There are many types of over-the-counter (OTC) Tylenol—the popular brand name version of the generic drug acetaminophen. Depending on the symptoms you have, you may choose one formulation or strength of Tylenol over another.
This article reviews the different Tylenol products, and how they are alike and different. You will learn which type of Tylenol can be used for relief from arthritis pain, aheadache, sinus discomfort,menstrual cramps, and other symptoms.
What’s the Difference Between Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen?
Verywell / Laura Porter
Types of Tylenol
The active ingredient in all OTC Tylenol products is acetaminophen, which works primarily to relieve pain and fightfevers.
The main difference between the types of Tylenol is the amount of acetaminophen in each one. For example, stronger formulations are meant to relieve more intense types of pain.
Tylenol also comes in different forms—for example, there are liquids, dissolvable powders, chewable tablets, caplets, and capsules.
Regular Strength Tylenol
The original Tylenol, Regular Strength Tylenol, contains 325 milligrams (mg) of acetaminophen per tablet/capsule.
Adults and children 12 years and over can take two tablets/capsules every four to six hours as needed, but no more than 10 tablets/capsules in 24 hours.
Extra-Strength Tylenol
Extra-Strength Tylenolcontains 500 mg acetaminophen per tablet/capsule. Adults and kids 12 and over can safely take two tablets/capsules every six hours as needed, but no more than eight tablets/capsules in 24 hours.
If you’re using Extra Strength Tylenol, don’t take it for more than 10 days in a row unless your healthcare provider says you should.
Tylenol 8-Hour Arthritis Pain
Tylenol 8-Hour Arthritis Pain contains 650 mg acetaminophen per caplet. Although it’s marketed for arthritis pain, it also can bring temporary relief for more general muscle aches,back pain, menstrual cramps, discomfort from a cold or flu, andtoothache.
It has a double-layer design. The first layer provides fast relief and the second offers continuous all-day relief in an extended-release formula. Because the first layer is meant to dissolve quickly for immediate relief, this type of Tylenol should be swallowed whole with water.
Adults can take one to two caplets every eight hours, but no more than six caplets in 24 hours.
Tylenol 8-Hour Aches and Pains ER
Tylenol 8-Hour Aches and Pains Extended-Release is basically the same as the formulation for arthritis pain. This type of Tylenol contains 650 mg acetaminophen per caplet, has the same bi-layer design, and is formulated to relieve minor muscle aches and body pain fast and to last all day.
Adults and children 12 years and over can take two caplets every eight hours, swallowed whole with water, and no more than six caplets in 24 hours.
Types of Tylenol for Infants and Children
There are specific Tylenol products for babies and kids. Many formulations treat symptoms similar to the products for adults, like colds and the flu.
However, these products come in smaller doses and are made to be easier for children to take.
Children’s Tylenol Liquid
Several liquid formulations of Tylenol are available for children ages 2 to 11. Like the adult versions,Children’s Tylenolcomes in different formulations to treat specific symptoms.
For example, Children’s TylenolCold + Cough + Runny Nosehas acetaminophen plus other ingredients in it that help with a cough.
The liquids also come in flavors like grape and cherry, which can make it a bit easier for children to take them.
There is also a liquid Children’s Tylenol that is madewithout dyes.It also does not contain parabens or high fructose corn syrup.
The medication comes with a special cup that caregivers can use to measure out the correct dose.
Children’s Tylenol Dissolve Powder Packs
Another version of Tylenol that kids ages 6 to 11 comes in theform of a powder. It can either be dissolved in water and made into a drink or allowed to dissolve on a child’s tongue.
Like the liquid Tylenol, the powder packs are fruit-flavored.
Therecommended dose depends on a child’s age and weight.
Children’s Tylenol Chewables
Chewable Children’s Tylenolcomes in bubblegum and grape-flavored tablets. It can be given to kids ages 2 to 11.
The dose depends on a child’s weight and age. Some children will need to take more than one chewable.
Infants’ Tylenol Liquid
Infants’ Tylenol Liquidis made for children ages 2 to 3 years. Sometimes, children younger than age 2 might be able to take the medication with their pediatrician’s OK.
Like the liquid version for older kids, Infants’ Tylenol comes in grape and cherry flavors and can be given to help with cold symptoms, toothaches, and fevers. There is also adye-free version.
The medication comes with a dropper to help caregivers measure the right dose.
Tylenol PM
Tylenol also makes products that are meant to be used at night. In addition to pain relief from acetaminophen, some of these products have ingredients in them to help you sleep.
Other Types of Tylenol
Tylenol also makes many symptom and condition-specific products. For example, you can get Tylenol products for:
Recommended Dosages
The reason it’s important to know how much acetaminophen is in each type of Tylenol and to follow the dosage directions carefully is that there’s a very real danger ofsevere liver damagefrom taking too much acetaminophen at one time.This seems straightforward, but it can be tricky.
There are non-Tylenol medications that contain acetaminophen, including prescription narcotic pain relievers and cold-and-flu remedies which include acetaminophen as an ingredient.
Adult Dosage
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), adults should not take more than 4,000 milligrams (mg) of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period.
Child Dosage
The maximum per dose depends on the child’s weight but its not 90mg. The max daily dose is 75mg/kg/day and depends on route.
When you’re giving Tylenol to babies and kids, it’s important to remember that the dose depends on how old they are and how much they weigh. The Tylenol product and the form it comes in will also determinethe correct dose.
Infants’ Tylenol Liquid (160 mg/5ml)
Infants' Tylenol Liquid is meant for children ages 2 to 3 who weigh between 24 and 35 pounds. The dose is 5 ml.
Tylenol Overdose or Poisoning
Concerns and Considerations
Despite the FDA recommendations, it is important to understand that your weight may also play a part in your maximum daily dose of acetaminophen.
Research suggests that taking 4,000 mg for extended periods can seriously damage theliver, especially if you’re under 150 pounds.As such, it is best to limit your intake to the lowest effective dose and to stay closer to 3,000 mg per day as your maximum dose.
If you need to take higher doses for chronic pain, check with your healthcare provider first. Acetaminophen is contraindicated for use in people with severe liver impairment or severe liver disease.
Keep in mind that you also risk liver damage if you drink too muchalcoholwhile taking a medication that contains acetaminophen. The FDA warns you shouldn’t have more than three or more drinks per day.
How Long Tylenol Takes to Work and How Long It Lasts
Using Tylenol During Pregnancy
Providers have long told pregnant people that it’s safe to take Tylenol for minor aches and cold symptoms. However, research has now shown it might not be safe to take Tylenol while you’re pregnant.
Experts now recommend that pregnant people avoid taking over-the-counter products that have acetaminophen in them because it might affect fetal development.
Talk to your provider about the risks and benefits of taking Tylenol during pregnancy in your case.
Experts Say Pregnant People Should Avoid Tylenol
If a pregnant person does need to take Tylenol, experts suggest taking the lowest dose for the shortest amount of time possible.
Summary
Tylenol is the brand name of a drug called acetaminophen. The medication can be bought over-the-counter and is good for relieving pain and helping lower a fever.
The Tylenol brand makes many types of products for different symptoms. There are also special Tylenol types for infants and children.
While Tylenol is generally a safe and effective way to treat pain and occasional minor illnesses like a cold, you should talk to your provider before taking it often or for a long time. Tylenol does have risks, including damaging your liver and may be unsafe to take when you’re pregnant.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThere are more than two dozen Tylenol products on the market. They differ in strength, formulation, intended use, and ages they are appropriate for.The strongest forms of over-the-counter Tylenol are Tylenol 8-Hour Aches and Pain and 8-Hour Arthritis Pain. These products have 650 mg acetaminophen.Generic medications work the same as the brand-name versions and usually have the same ingredients. You can get a generic product with acetaminophen that has the same amount in it as a Tylenol product.You may be able to use aspirin, naproxen sodium, or ibuprofen, depending on your health history and symptoms. In some cases, one of these may even be better in your case. For example, Advil (ibuprofen) can reduce inflammation, while Tylenol cannot.Speak to your healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are more than two dozen Tylenol products on the market. They differ in strength, formulation, intended use, and ages they are appropriate for.
The strongest forms of over-the-counter Tylenol are Tylenol 8-Hour Aches and Pain and 8-Hour Arthritis Pain. These products have 650 mg acetaminophen.
Generic medications work the same as the brand-name versions and usually have the same ingredients. You can get a generic product with acetaminophen that has the same amount in it as a Tylenol product.
You may be able to use aspirin, naproxen sodium, or ibuprofen, depending on your health history and symptoms. In some cases, one of these may even be better in your case. For example, Advil (ibuprofen) can reduce inflammation, while Tylenol cannot.Speak to your healthcare provider.
What to Know About Tylenol #3
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.NIH DailyMed.Tylenol regular strength.NIH DailyMed.Acetaminophen 500mg.NIH DailyMed.Acetaminophen extended release.Food and Drug Administration.FDA clarifies results of recent advisory committee meeting on oral phenylephrine.Yoon E, Babar A, Choudhary M, Kutner M, Pyrsopoulos N.Acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity: a comprehensive update.J Clin Transl Hepatol. 2016;4(2):131-42. doi:10.14218/JCTH.2015.00052NIH DailyMed.Children’s Tylenol.Ladd J.How much is too much? Acetaminophen overuse in the United States. InPharmacyToday. Updated November 2018.Schilling A, Corey R, Leonard M, Eghtsad B.Acetaminophen: old drug, new warnings.Cleveland J Med.2010 Jan;77(1):19-27. doi:10.3949/ccjm.77a.09084Children’s Health Orange County.Acetaminophen vs. ibuprofen: A guide for parents.Texas A&M Health.Advil, Aleve, and Tylenol — What’s the Difference?.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.NIH DailyMed.Tylenol regular strength.NIH DailyMed.Acetaminophen 500mg.NIH DailyMed.Acetaminophen extended release.Food and Drug Administration.FDA clarifies results of recent advisory committee meeting on oral phenylephrine.Yoon E, Babar A, Choudhary M, Kutner M, Pyrsopoulos N.Acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity: a comprehensive update.J Clin Transl Hepatol. 2016;4(2):131-42. doi:10.14218/JCTH.2015.00052NIH DailyMed.Children’s Tylenol.Ladd J.How much is too much? Acetaminophen overuse in the United States. InPharmacyToday. Updated November 2018.Schilling A, Corey R, Leonard M, Eghtsad B.Acetaminophen: old drug, new warnings.Cleveland J Med.2010 Jan;77(1):19-27. doi:10.3949/ccjm.77a.09084Children’s Health Orange County.Acetaminophen vs. ibuprofen: A guide for parents.Texas A&M Health.Advil, Aleve, and Tylenol — What’s the Difference?.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
NIH DailyMed.Tylenol regular strength.NIH DailyMed.Acetaminophen 500mg.NIH DailyMed.Acetaminophen extended release.Food and Drug Administration.FDA clarifies results of recent advisory committee meeting on oral phenylephrine.Yoon E, Babar A, Choudhary M, Kutner M, Pyrsopoulos N.Acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity: a comprehensive update.J Clin Transl Hepatol. 2016;4(2):131-42. doi:10.14218/JCTH.2015.00052NIH DailyMed.Children’s Tylenol.Ladd J.How much is too much? Acetaminophen overuse in the United States. InPharmacyToday. Updated November 2018.Schilling A, Corey R, Leonard M, Eghtsad B.Acetaminophen: old drug, new warnings.Cleveland J Med.2010 Jan;77(1):19-27. doi:10.3949/ccjm.77a.09084Children’s Health Orange County.Acetaminophen vs. ibuprofen: A guide for parents.Texas A&M Health.Advil, Aleve, and Tylenol — What’s the Difference?.
NIH DailyMed.Tylenol regular strength.
NIH DailyMed.Acetaminophen 500mg.
NIH DailyMed.Acetaminophen extended release.
Food and Drug Administration.FDA clarifies results of recent advisory committee meeting on oral phenylephrine.
Yoon E, Babar A, Choudhary M, Kutner M, Pyrsopoulos N.Acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity: a comprehensive update.J Clin Transl Hepatol. 2016;4(2):131-42. doi:10.14218/JCTH.2015.00052
NIH DailyMed.Children’s Tylenol.
Ladd J.How much is too much? Acetaminophen overuse in the United States. InPharmacyToday. Updated November 2018.
Schilling A, Corey R, Leonard M, Eghtsad B.Acetaminophen: old drug, new warnings.Cleveland J Med.2010 Jan;77(1):19-27. doi:10.3949/ccjm.77a.09084
Children’s Health Orange County.Acetaminophen vs. ibuprofen: A guide for parents.
Texas A&M Health.Advil, Aleve, and Tylenol — What’s the Difference?.
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