Active Ingredients In Tylenol

Tylenol is a brand name of medicines first introduced in 1955 as a mild to moderate pain reliever, as cited in Mosby’s Drug Consult. In addition to pain relief, Tylenol sells products to relieve allergies and common cold and influenza related symptoms, which all contain additional active ingredients.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is a generic drug that is used in all of Tylenol’s products and is classified as both an analgesic pain reliever and an antipyretic fever reducer, according to Drugs.com. Acetaminophen decreases the body’s temperature and alters how the central nervous system perceives pain. Regular Tylenol, Tylenol #1, Tylenol Sinus Congestion & Pain and Tylenol Cold each contain 325 mg of acetaminophen; Tylenol #2, 3, 4 and 5 contain 300 mg; Tylenol Extra Strength, Tylenol Severe Allergy and Tylenol PM contain 500 mg; Tylenol 8 Hour and Tylenol Arthritis contain 650 mg, according to Mosby’s Drug Consult.

Codeine Phosphate

According to RxList.com, codeine is a narcotic drug classified as an analgesic and antipyretic agent and works by altering how the central nervous system senses pain. Unlike acetaminophen, codeine can be habit forming. Tylenol #1 contains 8 mg of codeine, Tylenol #2 contains 15 mg, Tylenol #3 contains 30 mg, Tylenol #4 contains 60 mg and Tylenol #5 contains 90 mg, as cited in Mosby’s Drug Consult.

Dextromethorphan HBr

Dextromethorphan is an opioid drug classified as an analgesic and antitussive cough suppressant that relieves coughs due to common colds and influenza, but not asthma or emphysema, as cited by DrugLib.com. Dextromethorphan acts by suppressing the cough reflex. Tylenol Cold contains 10 mg of dextromethorphan.

Guaifenesin

Guaifenesin is classified as an expectorant and it works by freeing the airways of mucus, lubricating the lungs and clearing up congestion. Tylenol Sinus Congestion & Pain contains 200 mg of guaifenesin, according to Mosby’s Drug Consult.

Diphenhydramine HCl

Diphenhydramine is an anticholinergic agent and classified as an antihistamine, although in Tylenol PM it is marketed as a sedative and sleep aid, according to Drugs.com. Tylenol PM contains 25 mg of diphenhydramine, whereas Tylenol Severe Allergy contains 12.5 mg, as cited in Mosby’s Drug Consult.

Phenylephrine HCl

Phenylephrine is used as a nasal decongestant in Tylenol products. Both Tylenol Sinus Congestion & Pain and Tylenol Cold contain 5 mg of phenylephrine, according to Mosby’s Drug Consult.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant and a diuretic. In Canada, caffeine is present in some Tylenol products. Tylenol #1, 2 and 3 contain 15 mg of caffeine in Canada, according to Mosby’s Drug Consult. In addition, Tylenol #1 is considered an over-the-counter drug in Canada, whereas all Tylenol products with codeine require a prescription in the United States.