Tylenol is a common over-the-counter (OTC) medication available in drugstores. This medication is used to reduce fever and pain. Tylenol works by altering certain chemical signals in the brain that are related to fever and pain. According to Drugs.com, no more than 1 g (1,000 mg) of Tylenol should be taken per dose -- and no more than 4 g (4,000 mg) per day -- to reduce possible side effects. A patient should be aware of the ingredients in Tylenol and avoid taking the medication if he has any allergies to them.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol, according to Drugs.com. This ingredient inhibits chemical signals related to fever and pain. Too much acetaminophen can result in liver damage if more than 4 g (4,000 mg) is taken per day. A person should not drink alcohol while taking this medication. She should call her doctor if she notices yellowing of the skin, which could be a sign of serious liver damage caused by taking acetaminophen.
Carnauba Wax
The manufacturer lists carnauba wax as an inactive ingredient used in the caplet form of Tylenol. Carnauba wax is an excipient, or an ingredient that aids in ease of use, making Tylenol easy to swallow. In addition, carnauba wax protects the active ingredient so that it is properly broken down in the digestive tract. A person should take Tylenol in an alternative form if he is allergic to carnauba wax.
Corn Starch
Corn starch is an inactive ingredient, or excipient, in Tylenol geltabs. Corn starch is derived from corn grain and is commonly used as a thickening agent in foods. However, corn starch serves a different purpose in pharmaceuticals. According to National Starch and Chemical, corn starch serves as a binder, filler and diluent in Tylenol geltabs, The binding properties of corn starch keep the ingredients of Tylenol together until broken down by the digestive tract. Its filling and dilluent properties allow acetaminophen to be released slowly during digestion.
