Many lines of medication are sold under the Tylenol brand name. Specific Tylenol product lines include Tylenol PM, Regular Strength Tylenol, Tylenol Arthritis, Extra Strength Tylenol, Tylenol 8 Hour, Tylenol Sinus, Tylenol Cold and Tylenol Allergy. Tylenol also offers pain relievers for infants and children. The active ingredients in these Tylenol products are generally safe when used as directed, but those with questions or concerns about the ingredients should always talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
Types
Every Tylenol product contains the active ingredient acetaminophen, according to the Tylenol official website. Tylenol products designed to treat sinus congestion, the cold or flu, an allergy, a cough and those that act as a sleep aid may contain additional active ingredients. Tylenol Nighttime and Tylenol PM products contain the active ingredient diphenhydramine citrate. Certain products in the Sinus Congestion, Cough, Allergy or Cold and Flu product lines contain one or more of the active ingredients phenylephrine HCI, chlorpheniramine maleate, guaifenesin or dextromethorphan.
Purpose
Each active ingredient has a specific purpose. The purpose of acetaminophen is to act as a fever reducer and pain reliever. Diphenhydramine citrate helps individuals fall asleep and remain sleeping. Phenylephrine HCI works to decongest the nasal passages, while the antihistamine chlorpheniramine maleate reduces sneezing, watery or itchy eyes and runny nose. The active ingredient guaifenesin acts as an expectorant to loosen and thin out nasal mucus, while dextromethorphan suppresses coughing.
Amounts
Regular Strength Tylenol contains 325 milligrams of acetaminophen, while Extra Strength Tylenol contains 500 mg of acetaminophen in each tablet, gelcap, caplet or tablet. Tylenol Arthritis and 8 Hour Tylenol both contain 650 mg of acetaminophen. Each product sold under the Tylenol Sinus Congestion and Pain line contain 325 mg of acetaminophen and 5 mg of phenylephrine HCI. Tylenol Sinus Congestion and Pain Daytime Severe also contains 200 mg of guaifenesin, while Tylenol Sinus Congestion and Pain Nighttime contains 2 mg of chlorpheniramine maleate. Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom products and Tylenol Cold Head Congestion products all contain 325 mg of acetaminophen, 10 mg of dextromethorphan and 5 mg of phenylephrine HCI. Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom Severe and Tylenol Cold Head Congestion Severe also contains 200 mg of guaifenesin, while the Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom Nighttime and Tylenol Cold Head Congestion Nighttime contains 2 mg of chlorpheniramine maleate. Tylenol PM products contain 500 mg of acetaminophen and 25 mg of diphenhydramine HCI. Infants Tylenol contains 150 mg of acetaminophen in each 1.6 milliliters, while Children's Tylenol contains 160 mg in each 5 mL teaspoon. Jr. Tylenol contains 160mg in each tablet.
Misconceptions
Some Tylenol products contain the same active ingredients but are marketed for different uses. For example, Tylenol Arthritis contains 650 mg of acetaminophen and no other active ingredient, which means it may be just as useful at reducing the pain of toothaches, menstrual cramps or headaches as Tylenol 8 Hour despite the difference in name and marketing. People should pay as much attention to the active ingredients on the label of the Tylenol product as they do to the name, label design or the way the product is marketed.
Warning
Acetaminophen can cause liver damage, especially for heavy drinkers or those who take more than recommended dosage, according to the official Tylenol website. People who have a history of liver problems or those taking blood thinning medications should talk to a doctor before using any Tylenol product.
