|
What is Tylenol
 Tylenol
is a pain reliever and a fever reducer.
Tylenol
is used to treat many conditions such as headache, muscle
aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds, and fevers.
Tylenol
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Tylenol
Use Tylenol for up to 3 days for fever or up to 10
days for pain (or up to 5 days to treat a child's pain).
If the symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse, stop
using Tylenol and see a doctor.
Avoid alcohol during
treatment with Tylenol. Together, alcohol and Tylenol can
be damaging to the liver.
Be aware of the acetaminophen
content of other over-the-counter and prescription products.
Care should be taken to avoid taking more than the recommended
amount of acetaminophen per dose or per day.
What you should find out before taking Tylenol Do not take Tylenol without first talking to your
doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages
per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease. You
may not be able to take Tylenol, or you may require a lower
dose or special monitoring.
Before taking Tylenol,
tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You
may not be able to take Tylenol, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you
have either of these conditions.
Tylenol is in the
FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely
to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Tylenol without
first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Tylenol passes into breast milk. It appears to be safe for
use during breast-feeding but should be avoided if possible.
Talk to your doctor before taking Tylenol if you are breast-feeding
a baby.
If you are treating a child, read the package
carefully and use a pediatric form of the medication if
possible. Talk to a doctor first if the child is younger
than 2 years of age.
How should take Tylenol Take Tylenol exactly as directed by your doctor or
follow the instructions on the package. If you do not understand
these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor
to explain them to you.
Take each oral dose with
a full glass of water.
Tylenol can be taken with
or without food.
Wash your hands before and after
using the rectal suppositories. Run the suppository under
cold water or put it in the refrigerator for a few minutes
before using it. Remove any wrapping from the suppository
and moisten the suppository with cold water. Squat, stand,
or lie down with one leg straight and the other bent, in
a comfortable position that allows access to the rectal
area. Use your finger, or the applicator if one is provided,
to deposit the suppository as far as it will comfortably
go into the rectum. Insert the narrow end first. Close your
legs and lie still for a few minutes. If the applicator
will be reused, take it apart and wash it with warm water
and mild soap, then dry it completely. Avoid having a bowel
movement for at least 1 hour after inserting the suppository.
To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the
liquid forms of acetaminophen with a special dose-measuring
spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do
not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Shake the liquid well before measuring.
Never take more Tylenol than is directed. The maximum
amounts for adults are 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams
(4000 mg) per day. Taking more Tylenol could be damaging
to the liver. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages
per day, talk to your doctor before taking Tylenol.
Use Tylenol for up to 3 days for fever or up to 10 days
for pain (or up to 5 days to treat a child's pain). If the
symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse, stop using
Tylenol and see a doctor.
If you are treating a child,
read the package carefully and use a pediatric form of the
medication if possible. Talk to a doctor first if the child
is younger than 2 years of age.
Store Tylenol at
room temperature away from heat, moisture, and the reach
of children. The rectal suppositories can be stored at room
temperature or in the refrigerator.
If you miss a dose: If you are taking Tylenol on a regular schedule,
take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Wait the prescribed
amount of time or as directed in the package labeling before
taking another dose. Do not take a double dose.
If
you are taking Tylenol on an as-needed basis, missing a
dose is not usually a problem. Take the dose as soon as
you remember, and do not take another dose for the amount
of time prescribed or as directed in the package labeling.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of an Tylenol overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
abdominal pain, sweating, seizures, confusion, and an irregular
heartbeat.
Avoid while taking Tylenol Avoid alcohol during treatment with Tylenol. Together,
alcohol and Tylenol can be damaging to the liver.
Be aware of the acetaminophen content of other over-the-counter
and prescription products. Care should be taken to avoid
taking more than the recommended amount of acetaminophen
per dose or per day.
Possible side effects of Tylenol If you experience any of the following rare but serious
side effects, stop taking Tylenol and seek emergency medical
attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an
allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the
throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea,
abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising,
severe fatigue);
- blood problems (easy or unusual
bleeding or bruising).
Other, less serious side effects
are not known to occur.
Side effects other than those
listed here may occur. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Tylenol Be aware of the acetaminophen content of other over-the-counter
and prescription products. Care should be taken to avoid
taking more than the recommended amount of acetaminophen
per dose or per day.
Tylenol may cause false urine
glucose test results. Talk to your doctor if you have diabetes
and you notice changes in your glucose levels while taking
Tylenol.
Other
medications may interact with Tylenol. Talk to your doctor
and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines, including herbal products while taking Tylenol.
|
