Tylenol: Uses, Dosage, Price, Side Effects, Precautions & More

September 5, 2018

What is Tylenol?

Tylenol is a para-aminophenol derivative, acetaminophen. It raises the threshold to painful stimuli, thus exerting an analgesic effect against pain due to a variety of etiologies. Tylenol is available without a prescription and is used as a common household analgesic. Tylenol is an effective mild pain reliever with a low risk of side effects.

Other variants and composition –

Variant	Composition
Tylenol 650Mg Tablet	Acetaminophen 650 MG
Tylenol 500Mg Tablet	Paracetamol 500 MG
Tylenol 100S Tablet	Acetaminophen 250 MG

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Uses of Tylenol

Tylenol is used to treat:

Headache
Muscle aches
Toothaches
Arthritis
Cold and fever

Also read about other medicine's Uses: Sildenafil Uses

How does Tylenol work?

Tylenol contains the active ingredient acetaminophen, which is a pain reliever and fever reducer.
It works by elevating the body’s overall pain threshold so you feel less pain and lowers your fever by helping your body eliminate excess heat.

How to take Tylenol?

Take Tylenol by mouth.
Tylenol can be taken with or without food.
Measure the liquid form using a measuring cup or spoon.

Tylenol Price In India

Specifics	Tylenol Price
Bottle of 500mg Tablets	Rs 55

Also Read: Zantac Price | Zofran Price

Common Dosage of Tylenol

Recommended dosage for adults is 4000 mg in 24 hours.
You can take 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours.
In the case of children (>2 years), only 5 tablets can be consumed in 24 hours. More than that can cause severe side effects.

When to avoid Tylenol?

There are no serious interactions with acetaminophen and other drugs.

May interact with some other medications including warfarin.
Isoniazid may affect how your liver processes Tylenol. The amount of a metabolite of Tylenol in your liver may increase and cause liver damage.
Tylenol, when taken with busulfan, may slow down how quickly your body gets rid of busulfan.

Precautions when taking Tylenol

Never take more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen at the same time.
If you are allergic to Tylenol or any of the ingredients present in it, avoid taking this drug.
Do not take Tylenol if you already have some problem with your liver.
Consult your doctor before giving Tylenol to children below 2 years of age.
If giving it to a child, use the product which is for children only.

Side Effects of Tylenol

In rare cases, some of the side effects of Tylenol have been:

Difficulty breathing
Swelling (face, lips, throat)
itching
rash
Severe side effect involves liver damage, whose symptoms are:
- nausea
- vomiting
- yellowing of the skin and eyes
- abdominal pain
- dark urine
- fatigue

Also Read: Verapamil Side Effect | Yasmin Side Effect

Effects on organs?

On stomach and intestine- Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, dyspepsia, enlarged abdomen.
On skin- Rash, pruritus
On lungs- Dyspnea, abnormal breath sounds, pulmonary edema, hypoxia, pleural effusion, stridor, wheezing, coughing
On heart-Peripheral edema, hypertension, hypotension, tachycardia, chest pain
On nerves- Headache, dizziness
On muscles and bones- Muscle spasms

Storage Requirements for Tylenol

Keep Tylenol in a dry, airtight container.
Keep it away from direct heat or moisture.
Keep it out of reach of the children.

Pro Tips When Taking Tylenol

Tylenol does not help in reducing swelling. Unlike NSAIDs, Tylenol does not cause stomach ulcers.
It comes in combination with other medications to treat cough and cold symptoms.
Tylenol may be combined with strong opioids for the treatment of severe pain.

FAQs

Is Tylenol addictive?

Tylenol is not addictive but if used for a longer period may cause rebound headaches.

Can I have Tylenol with alcohol?

No, it can increase the risk of liver damage and can also affect the kidney.

Any particular food item to be avoided?

No, not until your doctor advise you any.

Can I have Tylenol when pregnant?

Tylenol can be taken during pregnancy but regular monitoring is required.

Can I have Tylenol while feeding a baby?

Yes, Tylenol is considered safe while breastfeeding.

Can I drive after taking Tylenol?

Avoid driving until you know how Tylenol affects your thinking and alertness.

What happens if I overdose on Tylenol?

Overdosing on Tylenol may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, tiredness or dark urine or can even damage the liver.

What happens if I eat expired Tylenol?

It is advised to not to take expired medicines.

What happens if I miss a dose of Tylenol?

Take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take more than the dose for a missed one.