Tylenol is a widely used over-the-counter medication primarily known for its pain-relieving and fever-reducing properties. The active ingredient in most Tylenol products is acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol), which serves as an analgesic and antipyretic agent.
Active Ingredients
- Acetaminophen: The primary active ingredient in most Tylenol products, known for its pain-relieving (analgesic) and fever-reducing (antipyretic) properties.
- Regular Strength: 325 mg per caplet.
- Extra Strength: 500 mg per caplet.
- Tylenol with Codeine: Contains acetaminophen combined with codeine for enhanced pain relief.
Inactive Ingredients
The inactive ingredients vary by formulation but commonly include:
- Carnauba Wax
- Corn Starch
- Magnesium Stearate
- Hypromellose
- Titanium Dioxide
- Shellac
- Propylene Glycol
These ingredients serve various purposes such as binding, coating, and stabilizing the tablets or caplets.
Additional Formulations
Some Tylenol products may include other active ingredients to target specific symptoms:
- Dextromethorphan: A cough suppressant.
- Guaifenesin: An expectorant.
- Phenylephrine: A decongestant.
These combinations are designed to address multiple symptoms, such as cold and flu.
Tylenol is marketed for a range of uses including relief from headaches, muscle aches, arthritis pain, menstrual cramps, and fever. It is important to follow dosage instructions carefully due to the risk of liver damage associated with excessive acetaminophen intake.
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