Tylenol is a popular brand of drugs for relieving pain, reducing fever, and relieving the symptoms of flue, cold, cough and allergies (as well as headache and toothaches). Its generic name is acetaminophen (or paracetamol – it is called in most of the countries). It belongs to a class of drugs called analgesics (that means pain relievers) and antipyretics (the issues about fever).
Tylenol is one of the effective medications proscribed in case of muscle pain, back pain and for arthritis. Although medications will not cure back pain of degenerative origin, medications are routinely used to control pain, inflammation, and muscle spasm. There are two categories of back pain medications: those that relieve the symptoms, and those that may help modify the disease process itself. Acetaminophen is one of the medications that effectively control and relieve the symptoms. In case you have been diagnosed with arthritis you are most likely to need pain management also with the help of acetaminophen, but mind that it has no effect on the underlying inflammation, redness, and swelling of the joint. Different types of it are often prescribed to relieve mild to moderate arthritis, muscle and back pain (Tylenol®, Panadol®, Exdol®, and many others). Acetaminophen is not particularly effective against pain from inflammatory disorders, since it doesn't reduce the underlying inflammation (unlike NSAIDs, for example).
The brand name was derived from the chemical name for the compound (the same thing as with the words"acetaminophen" and "paracetamol") N-aceTYL-p-aminophENOL (APAP).
There are many different brand names of acetaminophen: Tylenol, Tylenol Caplet, Tylenol Caplet Extra Strength, Tylenol Extra Strength, Tylenol Extended Release, Tylenol Gelcap Extra Strength, Tylenol Suspension, Childrens Tylenol.
Tylenol is available over-the-counter (without a prescription). A class of stronger pain relievers contains codeine (Tylenol 3).
The mechanism of action of acetaminophen is not known. But it is obvious that it relieves pain by elevating the pain threshold, it requires a greater amount of pain to develop before a person feels it. As for the antipyretics properties it tells the center to lower the body's temperature when the temperature is elevated.
Tylenol is available in form of chewable tablets, gelcaps, geltabs, coated caplets, liquid suspension and suppositories. Common dosages of acetaminophen in these products are 325, 500 and 650 mg. Tablets and solutions need to be stored at room temperature 15°-30°C (except suppositories, that need to be refrigerated below 27°C).
More is not better when it comes to taking medicines like Tylenol. Appropriate oral dose for adults is 325 to 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours. The maximum amounts for adults are 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. It case of a suppository the adult dose is 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours. Do not take it more often than every 4 hours or more than 5 doses a day. Taking more Tylenol could be damaging to the liver. (Dosages for children are not given in the article!)
And of course, do not use Tylenol with any other medicine that contains acetaminophen. Do not mix it with drugs that increase the action of liver enzymes that metabolize acetaminophen (such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), rifampin (Rifamate, Rifadin, Rimactane) and isoniazid (INH, Nydrazid, Laniazid)), and with cholestyramine (Questran), as it reduces the effect of acetaminophen by decreasing its absorption into the body from the intestine.
Take Tylenol exactly as directed by your doctor or follow the instructions on the package. Tylenol can be taken with or without food, each oral dose should be taken with a full glass of water. Use Tylenol for up to 3 days for fever or up to 10 days for pain. Unless directed by physician, acetaminophen should not be used for longer than 10 days. Avoid alcohol during treatment with Tylenol, as well as caffeine (the last researches point out that the both increase the risk of liver damage greatly).
If you are taking Tylenol on a regular schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember (avoid taking a double dose). Missing in case of absence ‘no- schedule’ is not a problem.
Tylenol side effects
- Allergic reaction – certain side effects can be signs of an allergic reaction or a situation which requires immediate medical attention. They are difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; hives; rash; itching; or hoarseness.
- Liver damage and kidney toxicity. Despite universal acceptance of Tylenol warning reports should alert all users of this medication, especially those who chronically use maximum doses of the drug, to these serious risk factors. The symptoms of liver damage may be yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue.
- Blood problems (easy or unusual bleeding or bruising).
The symptoms can occur whether the overdose is accidental or not:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Extreme fatigue
- Confusion
- Sweating
- Flu-like symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Pain in stomach (especially upper right portion)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Irregular heartbeat
- Yellowish skin or eyes
If overdose occur seek emergency medical attention.
For short durations Tylenol is believed to be safe in pregnancy when used intermittently (but use it only after consulting you health care provider, as Tylenol has not been formally assigned to a pregnancy category by the FDA). It also appears to be safe for use during breast-feeding but should be avoided if possible.
Important issue for Tylenol-takers would be to know about its cumulative effect. Actually various products which contain acetaminophen have this effect. So, it is your responsibility to add up the amount of acetaminophen you are ingesting daily, even if from more than one product, to be sure you are not exceeding the daily dose which is allowed. And don’t forget that while Tylenol can bring relief for muscle, arthritis and back pain, it does not help the cause of the condition.
Valentyna Ant.
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