Extra Strength Tylenol relieves pain and discomfort sparked by many conditions, including the common cold and arthritis.
However, you must be careful not to exceed the maximum daily dose.
An overdose of Tylenol can causeliver toxicitythat could be fatal.
Ellen Lindner / Verywell
Its active ingredient is acetaminophen.
Tylenol is available in different strengths as measured by the amount of acetaminophen in milligrams (mg).
Lower strengths have a shorter duration of action, while higher strengths have a longer duration of action.
Recommended Dosage for Adults
Tylenol is available in tablet, caplet, or gelcap forms.
This is because the drug is broken down at a consistent rate by theliver.
How Quickly Does Tylenol Work?
The effects of Tylenol will generally kick in within 45 minutes of a dose.
Extra Strength Tylenol and Tylenol Arthritis Pain shouldnotbe used in children under 12 unless directed by a healthcare provider.
Research published in 2024 in theJournal of the American Medical Associationfound no such link.
Read the instructions carefully and ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain any parts you do not understand.
Taking these together with Tylenol can expose you totoxic levels of acetaminophen.
For healthy adults, more than 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen per day increases the risk of hepatotoxicity.
For children and people with liver disease, hepatotoxicity can occur at far lower doses.
Always read product labels carefully to ensure that you are not doubling doses.
Instead, the chemicals start to accumulate and damage the liver.
Drinking alcohol with acetaminophen only increases the risk of hepatotoxicity, even at lower doses.
For this reason, alcohol should never be consumed while you are taking Tylenol.
Moreover, if you consume three or more alcoholic drinks per day, you shouldneveruse Tylenol.
Signs and symptoms of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity include:
Symptoms often develop 12 hours or more after a significant overdose.
Summary
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is an over-the-counter drug used to treat pain and fever.
Extra Strength Tylenol can be taken every six hours, with a maximum of six tablets per day.
Tylenol Arthritis can be taken every eight hours, with a maximum of six tablets per day.
Taking more than the recommended dose can lead to liver toxicity and liver damage.
The risk is increased if you take Tylenol with alcohol.
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