Tylenol Side Effects

Generally, side effects only occur if you take too much Tylenol. Side effects that are potentially serious but rarely occur include appetite loss, yellowing of the eyes or skin, kidney failure, and seizures. Most people do not experience any Tylenol side effects, except when the drug is taken inappropriately. Make sure to contact your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects.

 

Tylenol Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Tylenol® (acetaminophen); however, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. In most cases, side effects occur when you take too much Tylenol.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Tylenol. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Tylenol side effects with you.)
 

Serious Side Effects of Tylenol

Tylenol is a non-prescription medication. With prescription medications, the manufacturers must provide "prescribing information" that includes detailed information about side effects. However, such information is not available for most non-prescription medications, including Tylenol.
 
Most of the information about Tylenol side effects comes from information about Tylenol overdose. Therefore, these serious side effects are not very common (unless, of course, you take too much Tylenol). These include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Appetite loss
  • Sweating
  • Diarrhea
  • Irritability
  • Abdominal pain, especially near the liver (the upper right part of the abdomen)
  • Yellow eyes or skin
  • Liver failure
  • Kidney failure
  • Heart problems
  • Coma
  • Seizures
  • Loss of life.
     
Rarely, ulcers or bleeding in the digestive tract can occur with Tylenol, although it is much less common for Tylenol than for other non-prescription pain relievers.
 
Most people do not experience any Tylenol side effects, except when Tylenol is taken inappropriately.
 
(Tylenol Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;