Acetaminophen is a commonly used drug that is present in pain killers, which also reduces the temperature and effects of fever. Acetaminophen Tylenol is the brand name and most popularly used drug in pain and fever relievers.
Normally, acetaminophen Tylenol is used as an effective drug to reduce the effects of pain, especially for patients with chronic conditions. However, an acetaminophen overdose can cause serious and severe damage to your internal organs, especially to the liver. Thus, it is very important to monitor the intake of Acetaminophen Tylenol and only administer them in small doses.
What Are The Uses Of Acetaminophen Tylenol?
Acetaminophen Tylenol is a very commonly used drug that is utilized to treat basic conditions and symptoms of fever and pain caused by other, more severe physical disorders or diseases. The drug is usually prescribed to treat the effects of the common cold, flu, arthritis, headaches, muscle and joint pains, fevers, and menstrual cramps.
As a common drug, you can acquire medications with smaller doses of acetaminophen Tylenol from pharmacies over the counter. They do not require extreme deliberations when you take them for minor effects of fever, flu, or as a pain reliever. However, based on the severity of your symptoms, it is best to consult with the pharmacist regarding your health issue and receive acknowledgement for whether or not acetaminophen Tylenol is the best solution.
In case of extreme pain or high fever, consult with a doctor before administering Tylenol. Based on the cause of the fever-like symptoms and pain, they can prescribe higher doses of acetaminophen Tylenol or alternative drugs.
What Is The Appropriate Dosage Of Acetaminophen Tylenol?
Acetaminophen Tylenol must only be administered in the prescribed dosage. Given the adverse effects that the drug has on the liver, you must never consume acetaminophen Tylenol in excess. Here are the forms and dosage for Acetaminophen Tylenol in adults:
- In the form of tablets – 325 mg and 500 mg
- In the form of caplets – 325 mg, 500 mg, and 650 mg
- In the form of capsules – 500 mg
- In the form of gel tablets or gel capsules – 500 mg
- In the form of extended-release caplets – 650 mg
- In the form of chewable tablets – 80 mg
- In the form of oral solution or in suspension – 160 mg per 5 ml or 80 mg per 0.8 ml of oral drops
- In the form of oral liquid – 500 mg per 5 ml or 160 mg per 15 ml or 500 mg per 15ml
- In the form of oral syrup – 160 mg per 50 ml
- In the form of elixir – 160 mg per 5 ml.
The dosage for acetaminophen Tylenol in regards to children and teenagers differs largely. It is best to consult with a health professional before administering acetaminophen Tylenol doses to children, teenagers, and even senior adults.
What Are The Side Effects Of Tylenol?
As we have mentioned, there is a serious chance of liver damage as a result of acetaminophen overdose. However, when taken cautiously, there are still a number of side effects of Tylenol that you need to watch for if you administer the drug to yourself or someone else.
Here are the common side effects of Tylenol:
- Dizziness
- Disorientation and confusion
- Rashes
- Hives
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling on the skin
- Decreasing levels of platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells.
While these side effects of Tylenol are not very serious, at least if detected in the initial stages, there are other serious side effects of acetaminophen Tylenol that can cause severe damage. Here’s what they are:
- Liver failure
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Gastrointestinal haemorrhage
- Agranulocytosis
- Laryngeal oedema
- Hyperammonemia
- Kidney toxicity
- Liver toxicity
- Anaphylaxis or severe allergic reactions
- Steven-Johnson syndrome
- Low levels of red blood cells
- Low levels of white blood cells lead to leukopenia or neutropenia
- Thrombocytopenia or diminishing platelet count
- Pancytopenia wherein the counts of platelets, red blood cells, ad white blood cells fall rapidly.
There are several other side effects of Tylenol that are not mentioned in the list above. They are less common but if you possess any instigative qualities, then it is best to discuss them with your general physician when they prescribe acetaminophen Tylenol to treat pain or fever.
What Are The Tylenol Overdose Symptoms?
If you suffer from acetaminophen overdose, you will experience Tylenol poisoning, which is essentially the outcome of Tylenol overdose symptoms. Here are the Tylenol overdose symptoms to look out for in order to detect a case of acetaminophen overdose:
- Pain in the abdominal regions
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Losing appetite or being unable to eat
- Pain on the skin
- Yellow eyes
- Malaise is a feeling of constant discomfort. You feel unwell.
If you spot any of the Tylenol overdose symptoms in yourself or someone you know, rush to the hospital immediately. If a case of acetaminophen overdose is overlooked, it could cause severe damage to the liver. The condition can worsen to the point where the patient requires a liver transplant in order to live healthily.
It is best to address an issue of Tylenol overdose symptoms at the earliest to remove excessive amounts of acetaminophen Tylenol in the system. It is even better to be aware of the side effects of Tylenol and only administer it in small doses as prescribed by doctors or pharmacists.
Acetaminophen is a wonderful solution to all pain and fever relievers. When consumed in limits, it can have a calming effect on the body that helps drive away severe disorders or health conditions symptoms. It is best not to overdose on self-medication though.
Acetaminophen overdose can lead to serious Tylenol overdose symptoms that may rapidly damage internal organs in your body. If you have preexisting allergies or disorders, it is best to consult with a medical professional before opting for acetaminophen Tylenol. While it can serve well to relieve pain in arthritis, menstrual cramps, etc. it is better to consult a health professional regarding your medical history before administering the drug.