Tylenol is a common over-the-counter (OTC) oral medication whose active ingredient is acetaminophen, which is commonly used to help alleviate pain and reduce fever. This medication is not intended to--and does not--reduce inflammation. Tylenol is fairly safe for most people if used as directed on the drug label. Drugs.com states that the maximum amount of Tylenol that adults should take is one gram (1,000 mg) per dose and no more than two grams (2,000 mg) per day. The risk of side effects greatly increases if more than four grams (4,000 mg) of Tylenol are taken per day. A patient should stop taking Tylenol and seek medical treatment if side effects of Tylenol are noticed.
Upset Stomach
The Mayo Clinic states that Tylenol can cause an upset stomach. This side effect occurs because Tylenol alters chemical signals in the digestive tract, which can cause digestive problems. This side effect is rare but more likely to occur if too much Tylenol has been ingested. A patient should stop taking Tylenol and see a doctor as soon as possible if he experiences diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, pain, stomach swelling, bloody or black stools or stomach tenderness, according to the Mayo Clinic. A physician may be able to prescribe an antidote that will negate the impact of Tylenol on the body and reduce the ill effects on the stomach.
Jaundice
In some instances, Tylenol may cause jaundice, according to Drugs.com. Jaundice is often a sign of serious liver damage whose symptoms include the yellowing of the eyes or skin. The liver is responsible for reducing substances in the blood that can cause the skin and eyes to appear yellow. A patient should not take this symptom lightly. Instead, she should stop taking Tylenol and seek immediate medical treatment. If left untreated, serious damage to the liver can quickly result in liver failure.
Drowsiness
According to the Mayo Clinic, Tylenol may cause drowsiness. This rare side effect occurs because Tylenol can alter the chemical signals in the patient that keeps him awake and alert. The risk of drowsiness occurring is increased if too much Tylenol is taken. If a patient becomes unusually tired after taking Tylenol, he should take no more Tylenol and seek immediate medical treatment. In addition, he should have a friend or family member drive him to the medical facility; driving or operating other heavy machinery can be dangerous when experiencing drowsiness.
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