The National Sleep Foundation reports that not everyone needs the same amount of sleep each night, but recommends at least seven to nine hours of sleep for an average adult. But getting the recommended hours of sleep is difficult if pain and sleep disturbances do not allow for a good night's sleep. Tylenol PM is a sleep aid manufactured for adults and children over the age of 12 who need help falling asleep and who are experiencing pain. It comes in many different forms, from liquid to rapid release caplets to gelcaps to tablets. Tylenol PM, which is a combination of acetaminophen and an antihistamine, is used for temporary headache and pain relief that is accompanied by sleeplessness.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever that reduces pain and fevers. According to Tylenol.com, it provides temporary relief of pain due to headaches, muscle pain or minor arthritis flares. Acetaminophen is the first ingredient in all forms of Tylenol PM and comes in 500mg per tablet, with an adult dose being two tablets. In the vanilla liquid version of Tylenol PM, 1,000mg of acetaminophen is available in an adult dose of 2 tbsp.
Diphenhydramine HCl
Diphenhydramine HCl is the secondary ingredient in Tylenol PM. Drugs.com lists diphenhydramine HCl as an antihistamine with drying and sedative effects. In Tylenol PM, diphenhydramine HCl relaxes the body and prepares the mind for sleep. Diphenhydramine HCl will also stay in the body from four to six hours, enough time to allow for proper rest. Tylenol PM contains 25mg of diphenhydramine HCl in each tablet, with two tablets being the recommended dosage for adults and for children over 12 years old. It is best to avoid alcohol or other diphenhydramine medications when using Tylenol PM, as sedative effects can be increased.
Fillers
Since there are only two main ingredients in Tylenol PM, a number of filler ingredients are part of the list, such as carnauba wax and carboxymethyl cellulose sodium. They are used to help the tablet dissolve and keep active ingredients potent. Croscarmellose sodium is a binder in tablets and aids in pill disintegration in order to disperse acetaminophen and diphenhydramine HCl throughout the body. The vanilla liquid form of Tylenol PM contains flavoring to disguise the medicine taste of acetaminophen and diphenhydramine, which can be bitter.
