Acetaminophen is the main active ingredient in all Tylenol products, according to Tylenol.com. While a few have other active ingredients such as diphenhydramine found in Tylenol PM, most other ingredients are inactive and included only as a tableting agent or to help dissolve the active ingredients. Even in the liquid gel tablet form of Tylenol, the product requires other ingredients to maintain strength and stability.
Tableting Agents
Tylenol capsules and pills must have ingredient to ensure each has equal amounts of acetaminophen and to enable the ingredients to successfully be bound into a pill form.
Tableting agents such as corn starch, carnauba wax and powdered cellulose hold ingredients together. When combined with other ingredients such as sodium starch glycolate and hydroxyethyl cellulose, a pill or caplet can be formed. Magnesium stearate is also used to bind ingredients together.
Flavoring Agents
In order for the active ingredient to be assimilated into the body, it must first be ingested. Many flavorings are added to make Tylenol taste better.
Sorbitol solution and sucralose are added to the children's formulas to sweeten the medicine taste. Vanilla or grape extracts are added to liquid formulas as well to make the flavor more palatable.
Dissolving and Assimilation
Once the pill has been ingested, it must then be dissolved in the stomach. Sodium lauryl sulfate is one of the ingredients listed in Tylenol that helps dissolve the pill in order for the acetaminophen to begin working on the pain.
References
- Tylenol
- "Handbook of Fillers, Extenders, and Dilutants"; Michael Ash, Irene Ash; 2007
