Tylenol Ingredients & Side Effects

Tylenol is a medication designed to reduce somatic pain and fever. It is available both over the counter and by prescription and should be used as directed by a physician or pharmacist. The active ingredient in Tylenol is called acetaminophen and can be found in various over-the-counter combination drugs.

Function

According to Prentice Hall Nurse's Drug Guide, Tylenol is effective for reducing mild to moderate discomfort by increasing the body's threshold for pain and can reduce fever in febrile patients. It is unclear how Tylenol produces its analgesic effect. Tylenol's antipyretic qualities stem from its ability effect the thermoregulatory center of the brain called the hypothalamus.

Tylenol stimulates blood vessel dilation and sweating, both bodily mechanisms of dissipating heat and reducing fever. Recommended uses include management of fever and mild to moderate pain. Tylenol serves as a favorable alternative to aspirin when a patient desires an analgesic effect free of interference with clotting mechanisms.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Tylenol is called acetaminophen and is classified as a nonnarcotic analgesic and antipyretic. According to the Food and Drug Administration website, acetaminophen has been shown to be effective for reducing pain and fever in adults, adolescents and children.

Overdosing on acetaminophen or taking it while drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can result in liver damage. According to the MedlinePlus website you should not take more than 4000mg of Tylenol per day or symptoms of overdose such as abdominal pain, convulsions, and jaundice could occur. Taking more than 7000mg can result in a severe poisoning and requires prompt medical attention.

Side Effects

When used appropriately and in the correct dosage, acetaminophen has very few side effects other than the possibility of forming a rash. Major adverse effects are normally the result of toxicity. According to Prentice Hall Nurse's Drug Guide, symptoms consistent with acetaminophen poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, excessive sweating, chills, lethargy and liver and renal complications. Chronic use of this medication can also have an effect on certain white blood cell levels.

Food and Drug Interactions

Consult your physician before taking any new medication and discuss all medications and over-the-counter supplements you are already taking. It is not advised to take two medications that contain acetaminophen at once. Do not take this medication with the drug cholestyramine as it can reduce the absorption of Tylenol in the intestines. Chronic administration of acetaminophen with a class of drugs called barbiturates can increase the risk for liver damage. Excessive consumption of alcohol and acetaminophen can also increase the risk for liver damage.

Considerations

According to MayoClinic.com, the risk for acetaminophen overdose is high when administering it to children. To ensure safe use, do not give doses in a hurry and only give the recommended amount for your child's weight. The MayoClinic website states that children five years old or younger should be taken to the emergency room if they have swallowed 91mg of Tylenol per pound of their weight. It is also recommended by Prentice Hall Nurse's drug guide that children not receive more than 5 doses of this medication in a 24-hour period unless directed by a physician. Proper doses of Tylenol for children should be calculated according to their age and weight.

Do not use this medication with alcohol or if you have an allergy to acetaminophen. Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you are giving it to a child, are unsure of the correct dose to take, or have a history of liver or kidney disease.