Does Tylenol have aspirin in it?
Tylenol is an over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer that contains the active ingredient acetaminophen. It does not have aspirin or any other type of blood thinner in it. Blood thinners are typically used to help prevent blood clots, which can lead to an increased risk of complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart disease. They may also be used to treat atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism.
If you take a blood thinner or a medication that affects platelet function, your healthcare provider may suggest Tylenol for minor aches, pain, or fever instead of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin), or naproxen sodium (Aleve). NSAIDs can have blood-thinning effects and increase the risk of stomach upset, ulcers, and bleeding. Tylenol is easier on the stomach compared to NSAIDs.
Before starting any new medication, check with your pharmacist or healthcare provider to determine the best option for you.
What is Tylenol used for?
Tylenol (acetaminophen), also known as paracetamol in other countries, is an analgesic and antipyretic. It is used for mild to moderate pain relief, including headaches, muscle aches, sprains, arthritis, backaches, toothaches, and menstrual cramps. It is also a common fever reducer.
Tylenol can be combined with opioid pain medicines for severe pain or with cold and flu products. Be careful not to exceed the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen if you are taking multiple products containing it.
How does Tylenol work?
The exact mechanism of action is not fully known. It is thought to act on the central nervous system to alter the perception of pain and reduce fever. One theory is that it inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the brain. It may also affect the hypothalamic heat-regulating center to lower body temperature.
What are the side effects of Tylenol?
Common side effects are rare but may include:
- Headache
- Nausea
Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention include:
- Allergic reactions such as rash, hives, swelling of face/tongue/lips, or difficulty breathing
- Liver damage from overdose, presenting as dark urine, fatigue, abdominal pain, or yellowing of skin or eyes
The maximum adult dose of acetaminophen is typically 4,000 mg per day but may be lower depending on individual factors. Avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Tylenol to reduce liver risk.
Report adverse effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.
Are there drug interactions with Tylenol?
Tylenol can interact with:
- Warfarin (may increase bleeding risk)
- Alcohol (increased liver toxicity)
- Other acetaminophen-containing products (risk of overdose)
- Isoniazid and rifampin (liver enzyme inducers)
- Phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital (may increase acetaminophen metabolism)
When should you not take Tylenol?
Avoid acetaminophen if you are:
- Allergic to acetaminophen or any inactive ingredients
- Suffering from severe liver disease
What should you tell your healthcare provider before taking Tylenol?
Discuss if you:
- Have liver disease
- Consume three or more alcoholic drinks per day
- Have phenylketonuria (some formulations contain aspartame)
- Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
- Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
Is aspirin an NSAID?
Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs reduce pain and inflammation from headaches, arthritis, menstrual cramps, injuries, and muscle aches. Low-dose aspirin is also used to prevent cardiovascular events due to its blood-thinning effect.
Can you take Tylenol if you are allergic to aspirin?
If you must avoid aspirin or other NSAIDs due to allergy, Tylenol is generally considered a safe alternative for pain relief and fever reduction. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
Does Advil have aspirin in it?
No, Advil does not contain aspirin. Its active ingredient is ibuprofen, another NSAID. Both ibuprofen and aspirin reduce pain and inflammation, but Aspirin also has a distinct blood-thinning use. Avoid ibuprofen if you are on blood thinners to reduce bleeding risk.
Related Medications
- Regular Strength Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Tylenol Extra Strength (acetaminophen)
- Bayer Enteric-Coated Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)
- Aleve (naproxen sodium)
- Advil (ibuprofen)
- Motrin (ibuprofen)
Sources
- American Heart Association. Aspirin and heart disease. Accessed Sept. 11, 2024.
- FDA. Aspirin for reducing your risk of heart attack and stroke: Know the facts. Accessed Sept. 11, 2024.
- Medscape. Aspirin (Rx, OTC). Accessed Sept. 11, 2024.
- DailyMed. Tylenol Regular Strength – acetaminophen tablet. Accessed Sept. 11, 2024.
- Medscape. Acetaminophen (OTC). Accessed Sept. 11, 2024.
- Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. What is Acetaminophen? Accessed Sept. 11, 2024.