Information About Tylenol
Tylenol is the brand name for a number of pain relievers and cold medications with the primary ingredient of acetaminophen. Medicines with Tylenol are sold over-the-counter in a wide variety of general purpose stores and pharmacies, and do not require a doctor's prescription. According to the government website MedlinePlus, Tylenol products do require proper use and some level of caution, even though the remedies are sold publicly.
Liver Dangers
Tylenol's primary ingredient, acetaminophen, can cause serious and even fatal liver damage, according to the Food and Drug Administration. This usually happens when a person takes more Tylenol or a similar product than is recommended, but can happen when the patient drinks alcohol and/or already has existing liver damage or disease. The symptoms of serious liver problems associated with Tylenol are rare, but sometimes are not detectable until liver failure is imminent.
Conditions Treated
According to MedlinePlus, Tylenol medications can help treat a wide variety of minor health problems. Common conditions that lead patients to use Tylenol include toothaches, backaches, menstrual cramps, headaches, colds, flus, sleeping problems, allergies, sinus problems, arthritis, fevers and reactions to vaccinations.
Children
Not all Tylenol products are appropriate for children, according to MedlinePlus. The FDA has recommended that parents not administer any Tylenol remedy to children under four years old. Children up to age 12 should use special children's formulas of Tylenol.
Types
McNEIL-PPC, Inc. is the company that owns the Tylenol brand, which first started as a children's elixir in 1955, according to the official Tylenol website. As of August 2009, Tylenol products available over-the-counter in the United States and other countries included Tylenol PM to aid with insomnia, Tylenol Allergy Multi-Symptom, regular-strength Tylenol, extra-strength Tylenol rapid-release gel capsules, a number of children's Tylenol cold, flu, cough and pain relief liquids and chewable tablets, and Tylenol for arthritis pain.
Cost
As Tylenol is an over-the-counter medication, insurance companies rarely cover the cost of purchasing such remedies. As of August 2009, 225 Extra-Strength Tylenol tablets to help reduce pain and fever cost about $18. Four fluid ounces of Children's Tylenol cherry- or grape-flavored liquid for general relief of pain and fever costs about $7. A box of 24 caplets of Tylenol Nighttime Cold Relief medication cost approximately $7.
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