The white, round pill marked PH 020 is Pharbetol Regular Strength. Each tablet contains acetaminophen 325 mg, an over-the-counter medicine used for minor pain and fever. It contains no opioid ingredient and is not a controlled substance.
Finding a loose tablet can be worrying, especially when several medicines have similar colors and shapes. Check the full imprint, size, shape and original package before taking it. Ask a pharmacist to identify the tablet when any detail is unclear.
Possible overdose: If someone may have taken too much acetaminophen, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away, even if the person feels well. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing or cannot be awakened.
What is the PH 020 pill?
PH 020 is a regular-strength acetaminophen tablet sold under the Pharbetol brand. Acetaminophen is also called paracetamol outside the United States. It relieves mild to moderate pain and lowers fever.
PH 020 identification details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Imprint | PH 020, sometimes listed as PH020 |
| Active ingredient | Acetaminophen |
| Strength | 325 mg |
| Brand | Pharbetol Regular Strength |
| Color | White |
| Shape | Round |
| Size | 10 mm |
| Score line | No score |
| Route | Oral |
| Product type | Over-the-counter medicine |
| Drug class | Pain reliever and fever reducer |
| Controlled substance | No |
| Labeler | Pharbest Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
| Base NDC | 16103-353 |
The complete imprint matters. A search for a white pill marked only 020 can return several unrelated medicines. The letters PH, the round shape and the white color are part of the identification.
The current Pharbest formulation lists povidone, pregelatinized corn starch, sodium starch glycolate and stearic acid as inactive ingredients. Check the package if you have an allergy or sensitivity because inactive ingredients can differ between products.
An online match cannot confirm the contents of a tablet from an unknown source. Do not take it when the imprint is incomplete, its appearance differs from the description or you cannot confirm where it came from.
What is PH 020 used for?
Acetaminophen 325 mg temporarily relieves minor aches and pains caused by:
- Headache
- Backache
- Toothache
- Muscular aches
- Minor arthritis pain
- Premenstrual and menstrual cramps
- The common cold
It also temporarily reduces fever.
Acetaminophen changes how the body senses pain and helps lower body temperature. It does not have the same anti-inflammatory action as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin. Pain that continues or keeps returning may need medical evaluation rather than repeated self-treatment.
PH 020 dosage and safe use
Follow the directions on the package in your possession. Current directions for Pharbetol Regular Strength are shown below.
| Age | Dose | Maximum in 24 hours |
|---|---|---|
| Adults and children 12 years and older | Take 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms last | 10 tablets |
| Children 6 to under 12 years | Take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms last | 5 tablets |
| Children under 6 years | Ask a doctor | A doctor must set the dose |
Two PH 020 tablets contain 650 mg of acetaminophen. Ten tablets contain 3,250 mg, which is the current maximum daily amount for this product.
Why do some websites list a 12-tablet limit?
Some older PH 020 records for repackaged products list a maximum of 12 tablets in 24 hours. That amount equals 3,900 mg of acetaminophen. The current Pharbest directions for base NDC 16103-353 limit adults and children 12 years and older to 10 tablets, or 3,250 mg, in 24 hours.
Use the directions on a current, unexpired package. Ask a pharmacist before taking the medicine if the package and an online source give different limits.
The product limit and the 4,000 mg warning
The PH 020 product limit is 3,250 mg in 24 hours for adults and children 12 years and older. A separate safety warning states that severe liver damage may occur if an adult takes more than 4,000 mg of acetaminophen from all sources in 24 hours.
The 4,000 mg figure is not a target dose. Stay within the lower limit printed on the product you are using. A doctor may recommend an even lower amount based on your health, body size, alcohol use or other medicines.
How long can you take it?
Stop using the medicine and contact a doctor when:
- Adult pain gets worse or lasts longer than 10 days
- Pain in a child under 12 gets worse or lasts longer than 5 days
- Fever gets worse or lasts longer than 3 days
- New symptoms appear
- Redness or swelling develops
These symptoms may point to a condition that needs medical care.
Acetaminophen and liver safety
Taking too much acetaminophen can cause severe liver damage. An overdose can happen from taking too many PH 020 tablets or using more than one acetaminophen product at the same time.
Acetaminophen is found in many cold, flu, migraine and prescription pain medicines. A label may shorten its name to APAP, AC or another abbreviation. Check the active ingredients on every package before combining medicines.
Do not take PH 020 with another medicine that contains acetaminophen unless a healthcare professional has given you clear instructions. Keep a written total of every acetaminophen dose taken during the same 24-hour period.
Alcohol and liver disease
Severe liver damage may occur when an adult has 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using acetaminophen. Ask a doctor before use if you have liver disease. A lower dose or another pain treatment may be needed.
Possible signs of liver injury include:
- Pain in the upper-right part of the abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
- Yellow skin or eyes
Get medical help if these symptoms develop.
What happens if you take too much PH 020?
An acetaminophen overdose is a medical emergency. Early symptoms can be mild or completely absent, while liver damage may already be developing. Do not wait for pain, vomiting or yellow skin before getting help.
Possible overdose symptoms include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Sweating
- Upper abdominal pain
- Extreme tiredness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Yellow skin or eyes
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 after a possible overdose. The service is free and available throughout the United States. Be ready to give the person’s age, the product name, tablet strength, possible amount taken and time of exposure.
Call 911 if the person has collapsed, had a seizure, cannot be awakened or has trouble breathing. Do not make the person vomit unless a medical professional tells you to do so.
PH 020 side effects
Many people have no side effects when acetaminophen is used as directed. Possible mild effects can include nausea, upset stomach or headache. Contact a healthcare professional if a symptom continues or worries you.
Serious reactions
Stop taking the medicine and get medical help for:
- Hives or severe itching
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Skin redness, blistering or peeling
- A spreading rash
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Upper abdominal pain
Severe allergic and skin reactions are uncommon, but they require prompt care. A serious skin reaction can occur even if you have taken acetaminophen before without a problem. If acetaminophen caused a serious skin reaction in the past, do not use another product that contains it.
Warnings and drug interactions
Do not take PH 020 if you are allergic to acetaminophen or any inactive ingredient in the tablet.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking PH 020 if you:
- Have liver disease
- Take warfarin, a blood-thinning medicine
- Drink alcohol regularly
- Take prescription drugs, OTC medicines, vitamins or supplements
- Need pain medicine often or for a long period
The product label specifically tells people taking warfarin to ask a doctor or pharmacist before use. Regular acetaminophen use may require closer monitoring in someone who takes this medicine.
Never combine PH 020 with another acetaminophen product without checking the total dose. Common cold and flu products may contain acetaminophen along with several other ingredients.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and children
Ask a healthcare professional before using PH 020 during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Your doctor or pharmacist can consider the reason for treatment, the amount needed, how long it may be used and your other health conditions.
Some pill databases still display the old pregnancy category C. That letter does not replace the current product direction to ask a healthcare professional before use.
Children 6 to under 12 years have a lower product dose. Ask a doctor before giving this adult regular-strength tablet to a child under 6. Check every cold or fever medicine given to a child because several products may contain acetaminophen.
PH 020 compared with other pain medicines
| Medicine | Active ingredient | Main difference |
|---|---|---|
| PH 020 | Acetaminophen 325 mg | Pharbetol Regular Strength; no opioid ingredient |
| Regular-strength Tylenol | Acetaminophen 325 mg | Same active ingredient and strength, with a different brand and imprint |
| Percocet | Oxycodone plus acetaminophen | Prescription opioid combination; strengths vary |
| Ibuprofen | Ibuprofen | NSAID that treats pain, fever and inflammation; warnings differ |
PH 020 is sold under the Pharbetol brand. Tylenol is another brand that also sells regular-strength acetaminophen 325 mg.
Another common product is a white 500 mg acetaminophen tablet marked S500. It contains more acetaminophen per tablet and has different dosing directions, so check the full imprint and strength before use.
What should you do with a loose or unfamiliar pill?
Color alone cannot identify a medicine. Use all available details:
- The full imprint on both sides
- Shape
- Color
- Size
- Score line
- Original bottle or blister package
Do not take a pill that came from an unknown person or source. Avoid tablets that are chipped, discolored, altered or different from verified images. A pharmacist can inspect the tablet and check its packaging.
Storage and disposal
Store PH 020 at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Keep it in its original, tightly closed container away from excess heat and moisture. Do not store it where children or pets can reach it.
Do not use the product if the safety seal is broken or missing. Check the expiration date before taking a dose. Use a local medicine take-back program for tablets that are expired or no longer needed. Do not flush acetaminophen down the toilet.
Frequently asked questions
Is PH 020 a narcotic?
No. PH 020 contains acetaminophen 325 mg. It has no narcotic or opioid ingredient and is not a controlled substance.
Is PH 020 the same as Tylenol?
PH 020 and regular-strength Tylenol both contain acetaminophen 325 mg. PH 020 is sold as Pharbetol and has a different imprint and manufacturer.
Does PH 020 contain aspirin?
No. The PH 020 tablet contains acetaminophen as its active ingredient. It contains no aspirin.
Does PH 020 contain oxycodone?
No. Oxycodone is an opioid found in prescription medicines such as Percocet. PH 020 contains acetaminophen alone.
Does PH 020 make you sleepy?
Acetaminophen alone does not usually cause sleepiness. Some cold, flu and nighttime products combine it with ingredients that can cause drowsiness. Check the full active-ingredient list.
Can you take PH 020 with ibuprofen?
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are different medicines, and some adults can use them together. People considering both should understand ibuprofen’s stomach, kidney, bleeding, and heart warnings. Check both labels and ask a pharmacist if you have a health condition or take other medicines.
Can you take PH 020 on an empty stomach?
Acetaminophen can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may feel better if it causes mild stomach upset.
What should you do if you miss a dose?
Acetaminophen is usually taken only when needed. If a doctor has told you to take it on a schedule, take the missed dose when you remember unless the next dose is near. Never take 2 doses together to make up for one you missed.
Final safety guidance
The white, round PH 020 pill contains acetaminophen 325 mg and is used for minor pain and fever. Check every medicine for acetaminophen, follow the dose on your package and keep a total of how much you take in 24 hours.
Ask a pharmacist to confirm any loose or unfamiliar tablet. Contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately if someone may have taken more than directed, even when no symptoms are present.
Medical disclaimer
This article provides general information about the PH 020 pill. It does not replace advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor, pharmacist or Poison Control specialist. Always follow the directions on your medicine package and seek professional help when you have questions about a dose, interaction or possible overdose.
Sources
- DailyMed: Pharbetol Regular Strength acetaminophen 325 mg
- DailyMed: Archived Pharbetol label with older dosing directions
- MedlinePlus: Acetaminophen
- FDA: Safe use of acetaminophen
- Poison Control
- Drugs.com: PH 020 pill identification
- Cleveland Clinic: Acetaminophen capsules or tablets
- NHS: Paracetamol for adults