What do Tylenol products treat?
Tylenol products are medicines you can buy without a prescription (over-the-counter or OTC) to treat pain (including arthritis pain), headache, and fever.
The main ingredient in most Tylenol products for these uses is acetaminophen. It is believed to work in two ways:
- It helps reduce pain by blocking pain signals.
- It helps reduce fever by affecting the part of your brain that controls body temperature.
Some Tylenol products also contain a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). These products include Motrin Dual Action With Tylenol, which contains ibuprofen, and Tylenol With Naproxen, which contains naproxen sodium. NSAIDs work by blocking certain substances in the body that cause pain, inflammation, and fever.
OTC Tylenol products for pain, headache, and fever are available for adults and children. Some products can be used in children as young as 2 years old, while other products, such as Tylenol With Naproxen, is for adults and children ages 12 and older.
What is the difference between Tylenol and Tylenol Arthritis?
The main difference between Tylenol and Tylenol Arthritis is the dose and how long they last.
Tylenol Arthritis contains a higher dose of acetaminophen (650 mg per caplet) in an extended-release formula that is designed to provide relief for up to 8 hours. The bottle is also a bit easier to open, which may be helpful for people who have joint pain or stiffness in their hands.
Most of the other Tylenol products contain a lower dose of acetaminophen and typically last for up to 6 hours. Always check the product label for dosing instructions and important safety information before using either option.
Finding the Right Tylenol for You
There are many types of Tylenol, and the main difference is how much medicine is in each pill and how long it lasts. To choose the right one, it helps to understand the differences between each type.
- Regular Strength (325 mg): These contain the lowest dose of medicine per pill. They are often used for mild pain or fever. This is usually a good choice for children ages 6 and up or adults who prefer a lower dose.
- Extra Strength (500 mg): These contain a higher dose of medicine in each pill. They are used for moderate pain, such as headaches or toothaches, when the regular dose is not enough to provide relief.
- 8 Hour Extended Release (650 mg): These have the highest dose per pill and are designed to release the medicine slowly. The pill has two layers: one layer dissolves quickly for fast relief, and the second layer releases slowly over several hours. This helps the medicine last longer for issues like arthritis, muscle, or joint pain.
- Dual Action (Tylenol + Motrin): This product combines two different medicines: acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin). They work in different ways to help with pain. By taking them together in one pill, you may get more relief than taking Tylenol alone.
- Tylenol With Naproxen: This product combines acetaminophen and naproxen sodium. They work in different ways to provide up to 12 hours of relief from minor aches and pains. It is for adults and children ages 12 and older.
Most adults should not take more than 3,000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours unless directed by their health care provider. Taking too much can cause serious liver damage. Because acetaminophen is found in many different medicines (like cold and flu syrups), always check the labels of all your medicines to make sure you aren't taking too much of this ingredient.
Use the table below to find the medicine that has the right strength for the person taking it.
Acetaminophen-Only Products
These products treat fever or minor aches and pains due to the common cold; head, back, or tooth aches; muscle or joint pain; arthritis; or menstrual cramps.
| Product | Age |
|---|---|
| Tylenol Family Oral Suspension 160 mg/5 mL | 2 years and older |
| Tylenol Regular Strength 325 mg Tablets | 6 years and older |
| Tylenol Extra Strength 500 mg Caplets | 12 years and older |
| Tylenol Extra Strength 500 mg Gelcaps | 12 years and older |
| Tylenol Extra Strength Dissolve Packs 500 mg Oral Powder | 12 years and older |
| Tylenol 8 Hour Muscle Aches & Pain 650 mg Caplets | 12 years and older |
| Tylenol 8 Hour Arthritis Pain 650 mg Caplets | 18 years and older |
Tylenol Combination Products
These products combine acetaminophen (Tylenol) with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). They can be used for headaches, backaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, arthritis pain, and other minor aches and pains.
| Product | Age |
|---|---|
| Motrin Dual Action With Tylenol (Acetaminophen 250 mg + Ibuprofen 125 mg) | 12 years and older |
| Tylenol With Naproxen (Acetaminophen 325 mg + Naproxen sodium 110 mg) | 12 years and older |
What are the possible side effects of Tylenol products?
Side effects may vary depending on the ingredients in the specific product you are using. Acetaminophen is usually very well tolerated. Many people often have no side effects when taking it.
Common side effects of ibuprofen or naproxen can include the following.
- Stomach pain
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Gas or heartburn
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
Stop taking the medicine if you break out in a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
What should I know before using Tylenol products?
If you have liver problems or are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your health care provider before taking any Tylenol product for pain, arthritis, headache, or fever.
Tylenol products can interact with other medicines. If you take a blood thinner called warfarin, you should check with your health care provider before taking Tylenol.
You should not take any other medicines with acetaminophen in them while you are taking a Tylenol product for pain, arthritis, headache, or fever. If you are not sure if a medicine has acetaminophen in it, ask your pharmacist. Do not take more Tylenol than is recommended on the label or by your health care provider. Taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage. Drinking too much alcohol, such as three or more drinks per day, can also increase your risk of liver damage with Tylenol.
You should stop taking your Tylenol product and contact your health care provider if any of the following happen or apply to you.
- Pain gets worse instead of better or lasts longer than 10 days (adults) or five days (children under 12 years old).
- Fever gets worse instead of better or lasts longer than three days.
- You have redness, swelling, or new symptoms.
Some Tylenol products also contain a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). These products include Motrin Dual Action With Tylenol, which contains ibuprofen, and Tylenol With Naproxen, which contains naproxen. You should not take a medicine containing an NSAID right before or after heart surgery. Check with your health care provider before taking it if you have any of the following.
- Stomach bleeding
- History of stomach problems, such as heartburn or stomach ulcers
- High blood pressure, heart disease, cirrhosis of the liver, or kidney problems
- Asthma
- Take a blood thinner known as warfarin, a diuretic (water pill), a steroid, or another NSAID medicine
- Take aspirin to reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke
- Drink three or more alcoholic drinks per day
- Are age 60 or older
Stop taking Tylenol/NSAID combination products if any of the following signs of bleeding happen.
- Bloody or black stool
- Feeling faint
- Vomiting blood
- Stomach pain that will not go away
Stop taking Tylenol/NSAID combination products and get emergency help if any of the following symptoms of heart problems or a stroke happen.
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Weakness in one part or side of the body
- Slurred speech
- Swelling in your legs
There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Tylenol product you are using. Always check the label before taking any over-the-counter medicine. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines to help know which products are safe for you.