Common use
Tylenol is a narcotic analgetic. It blocks cyclooxygenase 1 and 2, the enzyme responsible for formation of prostaglandins, prostacyclin, and thromboxane (cellular messengers responsible for the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle, inflammation, control of blood pressure, blood clotting) from arachidonic acid. Tylenol affects centers of pain and thermoregulation in the brain. Tylenol is used to treat feverish syndrome caused by infectious diseases, pain (from mild to moderate) such as arthralgia, neuralgia, myalgia, migraine, headache and toothache, algomenorrhea (a morbid menses).

Dosage and direction
Take the drug orally 1-2 hours after a meal. The maximal daily dose for adults is 4 g divided in single doses of 1 g. Excessive consumption of the drug may cause serious damage to the liver. Treatment should continue 5-7 days. Daily dose should be reduced and interval between the doses should be increased in patients with liver or kidney impairment, Gilbert syndrome, in elderly patients. Limit consumption of alcohol while you are on Tylenol. If you drink more than three alcoholic drinks a day do not take more than 2 g of Tylenol a day.

Precautions
Inform your doctor if you have a history of alcoholism. Discuss with your doctor before to take any cough, cold, allergy, or pain medications. Consult your doctor if you while treatment with paracetamol for more than three days and have pain for more than 5 days. The risk of liver damage increases in patients with alcoholic hepatosis (a progressive inflammatory liver injury associated with long-term heavy intake of ethanol). This medication may change results of glucose and uric acid tests in blood serum. Long-term treatment by Tylenol requires monitoring of peripheral blood and functional state of the liver in the patients on a regular basis. Cautiousness should be exercised in patients with kidney or liver failure, benign hyperbilirubinemia (including Gilbert's syndrome which is a condition of hereditary increased bilirubin), viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, alcoholism, pregnancy, lactation, old age, early infancy (up to 3 months), lack of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.

Contraindications
Do not use Tylenol if you have hypersensitivity to the medication. The drug is contraindicated in children under 1 month of age.

Side effects
The most frequent side effects of this medication are stomach pain, low fever with nausea, and loss of appetite, clay-colored stools, dark urine, jaundice, allergic reactions (hives, rash, facial swelling). Contact your doctor if the symptoms listed above start to aggravate and worsen.

Drug interaction
Isoniazid (INH, Nydrazid, Laniazid), carbamazepine (Tegretol), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifamate) reduce blood levels of Tylenol and may decrease its effects. Cholestyramine (Questran) decreases absorption of Tylenol. Warfarin (Coumadin) effects are increased by Tylenol doses higher than 2275 mg. Inform your health care advisor about prescribed and over-the counter medications, herbal products and food supplements you use.

Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time of your next dose just skip the missed dose and return to your schedule. Do not double dose this medication to make up the missed dose.

Overdose
The symptoms which should make make you cautious and seek immediate medical attention are: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, confusion or weakness, sweating. As later symptoms abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice may appear.

Storage
Store at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F). Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. It is not recommended to store in a bathroom and places available for children.

Disclaimer
We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.