Tylenol is one brand of an over-the-counter pain reliever made with acetaminophen. The makers of Tylenol suggest that it can be used to reduce fever and temporarily relieve aches and pains associated with a headache, muscular ache, backache, minor arthritis, respiratory illness like the cold, toothache and menstruation. The active ingredient in Tylenol is the same, regardless of the method of administration but various inactive ingredients allow it to be made into a tablet, capsule or similar form.
Acetaminophen
Depending on the form purchased, Tylenol comes in varying dose sizes. Drugs.com points out that typical administration is about 500mg every three to four hours for adults and adolescents. Infants and children are to be given a significantly smaller dose depending on age. Side effects are possible, such as upset stomach, but most users will have no adverse effects when Tylenol is taken as directed. An overdose or overuse of the medication, such as taking the maximum daily dose for more than three days, can cause moderate to severe side effects. Long-term use of acetaminophen can diminish liver function and cause other bodily problems.
Structural Ingredients
Various ingredients are added to acetaminophen to assist in administration and distribution of the drug. These ingredients change depending on whether the acetaminophen is delivered via gelcap, caplet or tablet. Examples of these ingredients include acesulfame potassium, carnauba wax, cellulose, corn starch, benzyl alcohol, castor oil and titanium dioxide. Some ingredients form the actual holding device, such as the capsule sleeve, or the hard packed tablet. Other ingredients protect acetaminophen from the environment during manufacturing and storing. Once the medicine is swallowed several of the ingredients work together to keep the acetaminophen in tact until it reaches the digestive tract where it will be absorbed.
Marking Ingredients
Several dyes are used to color the outside and sometimes the inside of the Tylenol pill. Examples include D&C yellow #10, FD&C blue #1 and blue #2. These ingredients serve only the purpose of helping professionals and consumers identify the medication.
