Side Effects of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used drugs in medicine today. However, it may have some negative effects.
For example, there are several types of acetaminophen: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), aspirin, ibuprofen and others. These drugs work differently than each other and they all have different side effects.
The following list contains some of the common side effects of acetaminophen:
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea or constipation
Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, numbness or tingling feeling in your hands and feet (pins and needles sensation)
Blurred vision (double vision) or double pain (numbness and burning in your fingers when you touch them)
Sex drive decreases temporarily (loss of libido)
Loss of coordination, balance problems, slowness or difficulty walking
Dizziness or lightheadedness (feeling like you might pass out)
In rare cases, death occurs due to these side effects. There are no known ways to prevent these side effects.
If you experience any of these symptoms after using acetaminophen, seek medical attention immediately. You should not stop taking your medication without first talking with your doctor.
Most of these side effects are caused by the acetaminophen in this drug. Some other drugs contain acetaminophen.
These drugs may cause similar side effects.
Some people are more likely to experience these side effects than others. Discuss all your medical conditions and medications with your doctor before taking acetaminophen.
It is important to know that these side effects do not occur in everyone who uses this medication. If you take the normal dose of this drug, you probably will not have any problems.
If you notice any side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
To learn more about acetaminophen, talk to your doctor. You can also find more information about acetaminophen at the FDA website.
To learn more about tylenol side effects visit our website.
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. Acetaminophen overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this drug.
Acetaminophen overdose can cause severe damage to the liver, and sometimes other organs. In severe cases, it can lead to death.
This is for information purposes only and not to be relied on for any purpose as we are not a doctor. Always consult your doctor about all your medical concerns.
Acetaminophen overdose most commonly occurs in children due to accidental ingestion. In adults, it is most often seen in people who attempt suicide.
The drug is found in many OTC pain relievers and cold medicines. It is very dangerous to inject a mixture of acetaminophen and alcohol.
In some cases, acetaminophen overdose can lead to death. Call your local Poison Control Center immediately if you believe that someone may have overdosed on this drug.
Common signs and symptoms of an acetaminophen overdose include:
Nausea or vomiting
Stomach pain
Diarrhea
Allergic skin rash
Red or brown urine
Dark colored stools (black, red, or dark brown)
Jaundice (yellowish tint to the skin and the whites of the eyes)
Liver damage may also occur without showing any of these symptoms.
Serious effects from an overdose can show up within hours or days or be delayed for up to a month. In some cases, there are no symptoms at all and the damage is found during a routine blood test.
Treatment options will vary depending on how much was taken, the age of the person affected, and how soon treatment is received.
If the overdose was recent, the antidote, N-acetyl cysteine (or NAC), may be given. NAC helps the body get rid of the acetaminophen.
The antidote, N-acetyl cysteine (or NAC), may be given.
Giving the antidote soon after the overdose can help prevent damage to the liver. The sooner treatment is received, the better the outcome.
If you suspect an acetaminophen overdose, you should contact your local Poison Control Center for further instructions. You can call 1-800-222-1222.
You should have the following information available:
The type of acetaminophen (regular or extra strength)
How much of the medication was taken
The time when the overdose occurred
The number of pills or dosage form that were taken
The weight and age of the person who overdosed
Note: Acetaminophen overdose can cause severe liver damage. In some cases, it may lead to death.
If the overdose is caught in time, supportive care in a hospital can help the liver recover.
If you take too much acetaminophen, call your local Poison Control Center or get medical help immediately.
To learn more about acetaminophen side effects visit our website.
Tags: acetaminophen, acetaminophen overdose, acetaminophen toxicity, pain reliever, pharming, poisoning, poison control center, toxic overdose, Tylenol, Tylenol overdose, tylenol toxicity
This information is provided by the National Poison Control Center.
Further information
Always consult your physician or pharmacist with any questions or concerns.
This page last updated: 8/4/2018
Page last updated: 6/5/2018
Published on 2018-06-05
Content source: Consumer Reports Magazine
Sources & references used in this article:
A randomized controlled trial comparing acetaminophen plus ibuprofen versus acetaminophen plus codeine plus caffeine after outpatient general surgery by A Mitchell, SV van Zanten, K Inglis, G Porter – Journal of the American …, 2008 – Elsevier
A randomized open label study of pain medications (naproxen, acetaminophen and ibuprofen) for controlling side effects during initiation of IFN β-1a therapy and … by MP Leuschen, M Filipi, K Healey – Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 2004 – journals.sagepub.com
Mechanism of the protective effect of propylthiouracil against acetaminophen (Tylenol) toxicity in the rat by WG Linscheer, KL Raheja, C Cho, NJ Smith – Gastroenterology, 1980 – Elsevier
The comparison of the efficacy and gastrointestinal side effects of Tylenol-ER (Extended Relief) and naproxen in the treatment of osteoarthritis of knee: multicenter trial by SH Lee, SI Kim, WH Yoo, CH Suh, SK Lee… – Arthritis & …, 1998 – insights.ovid.com
