Tylenol
® (
acetaminophen) is a non-prescription pain reliever and fever reducer. It is one of the most commonly used non-prescription medications. Compared to other non-prescription pain relievers, Tylenol is less likely to cause ulcers and to interact with other medications. However, it may be more likely to cause liver damage, especially when taken at very high doses or in people who already have liver damage.
This article refers to Tylenol that is taken by mouth for adults and children age 12 and older. For information on Tylenol for younger children or infants, see
Children's Tylenol and
Infant Tylenol.
Tylenol is made by McNeil Consumer Healthcare. Many generic versions are available, made by several different generic manufacturers.
Even though Tylenol has been around for quite a while, it is not entirely clear exactly how it works. It is known to work differently from any other non-prescription medication. Most other non-prescription pain relievers or fever reducers are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Both NSAIDS and Tylenol block the body's production of prostaglandins (naturally occurring chemicals that cause inflammation and fever). However, while NSAIDS block prostaglandin production throughout the body, Tylenol appears to do so just in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). It may also work by blocking pain signals from nerves or preventing such signals from forming.
When and How to Take Tylenol
General considerations for when and how to take this medication include the following:
- Tylenol comes in a variety of forms, including tablets, caplets, gel tabs, chewable tablets, and liquid. It is usually taken by mouth every four to six hours as needed.
- Two long-acting forms are also available: Tylenol Arthritis Pain and Tylenol 8 Hour. These products contain one layer that dissolves quickly for rapid pain relief and a second layer that dissolves slowly. These products are taken every eight hours.
- Tylenol can be taken with or without food. If the drug bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- It is important to keep track of how much Tylenol you take, as it is easy to take too much (see Tylenol Poisoning). It is important to remember that acetaminophen (the active ingredient of it) is found in many medications, both prescription and non-prescription.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
Your recommended dose of Tylenol will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- The particular product
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Tylenol. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Possibly serious side effects include but are not limited to:
- Allergic reactions
- Liver damage
- Ulcers or bleeding in the digestive tract.
(Click Tylenol Side Effects to learn more, including other serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking It?
Talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Tylenol if you have:
- Liver disease, such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatitis
- G6PD deficiency (a certain enzyme deficiency)
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Tylenol may experience:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Appetite loss
- Sweating
- Irritability
- Abdominal (stomach) pain, especially near the liver (the upper-right part of the abdomen)
- Diarrhea
- Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Liver failure
- Kidney failure
- Heart problems
- Coma
- Seizures
- Loss of life.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should the Medication Be Stored?
Tylenol should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, in an airtight container.
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
Most people take Tylenol occasionally, just when they need it. However, sometimes healthcare providers recommend that some people take it on a daily basis. If you do not take your Tylenol as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Brand-name Tylenol is available in several different forms and strengths. Adult Tylenol comes in three different strengths:
- 325 mg (regular strength)
- 500 mg (extra strength)
- 650 mg (extended-release).
Regular-strength Tylenol comes only in tablets, while extra-strength Tylenol is available in the following forms:
- Tylenol Caplets
- Tylenol Cool Caplets, which have a special coating that provides a cooling sensation in your mouth and throat
- Tylenol GoTabs (chewable tablets)
- Tylenol EZ Tabs, which are smaller, easier-to-swallow tablets
- Tylenol Rapid Release Gels, which have special holes to release the medication quickly
- Tylenol Rapid Blast Liquid, which contains 500 mg of Tylenol in each tablespoonful (in each 15 mL).
Extended-release (650 mg) Tylenol is available as the following products:
Is There a Generic Version of Tylenol?
Currently, many different versions of generic Tylenol are available
(see Generic Tylenol).
