Tylenol is one of the most widely used over-the-counter (OTC) medications available. It is commonly used to decrease body temperature during a fever and to relieve pain. When choosing OTC medications, you should always be aware of their ingredients and the effects they will have on your body. While Tylenol is used to decrease fever and pain, it does not reduce inflammation associated with pain. In addition, unlike aspirin, Tylenol is not a blood-thinning medication. The ingredients and their effects in Regular Strength Tylenol are few.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is in all brands of Tylenol, and the only active ingredient in Regular Strength Tylenol. This ingredient is a pain reliever and fever reducer. According to the Drugs website, acetaminophen is also used to treat headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds and fevers. The mechanism in which acetaminophen works is not quite understood. Acetaminophen intake is limited to 1 gram per dose and 4g per day for adults. The Drugs website states that taking too much acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage. Make sure that other medications that you may be taking do not have acetaminophen in them to prevent overdose. If you think you have overdosed on acetaminophen, immediately call "911" and seek emergency medical treatment.
Inactive Ingredients
Inactive ingredients, or excipients, are used in medications to help with the delivery and ease of use of the active ingredient. The inactive ingredients in Tylenol are corn starch, magnesium stearate, powdered cellulose, pregelatinized starch and sodium starch glycolate. If you are allergic to any of these inactive ingredients, you should consult your doctor before taking Tylenol.
Drug Interactions
When you are taking multiple medications, you and your doctor should be aware of their interactions with each other. Drug interactions can alter the effects of acetaminophen or other medications you are taking. In addition, interactions may increase the risk of unwanted side effects. According to the Drugs website, acetaminophen interacts with alcohol, cholestyramine (Questran), isoniazid (Nydrazid), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral contraceptives, phenytoin (Dilantin), warfarin (Coumadin), and zidovudine (Retrovir). If you are taking any of these medications, alert your doctor before you begin taking Tylenol.
