How long does tylenol start to work

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When people are in pain, they want to know how soon they can get relief from an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever like Tylenol. Since Tylenol doesn’t publish expected times for their products to work, many consumers are left confused and frustrated.

In this article we’ll review how long it takes for different Tylenol products to work based on medical research, and if there are any natural alternatives which may be healthier options than Tylenol for pain management.

Time to Work by Product

Regular Tylenol

Regular Tylenol, called Tylenol Family Liquid Medicine With Acetaminophen, should work within 45 minutes based on one of the few medical studies on this topic.

It’s important to note that the study measured time to meaningful pain relief after dental surgery, so the time to pain relief for more minor concerns could be shorter.

Tylenol Tablets (Regular Strength and Extra Strength)

Tylenol sells two popular tablet products for pain relief: Tylenol Regular Strength Tablets and Tylenol Extra Strength Caplets. 

Based on the same study linked above, the time to meaningful pain relief from tablets was 60 minutes. Again, it’s likely to be shorter than this for more minor pain symptoms.

The reason why liquid Tylenol works faster is that liquids are processed and assimilated by our digestive system faster than solids.

How Can I Make Tylenol Work Faster?

Taking Tylenol a liquid or effervescent (dissolvable powder) form of Tylenol on an empty stomach is the best combination for rapid absorption.

As we referenced above, taking Tylenol in a non-tablet form leads to quicker absorption, and taking it on an empty stomach also leads to quicker absorption because the body can digest and process Tylenol alone instead of with many other foods and liquids at once.

Are There Healthier Alternatives?

Turmeric is an herbal supplement which has been shown in medical research to have a pain reduction effect similar to OTC pain drugs. Turmeric is also associated with far fewer long-term side effects.

We recommend that patients speak to their doctor before considering replacing any drug with an herbal supplement.

The active ingredient in Tylenol, called acetaminophen, causes many cases of acute liver injury annually in the U.S. The vast majority of these cases involve accidental overdose, not regular use, but it’s important to note that this is a compound which can be harmful at easily achievable doses.

We believe that Tylenol is safe for short-term use, but would recommend that patients speak to their doctors about trying to determine the root cause for their pain if they’re needing to take Tylenol daily at relatively high doses.

Tylenol also has inactive ingredients like flavoring agents, sucralose and sucrose which are arguably unhealthy. Health-conscious consumers may want to just deal with short-term pain when possible instead of taking medication for it. 

Life is about having fun and making it big, whether you are in personal or professional zones. But, off and on, many of us come a bit under the weather, either through pain or fever.

No doubt, the doctor will prescribe to us a battery of pain relievers and fever fighters (which makes us sulk and very rightly so). But there is one such OTC drug you need to know – Tylenol which provides relief when it comes to treating common colds, fevers, headache, muscle aches, to even arthritis, backache and toothaches. Sounds like a multi-talented drug, right? We will find out more.

Tylenol is not a small drug, but a successful one sold in different formulations. And the list includes Tylenol Childrens, Tylenol Sinus, Tylenol Cold, Tylenol Extra Strength etc.

This Article Covers:

What Does Tylenol Do?

Tylenol, scientifically known as Acetaminophen (or APAP), is the most popular painkiller in the United States. Did you know that Americans take over 8 billion pills of Tylenol each year in the form of tablets or capsules?

Acetaminophen happens to be the general (or generic) name for Tylenol (which is a brand name). Although200 medications have acetaminophen, most of them do not have “Tylenol” name on their labels.

When it comes to causing relief from headaches, and common aches and pains, Tylenol (or Acetaminophen) can be a good choice, and universal too. In fact, it can be taken on a long-term basis by most people suffering from arthritis and other chronic painful conditions.

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What Is The Active Ingredient In Tylenol?

The active ingredient in Tylenol is paracetamol. This ingredient is a popular over-the-counter drug used to treat various fevers and pains. (1)

How Does Tylenol Work?

Okay, we will study a bit – the chemistry part – of the workings of the analgesic Tylenol (the brand name of Acetaminophen).

Acetaminophen slows down the creation of chemical messengers called prostaglandins, which the body produces in response to an injury or illness. You can say that by blocking the prostaglandin functions (while not affecting others), Acetaminophen reduces the pain. Prostaglandins, by the way, are known to trigger inflammation and swelling of body tissues.

Unlike ibuprofen and aspirin, acetaminophen or Tylenol does not have anti-inflammatory action. But, as compared to ibuprofen and aspirin, acetaminophen causes less of stomach irritation.

[Also Read: How Long Does Ibuprofen Take To Work]

Is Tylenol Completely Safe?

It is safe as long as the doses are taken in limits, without crossing the excessive dosage limit. Excessive alcohol may convert Tylenol into toxic products in your liver, so got to be cautious there. (2)

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It all depends on your body condition and health. Tylenol is not a magical medicine straight out of Grandma’s kitchen that will show results immediately after its intake. It has to first dissolve in the digestive tract, and enter the blood stream. Once the content enters the brain, acetaminophen or APAP starts blocking all the pain signals, giving you relief.

Tylenol, when taken on an empty stomach, will start its working in 15-20 minutes. But, if you have had a meal and then taken Tylenol, it will take between half an hour to sixty minutes to show its working.

Just like any medicine, do not expect Tylenol to work wonders. Wait and watch, as the healing process takes some time. But do not make the mistake of taking an overdose of Tylenol, if you want immediate results.

How Long Does Acetaminophen Last?

If you see on an average, the effects of Tylenol stay in the body for four to eight hours. On an average scale, they stay in the body for three to six hours.

How Often Can You Take Acetaminophen ?

When it comes to the intake of Tylenol, bear in mind that you can take 1000 mg of it in four-hour duration.The maximum dose of Tylenol that you can take on a daily basis is 4000 mg.

Tylenol is usually taken to get relief from fever, pain, and aches that happen as a result of cold or flu. The manufacturers have cut down on the dosage in order to prevent casualties.

Bear in mind that you should not take Tylenol on your own.You need to follow the dosage as suggested by the doctor. When taken in excess, tylenol can end up damaging your liver and cause death. Rush to the doctor immediately,if you feel the following symptoms of stomach pain, nausea, appetite loss, itching, clay-colored stools, etc. after taking Tylenol.

Should You Take Acetaminophen With Or Without Food?

It is not any rule to take Tylenol with or without food, it entirely depends on you. So, regardless of meals, Tylenol can be consumed.

What Happens If You Miss A Acetaminophen Dose?

There’s nothing to worry if you’ve missed a dose of Tylenol. Firstly, Tylenol doesn’t need to be taken in doses and could be taken only when required. So even if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.

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What Happens If You Overdose?

Two things are what you need to do immediately when you take an overdose of Tylenol. Call for medical help without waiting much. Because an overdose of Acetaminophen is not only fatal, it can lead to nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in stomach, sweating, confusion and weakness. Later symptoms of an overdose of Tylenol include pain in your upper stomach, passing of dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

But yes, do not make this mistake of taking an extra dose just to make up for the missed one. Just skip the dose when the time of taking the next dose is near.

What Can Acetaminophen Cure?

As you read above, oral consumption of Tylenol treats the following aches and pains – Toothache, Fever, Pain, Head Pain, Muscle Pain, Painful Periods, Pain associated with Arthritis, Backache.

Side Effects Of Acetaminophen:

There are two kinds of side effects that you can experience on taking Tylenol – a/ common ones and b/ serious.

While the common side effects include constipation, headaches, vomiting, insomnia, the side effects on a serious scale include development of red or blistering skin, skin rashes, hives, itching, swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs, difficulty while breathing or swallowing food, upper abdomen pain, appetite loss, passing of dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), sweating, and unusual bleeding. (3)

When you develop any of the serious side effects after consumption of Tylenol or Acetaminophen, then immediately stop its further intake and consult your doctor immediately.

[ Also Read: Pain Under Right Rib Cage]

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Symptoms such as hives, difficulty in breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat give out a strong indication of an allergic reaction.

Every medicine has its share of side effects. So, if you experience the following symptoms after taking tylenol, then discontinue its use immediately:

• When you suffer from pain after continuously taking Tylenol for 7 days (5 days, if you are nursing a child)

• When you develop either of these after-effects of Tylenol consumption i.e. skin rashes, persistent headache, redness or swelling

• If your symptoms worsen up or develop into new symptoms.

What not to take with Acetaminophen?

There are things which you need to avoid while taking Tylenol. First of all, avoid drinking alcohol, as it can up the risk of liver damage. Secondly, before taking any medication for cold, allergy, pain, or sleep, consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Acetaminophen (also known as APAP in abbreviated form) is found in many combination medicines. When you are taking certain products together, they can get you an excess of acetaminophen, which in all probability can turn fatal.

Also, whenever you are buying an OTC drug, check the label to find out if a medicine has acetaminophen or APAP.

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When To Stop Using Acetaminophen?

Tylenol can help when needed, but sometimes the problem might be much more serious than the use of this drug.

It’s best to stop the usage of Tylenol when :

• Fever lasts for more than 3 days

• A pain is there after 7 days of use
• The symptoms remain or become worse.

Stop the intake of Tylenol and go see a doctor instead.

Who Shouldn’t take Tylenol?

Refrain from taking Tylenol (or Acetaminophen) when you are down with either of these health problems:

• Suffer from severe kidney or liver disease

• Drink 3 or more drinks on a daily basis which have alcohol

• Already taking another product which has acetaminophen

At the annual meeting of the American Public Health Association, a study was presented in 2013 in which it was found that upon combining acetaminophen-based pain relievers like Tylenol with small amounts of alcohol makes you prone to the risk of kidney disease twice.

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One more piece of advice. Pregnant women should take doctor’s opinion before taking Tylenol. After all, it is the question of safety of the foetus and of the pregnant mom too. Also, acetaminophen has the ability to pass into the breast milk. This can harm a nursing baby. So, do tell your consulting doctor if you are in the breast-feeding stage.

Now that you know the points to consider when taking Tylenol, follow them religiously. Refrain from giving Tylenol to children who are below two years. It is always better to consult a doctor before you take this extreme step.

FAQ’s:

How To Store Acetaminophen?

Be sure to store tylenol at room temperature. It should be stored in a place that doesn’t have contact with moisture, light or heat. The perfect room temperature setting to store is in between 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Can You Take Tylenol (Acetaminophen) During Pregnancy?

It is often prescribed to pregnant women during labour pain to ease out the pain. Although, pregnancy is a sensitive issue and your doctors advice to take Tylenol or not is your final call.