Tylenol

June 20, 2011

Also known as acetaminophen, Tylenol is a highly used non-prescription drug that is usually taken to relieve mild to moderate pain resulting from headaches, colds, muscle aches, menstrual periods, backaches and toothaches. It can also be taken to help reduce fever and to relieve the pain of joint arthritis (arthritis caused by a breakdown of the joints). It’s in a class of medications referred to as analgesics, which are pain relievers, as well as a class named antipyretics or fever reducers. Tylenol is usually effective through its ability to change the way the body senses pain, as well as its ability to cool down the body.

Before Using Tylenol

Some medical conditions and medicines may have a negative interaction with the use of Tylenol. You may want to contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have one or more of the following conditions before using Tylenol:

  • If you are pregnant
  • If you have allergies to other medicines and foods
  • If you have liver or kidney issues
  • If you are regularly taking multiple types of prescription or non-prescription medication

Important Tylenol Information

Tylenol may harm your liver or kidney. This risk could become greater if alcohol is used while Tylenol is taken.

If pain or a fever lasts longer than five to ten days, it is advised that you consult a doctor or pharmacist before it gets worse. This is especially true if new symptoms continue to develop during this timeframe of using Tylenol.

Tylenol Side Effects

While all medicines are known to cause side effects, not everyone will be affected by them. When Tylenol is taken in small doses, there are essentially no common side effects reported. Some severe side effects that have occurred with Tylenol include:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Dark urine
  • Fatigue
  • Yellowing of the skin
  • Swelling of the mouth or face

Although there are no common side effects reported with proper dosage, using too much Tylenol is a different story. Symptoms of Tylenol overdose could include:

  • Excessive sweating
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Stomach pain
  • Dark urine