Tylenol what is it used for

The second is as an antipyretic to lower fever. Acetaminophen comes as a single ingredient product or as one of several ingredients in medications designed to treat multiple symptoms, such as cold and sinus preparations and combination pain formulas. In Europe, acetaminophen is known as paracetamol. It can be purchased over the counter in a variety of relatively low strengths or prescribed by a healthcare provider in higher strengths.

It comes in many forms—tablets to swallow or chew , extended-release tablets, capsules and caplets, gel tabs and gelcaps, and as a liquid. Acetaminophen also can be taken as a suppository. Acetaminophen can be given to relieve nearly any sort of pain—headache, backache, toothache, menstrual cramps, body aches caused by colds and flu, injection-site pain from vaccinations, and more.

However, it is not an anti-inflammatory drug, so it does not help reduce swelling or inflammation, unlike Advil ibuprofen or Aleve naproxen , which are common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs. There is some evidence that acetaminophen may have beneficial effects on blood glucose levels and muscle function.

Because it has antioxidant benefits, it may be useful for protecting the health of the heart and brain. Acetaminophen is also sometimes used effectively in combination with aspirin and caffeine to relieve the pain associated with migraine headaches. Acetaminophen often is the first treatment of choice for mild to moderate muscle aches, head pain and discomfort, or fever caused by colds. Generally speaking, acetaminophen is a safe medication, but there are precautions to keep in mind before taking it or giving it to a child:.

The maximum allowable daily dose of acetaminophen for adults is 4, milligrams mg. However, the Food and Drug Administration FDA suggests—but does not mandate—a maximum of 3, mg per day with no more than mg every six hours, as needed. Because of concerns over liver damage from acetaminophen, manufacturers have erred on the side of caution in recent years. The dosing interval also has been changed from two pills every four to six hours to two pills every six hours.

Regular Strength Tylenol contains mg of acetaminophen per pill, which is the FDA-approved dosage. If you take acetaminophen regularly and miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it.

Symptoms associated with acetaminophen overdose whether accidental or not include:. If you or someone else develops any of these symptoms, medical help should be sought immediately.

All listed dosages are according to the drug manufacturer. Acetaminophen may also be used in combination with aspirin and caffeine to relieve the pain associated with migraine headache.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. This medication is usually taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take acetaminophen regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Acetaminophen may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture not in the bathroom.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet.

Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking acetaminophen.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.

You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. Acetaminophen pronounced as a set a mee' noe fen. Why is this medication prescribed? An overdose of acetaminophen can lead to potentially fatal liver damage. Liver: Acetaminophen may cause severe and potentially fatal liver damage. This risk is increased when acetaminophen is used for longer than recommended or at doses higher than recommended.

Alcoholism and liver diseases such as hepatitis increase this risk. For adults and children over the age of 12, the total amount of acetaminophen taken in a day from all sources should not exceed mg.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin. Pregnancy: Acetaminophen is reported to be safe for short-term use in pregnancy at recommended doses. Breast-feeding: Acetaminophen passes into breast milk but is not likely to have a harmful effect on the infant when used at recommended doses.

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed. Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter non-prescription , and herbal medications you are taking.

Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. All material copyright MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www. About this Medication. How does this medication work? Click send to recieve an email with instructions on how to create your new password. By clicking "Accept" below, you confirm that you have read, understand and accept our sites's Privacy Policy.

A load off your shoulders. Find simple steps to alleviate back pain. Know your triggers. See what causes headaches to help avoid them. Where to Buy. For adults and children 12 years of age and older. Uses temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: the common cold headache backache minor pain of arthritis toothache muscular aches premenstrual and menstrual cramps temporarily reduces fever. Warnings Liver warning: This product contains acetaminophen.

Severe liver damage may occur if you take more than 4, mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours with other drugs containing acetaminophen 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product Allergy alert: acetaminophen may cause severe skin reactions.

Symptoms may include: skin reddening blisters rash If a skin reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away.