Tylenol

Tylenol is a brand of drugs known for its analgesic and antipyretic effects. It is widely used for the relief of headaches, fever, and minor aches and pains. The active ingredient in Tylenol is acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol), a drug that is also used in many other over-the-counter and prescription medications.

History

Tylenol was first introduced in 1955 by McNeil Laboratories, a pharmaceutical company based in the United States. It was initially sold as a prescription medication for children to reduce fever and relieve pain. In 1959, Tylenol was made available over the counter, and it quickly gained popularity due to its effectiveness and lack of side effects compared to other pain relievers at the time.

Uses

Tylenol is primarily used to relieve pain and reduce fever. It is effective in treating a variety of conditions, including headaches, toothaches, backaches, osteoarthritis, or cold/flu aches and pains. It can also be used to reduce fever in adults and children.

Side Effects

While Tylenol is generally safe for use, it can cause some side effects, especially when taken in large doses. These can include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, and weakness. In rare cases, high doses of Tylenol can lead to liver damage.

Precautions

Before using Tylenol, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider, especially for people with liver disease, a history of alcoholism, or who are taking other medications. It is also important to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Tylenol, as this can increase the risk of liver damage.

See Also

• Analgesic
• Antipyretic
• Acetaminophen
• McNeil Laboratories

Tylenol Resources
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