets, caplets, and gelcaps, catering to different needs and preferences, with some formulations also including diphenhydramine for nighttime use. Many customers have given positive feedback regarding the effectiveness and value of Rite Aid's acetaminophen, particularly the rapid-release formula for its quick relief, despite a 2021 lawsuit questioning its actual speed compared to non-rapid release options. Rite Aid's acetaminophen, often compared to Tylenol, is available in both 325mg and 500mg doses, with some products containing additional ingredients like caffeine or aspirin for enhanced relief, and can be found at various retailers like Amazon and Rite Aid stores, with a 5-star average rating from over 5000 reviews on some products, like their 500mg caplets. You can find more information about their Extra Strength 500mg Acetaminophen Rapid Release Gelcaps.

Walgreens

Walgreens brand acetaminophen, available in various forms such as 500mg caplets and 650mg extended-release tablets, is a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer, comparable to national brands like Tylenol, with their products being recommended by Walgreens pharmacists. Although specific market share data for Walgreens acetaminophen is not available, acetaminophen as a whole is a leading over-the-counter pain relief option, and Walgreens offers both regular and extra-strength formulations of the medication. Walgreens brand acetaminophen products are readily available for purchase both in stores and online. Despite a recall in 2022 of certain Walgreens acetaminophen products due to packaging issues, the brand maintains a strong presence in the market. You can find more information and purchase Walgreens Extra Strength Pain Reliever Acetaminophen Caplets.

Up & Up

Up & Up, a Target brand launched around 2009, has become a popular choice for acetaminophen, offering both regular and extra-strength tablets, with the extra strength containing 500mg of acetaminophen per tablet, comparable to national brands but at a lower price. While some users have reported changes in the product, many have found it to be a good value, with some formulations having been recently reformulated to meet higher quality standards.

Kirkland Signature

Kirkland Signature is a reputable brand offering acetaminophen, with their Extra Strength version containing 500mg per caplet, which is comparable to Tylenol, and is available in various forms like caplets and gelcaps, often sold in large quantities such as 1000 count bottles, providing effective relief from pain and fever for adults and children 12 years and over. The brand has been providing high-quality products for years, and its acetaminophen is often recommended for its effectiveness. You can find Kirkland Signature Acetaminophen products at various retailers including Costco and Amazon.

Member's Mark

Member's Mark is a well-regarded producer of acetaminophen, offering both 500mg extra-strength caplets and gelcaps that are considered comparable in quality to name brands, providing effective relief from pain and fever. Some users note that the bottles are often filled to the top, unlike some name brands that include cotton filler. Their acetaminophen products are widely available in bulk, often in twin packs of 600 count bottles, or even 1200 count bottles. Member's Mark also produces an extended-release 650mg version for arthritis pain, and these products are sold with a 100% money-back guarantee.

GoodSense

GoodSense is a reputable brand offering various acetaminophen products, including regular strength (325mg) and extra strength (500mg) caplets, as well as extended-release options (650mg) for arthritis pain, providing effective relief from headaches, fever, and other aches, comparable to Tylenol. Some products contain 10% alcohol for multi-symptom relief, and the brand has been widely available since 2010. You can find more information about GoodSense acetaminophen products at various retailers.

Health Mart

Health Mart is a well-regarded brand that offers acetaminophen products, with both regular strength (325mg) and extra strength (500mg) options available in tablet and caplet form, providing effective pain and fever relief for adults and children. While specific market share data is not available, Health Mart is a large independent pharmacy franchise with over 4,000 locations nationwide, and it has been recognized for high customer satisfaction, often being compared to major brands like Tylenol. The brand offers a variety of acetaminophen products, including children's formulations, with a focus on community-centered care and personalized service.