Tylenol 111 refers to the generic form of Extra Strength Tylenol, or acetaminophen 500 mg, and has "P111" written on the pill. The main active ingredient in Tylenol 111 is acetaminophen, but it also contains several inactive ingredients including pill coatings, fillers, solubility agents, and manufacturing additives.
Acetaminophen
The active ingredient in Tylenol 111 is 500 mg of acetaminophen. Acetaminophen, an analgesic, or pain reliever, is used to relieve pain from muscle aches, headaches, menstrual cramps, colds, sore throats, toothaches, and backaches. Many arthritis sufferers also use acetaminophen. Additionally, acetaminophen is also used to bring down fevers, as it is in a class of fever-reducing drugs known as antipyretics.
Fillers
Tylenol 111 contains fillers, which make the pill larger, help the acetaminophen bind to the rest of the pill, and prevent moisture from getting into the pill. These fillers include powdered cellulose, hypromellose, corn starch, and pregelatinized starch.
Coatings
The coating on Tylenol 111 contains titanium dioxide, a pearling agent which makes the pills white, FD&C Red #40 aluminum lake, which is the red ink on the pill, and carnauba wax, which makes pills easy to swallow. Shellac is a water resistant coating, which ensures that Tylenol 111 will be broken down in the intestinal tract instead of the mouth, throat, or stomach. Sodium starch glycolate is a coating that rapidly dissolves when in water.
Solubility Agents
Tylenol 111 contains polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol, which help with the solubility of acetaminophen, ensuring it is absorbed properly in the body..
Manufacturing Additive
Tylenol 111 contains magnesium stearate and castor oil--oils that speeds up the pill making process by making the Tylenol 111 mix flow more smoothly.
