Tylenol

The active ingredient in Tylenol is acetaminophen. To reduce pain, acetaminophen blocks enzyme production in the brain to inhibit pain nerve impulses. To reduce fever, acetaminophen targets structures such as the hypothalamus to regulate body temperature.

Follow all directions given to you by your healthcare provider and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Tylenol. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Tylenol: Tylenol comes in a variety of forms which are taken either orally, topically, or rectally. These consist of tablets, chewable tablets, rapid-dissolve tablets, slow-release tablets, gel capsules, a liquid solution, skin creams, and a suppository. Tylenol can be taken by mouth every 4-6 hours or 6-8 hours as needed, depending on the dosage form and strength.Tylenol can be taken either with or without food. For children’s Tylenol, repeat dosage every 4 hours while symptoms last, using only the dosing device provided. No more than 5 doses should be administered to children within 24 hours. Do not take more than one product that contains acetaminophen at a time.

The most common side effects of Tylenol seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Nausea – studies have shown this to be the most common side effect.
• Headache. Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Tylenol.

These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Liver damage: Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach pain, extreme tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, and dark urine.
• Overdose: Taking too much Tylenol can lead to liver damage or failure. Serious allergic reaction: Symptoms can include rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), and trouble breathing.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Tylenol. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Risks to Liver: The maximum daily dose of Tylenol is 4,000 mg for adults. However, people with certain health conditions, such as liver problems, may need to take a lower dose.

The recommended Tylenol dose for children is based on their body weight. Some products may also have an age range that you can use to determine the correct dose if you do not know their weight.

If these dosages are exceeded within 24 hours, taken with other drugs containing acetaminophen, or if an adult has 3 or more alcoholic beverages during use, severe liver damage may occur.

Allergic Reaction: Acetaminophen may cause severe skin reactions such as rashes, blisters, or reddening of the skin. Talk to your healthcare provider if any of the above applies to you or a family member or any of the following: pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days in adults or 5 days in children under 12 years of age, fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days, new symptoms occur. Overdose: In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention or contact a Poison Control Center, even if signs or symptoms are unnoticeable. (1-800-222-1222).

Avoid taking Tylenol if you or any family member are allergic to acetaminophen, have liver disease, or drink multiple alcoholic beverages per day. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you currently take.

There are multiple factors to consider when assessing the time needed for Tylenol to take effect including the form of medicine taken, whether the medicine was taken on a full or empty stomach, and what condition is being treated. Rapid dissolve and liquid solution can take around 20 minutes to start working, whereas tablets and slow release can take around 45 minutes. If you take Tylenol on a full stomach, it may take twice as long compared to when taken on an empty stomach. Suppositories can take up to two hours to come into effect. It generally takes more time for Tylenol to treat fever than to relieve pain.

When Tylenol is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare provider about anything that you are taking, including: Warfarin, Alcohol, Other products that contain acetaminophen as it increases your risk of an accidental overdose.

The maximum recommended dosage for Tylenol is 3000mg per day. However, healthcare providers may exercise their discretion and recommend up to 4000mg per day depending on the specific needs of pain relief for their patients. In regular strength products for adults, such as tablets and liquid gels, the dosage is 325mg per tablet to treat mild to moderate pain relief. In oral suspension for children, the dosage is 150mg per 5mL. The amount to administer will depend on the child’s weight and years of age. In extra strength Tylenol, pm extra strength, and rapid-release capsules for adults, the dosage is 500mg per caplet. In extended-release 8-hour tablets for adults, typically used to treat arthritis and muscle pain, the dosage is 650mg per bi-layer tablet.

Elements such as heat, moisture, and even light can damage your medications. Tylenol should be stored at room temperature (20-25 degrees Celsius/68-77 degrees Fahrenheit), preferably in the kitchen cabinet rather than the bathroom cabinet, as light and humidity can affect the efficacy of Tylenol, specifically the tablets or capsules. Once opened, Tylenol can remain in a room-temperature environment and does not need to be stored in the refrigerator. Keep out of the reach of children.

Tylenol is manufactured by Johnson & Johnson.

Acetaminophen and paracetamol are considered the generic versions of brand-name Tylenol.

You should take Tylenol at the dose and length of time recommended by your healthcare provider. There is no need to taper off of Tylenol as it will not cause withdrawal symptoms.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.Tylenol is safe to treat headaches and fever at all stages of pregnancy. Should these symptoms last longer than a few days or even worsen, consult your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.

Tylenol is generally considered safe to use while breastfeeding. However, talk to your healthcare provider before use. Should there be any risks, your healthcare professional can recommend a safer option. You can take the smallest recommended dosage of Tylenol to lessen the amount that passes to your baby in breast milk. Avoid taking Tylenol labeled extra-strength, long-lasting, or multi-symptom as it will have larger doses that remain in the body. Inform your baby’s pediatrician if they show signs of a reaction such as excessive crying, diarrhea, or changes in their sleep or feeding schedules.