Medicines taken by mouth can affect the digestive system in a number of different ways. Both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, while usually safe and effective, may create harmful effects in some people. Certain medicines taken together may interact and cause harmful side effects.
For some people, certain prescription or over-the-counter medications may cause stomach upset, pain, or irritation. For people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), avoiding medications that could lead to these types of problems with the stomach is important, especially if there has already been a history of medications causing gastrointestinal irritation.
What is Tylenol?
Tylenol is a brand of (Acetaminophen or Paracetamol), a well-known over-the-counter (OTC) medication used as a pain reliever and fever reducer. Acetaminophen is an ingredient also found in many OTC and prescription medicines for both adults and children. Formulations with additional active ingredients intended to target specific applications are sold under the Tylenol brand. These can include codeine as co-codamol, dextromethorphan, methocarbamol, guaifenesin, pseudoephedrine, caffeine, diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, and phenylephrine.
The brand was introduced in 1955 by McNeil Laboratories, a family-owned pharmaceutical manufacturer. Two brothers took over the company from their father that year, and that year one of them learned about paracetamol, which was not on the US market at that time. To avoid competing with aspirin, they marketed it as a product to reduce fever in children, packaging it like a red fire truck with the slogan, “for little hotheads”. The brand name Tylenol and the United States Adopted Name acetaminophen were generated by McNeil from the chemical name of the drug. Johnson & Johnson bought McNeil in 1959, and one year later the drug was made available over the counter.
Can I take Tylenol on an empty stomach?
Yes, Tylenol can be taken on an empty stomach and may be a safe over-the-counter pain reliever for those with a history of stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, or stomach problems such as heartburn. Studies have also shown that food can slow the rate of Tylenol absorption but not to a significant extent.
Tylenol is a safe medicine when used at the right time and dose; however, safety concerns have been raised owing to its overuse by people attempting to reduce fever, reports of acute hepatotoxicity caused by accidental overdose or ingestion, and the possible link between paracetamol use in infancy and the development of asthma.
Acetaminophen the active ingredient in Tylenol has received much public attention as a cause of liver damage when more than the recommended amount is taken. In 2011, the Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition (AAC) was formed to educate patients and consumers about the safe and effective use of acetaminophen. The coalition is made up of leading healthcare organizations, healthcare providers, and consumer organizations. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a member of the coalition, recently issued a statement reminding consumers about the dangers of taking too much Acetaminophen.
Some of the key points consumers should know about safe acetaminophen use include:
1. There is a large selection of both prescription and non-prescription medicines that contain acetaminophen in combination with other active ingredients. For example, many cold medicines contain acetaminophen for fever and pain, a decongestant to treat nasal stuffiness, and cough medicine. Combining two or more products containing acetaminophen can be harmful.
2. Consumers need to know when acetaminophen is an ingredient in their medicines. Always read the active ingredients on the label before taking medicine.
- OTC products: The FDA makes sure that labels on OTC medicines list all the active ingredients. If you are unfamiliar with how to read an OTC label, visit: http://www.knowyourdose.org/how-read-your-label .
- Prescription medicine: Because of limited space on prescription labels, an abbreviation for acetaminophen, APAP, is often used instead. APAP stands for N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, a chemical name for acetaminophen. For example, the pain reliever Percocet contains oxycodone (a narcotic) and acetaminophen. A prescription for Percocet dispensed using a generic drug often has a label on the bottle that says “oxycodone and APAP.” If you are unfamiliar with how to read a prescription label, visit: http://www.knowyourdose.org/how-read-your-label.
3. Familiarize yourself with the recommended daily dosage of acetaminophen. Taking too much can lead to severe liver damage.
- Adults: The current maximum recommended adult dose is 4,000 milligrams per day. Depending on the medicine you are taking, each pill or liquid dose of acetaminophen may vary. Carefully read the label to determine how much acetaminophen you are taking in each dose. Follow the dosing schedule as directed on the medication label. For example, do not take a dose sooner than recommended.
- Children ages two years and up: The recommended dosage of acetaminophen in children two years and older depends on the child’s weight. OTC package labels will provide recommendations by both the age and weight of your child. However, to get the most accurate dose, it’s best to know your child’s current weight. The maximum dosing should not exceed five doses in 24 hours.
- Children ages two and younger: Currently, OTC products containing acetaminophen do not include dosing instructions for children less than two. Parents are instructed to call their physician for dosing instruction.
4. Be aware that the maximum amount of acetaminophen that can be safely ingested may not be the same for every person. If you have a history of liver disease, drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day, or take other medications that can affect the liver, always discuss with your physician what the safest dose of acetaminophen is for you.
You can learn more about acetaminophen at KnowYourDose.org, where you can get tips on reading over-the-counter and prescription labels and view a list of common medicines that contain acetaminophen.
Taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage, sometimes serious enough to require liver transplantation or cause death. You might accidentally take too much acetaminophen if you do not follow the directions on the prescription or package label carefully, or if you take more than one product that contains acetaminophen.
