Tylenol

Generic Name: acetaminophen (a SEET a MIN oh fen)

Brand Names: Tylenol

What is Tylenol?

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Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a pain reliever and a fever reducer.

Tylenol is used to treat many conditions such as headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds, and fevers.

Tylenol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Tylenol

An overdose of Tylenol can damage your liver. Adults should not take more than 1 gram (1000 mg) of acetaminophen per dose or 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more can damage your liver. Ask a doctor before taking Tylenol if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day, and never take more than 2 grams (2000 mg) of acetaminophen per day. Tell your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take medication that contains acetaminophen.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take Tylenol if you have liver disease or a history of alcoholism.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medication. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as "APAP") is contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much acetaminophen. Check the label to see if a medicine contains acetaminophen or APAP. Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage.

Before taking Tylenol

You should not use Tylenol if you are allergic to acetaminophen.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take Tylenol if you have:

* liver disease; or

*

a history of alcoholism;

Tell your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take medication that contains acetaminophen. It is not known whether Tylenol will harm an unborn baby. Before using Tylenol, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Acetaminophen can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Tylenol without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby

How should I use Tylenol?

Use Tylenol exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver. Adults should not take more than 1 gram (1000 mg) of acetaminophen per dose or 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more can damage your liver. Ask a doctor before taking Tylenol if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day, and never take more than 2 grams (2000 mg) of acetaminophen per day.

One Tylenol tablet may contain up to 650 mg of acetaminophen. Know the amount of acetaminophen in the specific product you are taking.

If you are treating a child, use a pediatric form of Tylenol. Carefully follow the dosing directions on the medicine label. Do not give the medication to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.

Measure the liquid form of Tylenol with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. You may need to shake the liquid before each use. Follow the directions on the medicine label.

Stop using Tylenol and call your doctor if:

*

you still have a fever after 3 days of use;

*

you still have pain after 7 days of use (or 5 days if treating a child);

*

you have a skin rash, ongoing headache, or any redness or swelling; or

*

if your symptoms get worse, or if you have any new symptoms.

Urine glucose tests may produce false results while you are taking Tylenol. Talk to your doctor if you are diabetic and you notice changes in your glucose levels during treatment.

Store Tylenol at room temperature away from heat and moisture. The rectal suppositories can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Tylenol is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of Tylenol can damage your liver. Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

The first signs of an acetaminophen overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, and confusion or weakness. Later symptoms may include pain in your upper stomach, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

What should I avoid while taking Tylenol?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medication. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as "APAP") is contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much acetaminophen. Check the label to see if a medicine contains acetaminophen or APAP. Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage.

Tylenol side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Tylenol: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Tylenol and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

*

low fever with nausea, stomach pain, and loss of appetite;

*

dark urine, clay-colored stools; or

*

jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Tylenol?

There may be other drugs that can interact with Tylenol. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.