General
TYLENOL® contains the active ingredient acetaminophen, which is a pain reliever and fever reducer. It works by elevating the body's overall pain threshold so you feel less pain, and lowers your fever by helping your body eliminate excess heat.
It is important that consumers always read and follow the product label of any TYLENOL® product and only use such products as directed.
- Extra Strength TYLENOL® products are intended for adults and children 12 years and older and should not be administered to children younger than 12 years.
- Regular Strength TYLENOL® products are intended for adults and children 6 years and older and should not be administered to children younger than 6 years.
Per the label, parents and caregivers of young children should ask their doctor if their child’s age is below the directed dosing instructions or if they have questions.
A fever is the body’s response to a disease characterized by a rise in body temperature. A rectal temperature at or above 100.4⁰F, an oral temperature at or above 99.4⁰F, or an axillary temperature at or above 99⁰F is usually considered the threshold for a fever.
Acetaminophen is an effective pain reliever and fever reducer. Acetaminophen is thought to relieve mild to moderate pain by elevating your body’s overall pain threshold. It is also thought to lower your fever by helping your body eliminate excess heat.
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant indicated for the temporary relief of cough due to the common cold/flu.
Phenylephrine is a nasal decongestant indicated to help clear nasal passages, promote nasal and sinus drainage, and for temporary relief of sinus congestion and pressure.
In September, 2023, The Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee of the Food and Drug Administration reviewed efficacy data available for orally administered phenylephrine (PE) as a nasal decongestant. Read the FDA’s statement about this review here.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant indicated to help loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions to make coughs more productive.
Both TYLENOL® Cold & Flu Severe and TYLENOL® Cold & Flu and TYLENOL® Cold Multi-Symptom products contain acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine. Therefore, both products can be used to temporarily reduce fever and are also indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, sinus congestion, and sinus pressure. Additionally, TYLENOL® Cold & Flu Severe products contain guaifenesin, an expectorant, which helps to relieve chest congestion and clear out mucus.
Easy-to-swallow caplets are solid capsule-shaped tablets coated with a water-soluble coating. Gelcaps are solid capsule-shaped tablets coated with smooth gelatin, making them easier to swallow. Geltabs are solid, rounded tablets coated with smooth gelatin.
Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in TYLENOL®. TYLENOL® products do not contain aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, the active ingredients found in other nonprescription pain relievers. Each of these active ingredients relieves pain, but they work differently.
Learn more about active ingredients by comparing pain relievers here.
Children’s TYLENOL® Chewables FAQ
The main reason is to simplify the dosing of Children’s TYLENOL® for caregivers. The product concentration or strength will now be the same whether you choose Children’s TYLENOL® Liquids or Children’s TYLENOL® Chewables. With the 160 mg product Children will need to take fewer tablets per dose than with the 80 mg product which should improve ease of dosing, especially for older children, who are more likely to use the Children’s TYLENOL® Chewables.
Please check the expiration date of the product you have. If the product has expired please discard it appropriately. If the product is not expired, it can still be used; please read and follow the label instructions.
Unless instructed otherwise, do not dispose of unused medicines by emptying them into your sink, toilet, or storm drain. Some states may have regulations regarding pharmacy or community take-back programs in which they may receive and dispose of returned unused drugs for patients. It is recommended that a local pharmacy or local authority be contacted to determine if it participates in such programs.
In the event that take-back programs cannot dispose medicines, place them in the household trash taking the following steps.
1. Make sure that they are in an unrecognizable sealed container; ensuring that children, pets, and others do not have access to the contents of the container.
2. Dispose of the container in household trash.
Please always read and follow the label. Check the expiration date on the bottle. Unexpired product is safe to use according to the label instructions. Any medication that is beyond its expiration date should be discarded.
The labeling for Children’s TYLENOL® Chewables provide age and weight-based dosing for children ages 2 through 11 years. Please always read and follow the label.
Children’s TYLENOL® Chewables 160 mg have been introduced to the market at a comparable price point to the 4 oz. Children’s TYLENOL® liquid products.
If you have questions, we recommend that you contact your healthcare provider to review and confirm the strength and dosing of acetaminophen before use.
Children’s TYLENOL® Suspension (Liquid) and Children’s TYLENOL® Chewables differ by dosage form and by available flavors. Both products are safe and effective for use in children ages 2-11 years when used as directed and provide the same doses of acetaminophen when used according to the label.
This is personal preference, or as directed by your healthcare professional. Both the Children’s TYLENOL® Suspension and the Children’s TYLENOL® Chewables are safe and effective for children ages 2-11 years when used as directed.
The Children’s TYLENOL® Chewables Grape and Bubblegum products both have a score, or a “break” line, to indicate the ½ tablet for dosing. Breaking the product in half to achieve the appropriate dose can be done using that score line. Some consumers may use a pill splitter to divide the tablet cleanly along the score line, but Children’s TYLENOL® Chewables should break along the score line just by using your fingers.
The Children’s TYLENOL® Chewables product has a score, or a “break line,” that assists in accurately splitting a tablet in half. You can use your fingers to break the tablet along the line, or if desired, you may use a tool such as a pill cutter to help break the tablet in half.
Children’s TYLENOL® Chewables are entering into the marketplace now and will be available shortly at different retailers. Please continue to check with your local stores for product availability.
Children’s TYLENOL® Chewables is only being sold in 160 mg strength. The lowest labeled dose for Children’s TYLENOL® Chewables has always been 160 mg (which is equivalent to two 80 mg tablets). If your child is under two years or under 24 pounds, please ask your doctor to recommend an appropriate product and dose.
The Children’s TYLENOL® Chewables are appropriate for most children aged 2-11 years. A half tablet of the 160 mg Children’s TYLENOL® Chewable tablet is equivalent to 80 mg. Please always read and follow the label to determine the correct dosing for your child.
This is personal preference, or as directed by your healthcare professional. Both the Children’s TYLENOL® Suspension and the Children’s TYLENOL® Chewables are appropriate for most children ages 2-11 years.
In the lower left of the carton and on the label, the packaging will state the 160 mg strength. Children’s TYLENOL® Chewables includes the brand name “Children’s TYLENOL® Chewables” on the package and is only sold in 160 mg strength. The Children’s TYLENOL® Chewables 160 mg Bubblegum tablets are pink and the Grape tablets are purple. Both are identified by the marking/ imprint on the tablet that says “TY 160” on one side and the word “Half” marked twice on the other side. We recommend that you always keep the tablets in their original containers (bottles) for ready access to the dosing directions and expiration date and to avoid unintended access.
Please check the expiration dates on the bottles. You may continue to use the product as long as it has not expired. Please keep the products in their original bottles—do not combine 2 strengths in one container.
TYLENOL® Extra Strength Coated Tabs FAQ
TYLENOL® Extra Strength Coated Tablets are round, red tablets with a sugar coating. Both products contain the same active ingredient, 500mg of acetaminophen.
Safety + Dosing
We do not recommend using any products beyond their expiration date. If your product has expired, please contact your local pharmacy to learn about how to properly discard it and obtain a new product.
Yes, if you schedule your doses correctly and take no more than 5 total doses in 24 hours. These products are to be used if you have symptoms. TYLENOL® Daytime products provide daytime relief for your cold and flu symptoms. Do not take TYLENOL® Daytime and Nighttime products at the same time and only use products that treat the symptom you have. Always use TYLENOL® products as directed and read the entire product label before using.
No, TYLENOL® Cold or Sinus products contain a nasal decongestant. Do not use two decongestants at the same time.
As stated on the product label, TYLENOL® products may be taken no sooner than every 4 hours after the last dose. Always use TYLENOL® products as directed and read the product label.
Only TYLENOL® Cold Multi-Symptom Liquid (Nighttime) contains doxylamine succinate, an antihistamine, which may cause marked drowsiness. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking sedatives or tranquilizers. Alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase the drowsiness effect. Always use the product as directed and read the label.
TYLENOL® contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if you take 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using a TYLENOL® product.
The package label of all OTC pain medicines advise consumers to "stop use and ask a doctor if … pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days…" This warning is necessary so that patients will seek appropriate medical attention if needed.
The safety of TYLENOL® at recommended doses has been established through 50 years of use and scientific investigation; however, if you take too much, you could harm your liver.
In case of overdose, consumers are instructed to get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. (1-800-222-1222). Quick medical attention is critical for adults as well as for children even if no signs or symptoms are noticed.
TYLENOL® should not be used with other products containing acetaminophen.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking the blood-thinning drug warfarin.
Always read and follow the label.
If you are under a doctor’s care for any serious condition, or are taking any other drugs, you should talk to your doctor if you want to know more or have other questions.
If you are taking any other drugs, including herbal supplements, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you want to know more or have other questions. Always use the product as directed and read the label.
In order to help soothe your cold while taking TYLENOL® Cold products, you should:
- Get lots of rest, especially while you have a fever. Rest helps your body fight illness.
- Drink lots of fluids. Soups and other fluids can help loosen mucus.
- Soothe a sore throat by gargling with warm salt water or try throat sprays or lozenges.
Use of TYLENOL® with other pain relievers (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, ketoprofen or prescription pain relievers) is not recommended, unless directed by your doctor.
Do not use TYLENOL® with any other products containing acetaminophen (prescription or nonprescription). If you are not sure whether a drug contains acetaminophen, ask a doctor or pharmacist.
If you are under a doctor's care for any serious condition, or are taking any other drugs, you should talk to your doctor if you want to know more or have other questions.
No. TYLENOL® Cold and TYLENOL® Sinus caplets should be swallowed whole. Do not crush, chew, or dissolve the caplets in your mouth. Always use the product as directed and read the label.
Symptoms + Conditions
TYLENOL® (acetaminophen) is indicated for the reduction of fever and the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with:
- The common cold
- Headache
- Toothache
- Muscular aches
- Backache
- Minor pain of arthritis
- Premenstrual and menstrual cramps
Sinus headaches are usually characterized by a throbbing pain in your forehead or behind your eyes that may increase when you lean forward or lie down. You may also experience pressure between your eyes or tenderness in your cheekbones, a sore throat, runny nose or cough. These symptoms may be a result of your nasal passages becoming swollen due to environmental irritants, allergies, or even a cold. As cold and flu symptoms can be very similar, please refer to the following differences:
A cold is characterized by a runny nose, watery eyes, stuffy nose, and congestion, sneezing and coughing. These symptoms build over 48 hours and may last for 3-10 days. Unlike the cold, flu symptoms such as fever and chills appear very quickly and may last for 7-14 days (and may linger for up to 3 weeks). Other symptoms include body aches and pains, weakness and fatigue.
If you are under a doctor's care for any serious condition, or are taking any other drugs, you should talk to your doctor if you want to know more or have other questions.
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