Tylenol Side Effects
Generic name: acetaminophen
Note: This page contains side effects data for the generic drug acetaminophen. It is possible that some of the dosage forms included below may not apply to the brand name Tylenol.
For the Consumer
Applies to acetaminophen: capsule, capsule liquid filled, elixir, liquid, powder, powder for solution, solution, suppository, suspension, syrup, tablet, tablet chewable, tablet disintegrating, tablet effervescent, tablet extended release
As well as its needed effects, acetaminophen (the active ingredient contained in Tylenol) may cause unwanted side effects that require medical attention.
Major Side Effects
If any of the following side effects occur while taking acetaminophen, check with your doctor immediately:
Rare- Bloody or black, tarry stools
- bloody or cloudy urine
- fever with or without chills (not present before treatment and not caused by the condition being treated)
- pain in the lower back and/or side (severe and/or sharp)
- pinpoint red spots on the skin
- skin rash, hives, or itching
- sore throat (not present before treatment and not caused by the condition being treated)
- sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
- sudden decrease in the amount of urine
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- yellow eyes or skin
If any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking acetaminophen, get emergency help immediately:
Symptoms of overdose:- Diarrhea
- increased sweating
- loss of appetite
- nausea or vomiting
- stomach cramps or pain
- swelling, pain, or tenderness in the upper abdomen or stomach area
Applies to acetaminophen: intravenous solution
As well as its needed effects, acetaminophen (the active ingredient contained in Tylenol) may cause unwanted side effects that require medical attention.
If any of the following side effects occur while taking acetaminophen, check with your doctor or nurse immediately:
Less common-Adults- Abnormal breath sounds
- bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
- difficult or labored breathing
- difficulty opening the mouth
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- irregular heartbeat
- lockjaw
- loss of appetite
- muscle pain or cramps
- muscle spasm, especially of the neck and back
- nausea or vomiting
- nervousness
- numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
- pain at the injection site
- slow or fast heartbeat
- sweating
- tightness in the chest
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- Decreased urination
- difficult, fast, or noisy breathing, sometimes with wheezing
- dizziness
- fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
- lower back, side, or stomach pain
- muscle spasms (tetany) or twitching
- noisy breathing
- pain in the arms or legs
- swelling around the eyes
- swelling of the feet, ankles, or lower legs
- Abdominal or stomach pain or tenderness
- clay colored stools
- dark urine
- decreased appetite
- difficulty with swallowing
- flu-like symptoms
- loss of appetite
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- right upper stomach tenderness
- skin rash, itching, or hives
- tightness in the chest
- yellow eyes or skin
If any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking acetaminophen, get emergency help immediately:
Symptoms of overdose:- Black, tarry stools
- bleeding gums
- bloating of the abdomen or stomach
- blood in the urine or stools
- chills
- difficult or painful urination
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- light-colored stools
- pinpoint red spots on the skin
- sudden decrease in the amount of urine
- unpleasant breath odor
- vomiting of blood
Minor Side Effects
Some acetaminophen side effects may not need any medical attention. As your body gets used to the medicine these side effects may disappear. Your health care professional may be able to help you prevent or reduce these side effects, but do check with them if any of the following side effects continue, or if you are concerned about them:
More common:- Trouble sleeping
- Fear
- Diarrhea
- difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
- irritability
- restlessness
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to acetaminophen: compounding powder, intravenous solution, oral capsule, oral granule effervescent, oral liquid, oral powder for reconstitution, oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet disintegrating, oral tablet extended release, rectal suppository
General
In general, acetaminophen (the active ingredient contained in Tylenol) is well-tolerated when administered in therapeutic doses. The most commonly reported adverse reactions have included nausea, vomiting, constipation. Injection site pain and injection site reaction have been reported with the IV product.[Ref]
Hepatic
Common (1% to 10%): Increased aspartate aminotransferase
Rare (less than 0.1%): Increased hepatic transaminases
Frequency not reported: Liver failure[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 34%), Vomiting (up to 15%)
Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, dyspepsia, enlarged abdomen
Frequency not reported: Dry mouth[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Postmarketing reports: Anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity reactions[Ref]
Hematologic
Common (1% to 10%): Anemia, postoperative hemorrhage
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, neutropenia[Ref]
Dermatologic
Common (1% to 10%): Rash, pruritus
Rare (less than 0.1%): Serious skin reactions such as acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Pemphigoid reaction, pustular rash, Lyell syndrome
:[Ref]
Respiratory
Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea, abnormal breath sounds, pulmonary edema, hypoxia, pleural effusion, stridor, wheezing, coughing[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Common (1% to 10%): Peripheral edema, hypertension, hypotension, tachycardia, chest pain[Ref]
Metabolic
Common (1% to 10%): Hypokalemia, hyperglycemia[Ref]
Nervous system
Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness
Frequency not reported: Dystonia
Musculoskeletal
Common (1% to 10%): Muscle spasms, trismus
Psychiatric
Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, anxiety
Genitourinary
Common (1% to 10%): Oliguria
Local
Common (1% to 10%): Infusion site pain, injection site reactions
Ocular
Common (1% to 10%): Periorbital edema
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Pyrexia, fatigue
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Malaise
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It is possible that some side effects of Tylenol may not have been reported. These can be reported to the FDA here. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.