Tylenol (Acetaminophen Capsules and Tablets) Information - Drugs.com (2024)

Generic name: Acetaminophen Capsules and Tablets [a-seet-a-MIN-oh-fen]
Brand names: Tylenol, Tylophen
Drug class: Miscellaneous analgesics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 18, 2024.

Uses of Tylenol:

• It is used to ease pain and fever.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Tylenol?

• If you have an allergy to acetaminophen or any other part of Tylenol (acetaminophen capsules and tablets).
• If you are allergic to Tylenol (acetaminophen capsules and tablets); any part of Tylenol (acetaminophen capsules and tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have liver disease.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Tylenol (acetaminophen capsules and tablets).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Tylenol (acetaminophen capsules and tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Tylenol?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Tylenol (acetaminophen capsules and tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid taking other products that have acetaminophen in them. Check labels closely. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver problems.
• Follow the directions exactly. Do not take more acetaminophen in a day than directed. If you do not know how much acetaminophen you can take in a day, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Some people may take up to 4,000 mg (milligrams) in a day if told to do so by the doctor. Some people (like people with liver problems and children) should take less acetaminophen. Call your doctor right away if you have taken too much acetaminophen in a day, even if you feel well.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take Tylenol (acetaminophen capsules and tablets).
• Allergic reactions have happened with Tylenol (acetaminophen capsules and tablets). Rarely, some reactions can be very bad or life-threatening. Talk with the doctor.
• Different brands of Tylenol (acetaminophen capsules and tablets) may have different doses for children. Talk with the doctor before giving Tylenol (acetaminophen capsules and tablets) to a child.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

Related/similar drugs

acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, cyclobenzaprine, tramadol, amitriptyline, Paracetamol

How is this medicine (Tylenol) best taken?

Use Tylenol (acetaminophen capsules and tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with or without food.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If you take Tylenol (acetaminophen capsules and tablets) on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Many times Tylenol (acetaminophen capsules and tablets) is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
• A very bad skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen. It can cause very bad health problems that may not go away, and sometimes death. Get medical help right away if you have signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.

What are some other side effects of Tylenol?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Headache.
• Constipation.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Tylenol?

• Store at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
• Protect from light.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Store in original container.
• Keep lid tightly closed.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Tylenol (acetaminophen capsules and tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

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Further information

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

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