Among the medications used to reduce pain, among other symptoms related to general malaise, Tylenol, better known as paracetamol , stands out . In the right amounts, it can provide complete relief in a very short time.
In this article we will look at what Tylenol is, how to use it safely, precautions to keep in mind, and side effects to consider.
What is tylenol?
- Formula: C 8H 9 NO 2
- Half-life: 1-4 h
- Metabolism: 90-95% Hepatic
- Bioavailability: 63-89%
- Density: 1,263 g/cm³
- Legal status: Unscheduled (AU) GSL (UK) OTC (USA)
- IUPAC name: N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide, N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethanamide
Tylenol is a medication discovered in Germany in 1877. It is also known as paracetamol or acetaminophen. It is mainly used to treat fever and moderate pain, thanks to its analgesic and antipyretic properties . It should be noted that, combined with other components, it can be used for more acute pain, such as postoperative or cancer pain.
It is a completely safe medication, as long as the dose prescribed by the treating physician is not altered. Tylenol can be administered in low doses in patients with liver disease, during pregnancy and even during lactation . Generally, it is administered orally , although it can also be found on the market for rectal use or as an intravenous solution.
This medicine is so important that it has been included in the list of essential drugs , which is prepared by the World Health Organization (WHO). In this are the most necessary medicines for any health care center.
As a general rule, it works to soothe mild pain and lower the temperature in adults without prior medical recommendation, while its application in children must be indicated by the doctor. This medication is effective in treating headaches, menstrual cramps, flu symptoms , among other symptoms.
How is tylenol used?
This drug can be found in different presentations and amounts. For example, it is possible to get 325mg, 500mg, 650mg and even 1g tylenol.
- In adults. The usual dose for adults varies between 500 mg and 1000 mg, recommended every 6 to 8 hours. The dose may vary, taking into account the intensity of the symptoms presented.
- In children. The dose of tylenol for children should be administered depending on their weight and age. It can be used orally or in suppositories. It is advisable to use the minimum dose and for the shortest possible time.
- For other pathologies. In patients with anemia , lung and heart problems, and severe kidney dysfunction, it can be used, although it should be for short periods of time and administered with caution.
To obtain a more efficient response to the medication, it is best to take it without food, preferably with water only. If you choose to take it with food, its effectiveness is not altered, but perhaps the absorption time by the body may be slower and, therefore, delay its effect.
Precautions when using tylenol
When taking any medication, you must ask your doctor for all the information related to the risks of its consumption, as well as the precautions to keep in mind. Let’s look at some of these, so as not to overlook them.
- Possible allergies. If you are allergic to acetaminophen, or any of the ingredients in this medicine, you should tell your doctor. If after ingestion, redness occurs or there are problems breathing or swallowing, its use should be discontinued.
- Other diseases. If you suffer from anemia, low hemoglobin or kidney, heart or lung problems, you should tell your doctor, to find out if it is safe to use.
- Patients with alcoholism. Alcohol and Tylenol should not be mixed. Taking more than 2g of Tylenol a day while drinking three or more glasses of alcohol can cause liver damage. In fact, experts suggest not drinking alcoholic beverages while using any drug.
- In children. Any effective pain-relieving medication in children can be given. But, only if so directed by the doctor. It is also important not to exceed the recommended dosage.
- prolonged use. In adults, the dose should not exceed 4 grams per day, because in high amounts, especially when used for a long time, it can cause interstitial nephropathy.
- Interaction with other drugs. The doctor should be informed if the patient takes anticoagulants, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, diuretics, beta-blockers, or any other pain reliever.
- During pregnancy. Paracetamol is considered safe during pregnancy, as long as its use is for a short period of time. It also applies during lactation.
If all these precautions are taken into account, and the doctor’s recommendations regarding dosage and duration of treatment are followed, the benefits of this medicine can be obtained safely.
Tylenol Side Effects
Most medications have side effects, short or long term. Next, we will see what side effects can occur when using tylenol.
- In pregnancy. The reason why excessive use of this drug is discouraged during pregnancy is because it is a possible cause of diseases in children, for example, ADHD or autism. It can occur by taking high doses of Tylenol and for a very long time.
- liver damage. The liver can be compromised with this drug. If you already have problems in this area of the body, you can use very low doses or look for a safer alternative.
- Rare cases. In some cases, although it should be noted that they are rare, this medicine can cause hypotension, hypoglycaemia or skin problems, for example, skin rashes.
Side effects may vary depending on the patient’s illnesses and the dose used. For this reason, they are not as accurate and are usually rare. If any reaction other than those mentioned occurs, the doctor should be informed, who will determine if it is necessary to suspend the treatment or reduce the dose.
