Generic name: acetaminophen (oral) [ a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen ]
Drug class: Miscellaneous analgesics

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Feb 29, 2024.

What is Tylenol?

Tylenol is a pain reliever and a fever reducer.

Tylenol is used to reduce fever and relieve minor pain caused by conditions such as colds or flu, headache, muscle aches, arthritis, menstrual cramps and fevers.

Tylenol side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Tylenol: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, acetaminophen may cause a severe skin reaction that can be fatal, even if you took Tylenol in the past and had no reaction. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have signs of liver problems:

• stomach pain (upper right side);

• loss of appetite;

• tiredness, itching;

• dark urine, clay-colored stools; or

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious Tylenol side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Tylenol if you are allergic to acetaminophen, or if you have severe liver disease.

Do not take this medicine without a doctor's advice if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis) or if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day. You may not be able to take Tylenol.

Your doctor will determine whether Tylenol is safe for you to use during pregnancy. Do not use this medicine without the advice of your doctor if you are pregnant.

Acetaminophen can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.

How should I take Tylenol?

Take Tylenol exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. An acetaminophen overdose can damage your liver or cause death.

• Adults and teenagers who weigh at least 110 pounds (50 kilograms): Do not take more than 1000 milligrams (mg) at one time. Do not take more than 4000 mg in 24 hours.

• Children younger than 12 years old: Do not take more than 5 doses of acetaminophen in 24 hours. Use only the number of milligrams per dose that is recommended for the child's weight and age. Use exactly as directed on the label.

• Avoid also using other medicines that contain acetaminophen, or you could have a fatal overdose.

Do not give extra-strength Tylenol to a child younger than 12 years old without medical advice.

A child's dose is based on age and weight. Carefully follow the dosing instructions provided with this medicine. Ask a doctor before giving this medicine to a child younger than 2 years.

Tylenol made for infants comes with its own medicine dropper or oral syringe. Measuring with the wrong device may cause an overdose. Use only the provided dosing device provided to measure an infant's dose.

Tylenol comes in many different forms such as tablets, caplets, capsules, liquid, chewable tablets, and dissolving powders or granules. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor if:

• you still have a sore throat after 2 days of use;

• you still have a fever after 3 days of use;

• you still have pain after 7 days of use (or 5 days if treating a child);

• you have a skin rash, ongoing headache, nausea, vomiting, redness or swelling; or

• your symptoms get worse, or if you have any new symptoms.

Taking acetaminophen may cause false results with certain blood glucose monitors. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor about the best way to monitor your blood sugar levels while using Tylenol.

Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Tylenol is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of acetaminophen can be fatal.

The first signs of an acetaminophen overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, and confusion or weakness. Later symptoms may include pain in your upper stomach, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

What should I avoid while taking Tylenol?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medication. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as APAP) is contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much acetaminophen which can lead to a fatal overdose. Check the label to see if a medicine contains acetaminophen or APAP.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage while taking Tylenol.

Warnings

You should not use Tylenol if you have severe liver disease.

An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death.

• Adults and teenagers who weigh at least 110 pounds should not take more than 1000 milligrams (mg) at one time, or more than 4000 mg in 24 hours.

• Children younger than 12 years old should not take more than 5 doses in 24 hours, using only the number of milligrams per dose that is recommended for the child's weight and age. Use exactly as directed on the label.

Avoid also using other medicines that contain acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as APAP), or you could have a fatal overdose.

Call your doctor at once if you have nausea, pain in your upper stomach, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

Stop taking Tylenol and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.

What other drugs will affect Tylenol?

Other drugs may interact with acetaminophen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Tylenol only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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