Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Acetaminophen is an analgesic and antipyretic medication that is commonly used to alleviate mild to moderate pain resulting from various causes, such as headaches, muscle aches, menstrual periods, colds, sore throats, toothaches, backaches, reactions to vaccinations, and osteoarthritis.
Acetaminophen’s analgesic effects are achieved by altering the way the body senses pain, while its antipyretic properties help reduce fever and cool the body.
Uses and Dosage
There is a wide range of acetaminophen brands and forms available in the market. Review the dosing directions for each product, as the amount of acetaminophen may vary. Refrain from exceeding the recommended dosage of acetaminophen.
When administering acetaminophen to a child, ensure that you use a product specially formulated for children. Follow the recommended dosage indicated on the product package, based on your child’s weight or age.
Before use, shake suspension medication well before each dose. Some liquid medications may not require shaking before administration. Follow all instructions on the product package and utilize the provided dose-measuring spoon, dropper, or syringe to ensure accurate dosing.
For rapidly-dissolving tablets, chew or allow them to dissolve on the tongue, then swallow with or without water. For chewable tablets, ensure that they are thoroughly chewed before swallowing.
Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets, as doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Swallow the tablets whole.
For effervescent tablets, dissolve the recommended dose in an appropriate amount of water and consume.
Pain medications work best when taken at the first signs of pain. Waiting until the symptoms have worsened may reduce the medication’s efficacy.
Refrain from taking this medication for fever for more than 3 days, or for pain for more than 10 days in adults (5 days in children) without first consulting your doctor. If your child is experiencing a sore throat, especially with high fever, headache, or nausea/vomiting, consult your doctor immediately.
Side Effects
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking acetaminophen and call your doctor immediately:
- red, peeling or blistering skin
- rash
- hives
- itching
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
Caution
Prior to taking acetaminophen, nform your doctor or pharmacist if you have an allergy to it or any other allergies. Inactive ingredients in this product could cause allergic reactions or other issues.
Prior to using this product, inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have liver disease or regularly use/abuse alcohol.
Liquid products, chewable tablets, dissolving/effervescent tablets, and powders may contain sugar or aspartame. If you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that necessitates you to restrict/avoid these substances in your diet, use caution.
If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before using this medication.
Acetaminophen enters breast milk. Before breastfeeding, consult your doctor.
Form and Strength
Tylenol is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Tylenol tablet:
- 325mg
FAQ
What does Tylenol do to your body?
It works by changing the way the body senses pain and by cooling the body.
Is Tylenol an anti-inflammatory?
Acetaminophen is not an NSAID. It’s a pain reliever and fever reducer but doesn’t have anti-inflammatory properties of NSAIDs.
Resources
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681004.html#:~:text=Acetaminophen%20is%20in%20a%20class,and%20by%20cooling%20the%20body
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/11086-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-medicines-nsaids#:~:text=Acetaminophen%20(Tylenol%C2%AE)%20is%20not,some%20varieties%20of%20Excedrin%C2%AE
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/acetaminophen-oral-route-rectal-route/side-effects/drg-20068480
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7076/tylenol-oral/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681004.html
- https://www.drugs.com/tylenol.html#side-effects
