Tylenol For Arthritis
- What Is Tylenol For Arthritis?
Tylenol is a brand name of Acetaminophen, which is an aspirin free and opioid-free analgesia. It is used to relieve some symptoms such as pain, and flu symptoms.
Mr. Robert L. McNeil Jr. introduced Tylenol in 1955. The first Tylenol product was Tylenol Elixir, a liquid children’s medicine, to reduce pain and fever. It is thought to be competitive to aspirin as it is safe from the first day of life and has minimal side effects. Although acetaminophen was discovered in the 19th century, the effectiveness and safety of the drug were confirmed in the mid-20th century. Tylenol product has grown up to be one of the most successful drugs in the world for decades. In 1960, Tylenol became one of the over the counter drugs.
Table of Contents
What Is Tylenol Made Of?
The active ingredient of Tylenol is Acetaminophen 650 mg in each tablet.
Inactive ingredients include:
- Carnauba wax.
- Hydroxyethyl cellulose.
- Hypromellose.
- Magnesium stearate.
- Microcrystalline cellulose.
- Modified starch.
- Providone.
- Powdered cellulose, pregelatinized starch, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.
- Mechanism Of Action:
The exact mechanism of action of Acetaminophen isn’t unknown. It reduces pain and fever symptoms. It is thought to relieve the pain by reducing prostaglandin production in the brain. It lowers the fever by its action on heat regulatory center of the brain. The down-regulation of the heat center lowers the body temperature.
It takes about two hours for Tylenol to start its action.
Why Tylenol Is Used To Treat Arthritis?
Tylenol is the first-line analgesic drug to relieve arthritis pain. It has an advantage over aspirin and other drugs as it is gentle on the stomach. It is a non-steroidal drug; its action doesn’t alter the mood. It is proved to be effective in osteoarthritis and some cases of inflammatory arthritis.
By relieving the pain, the condition improves and the patient can use his joints in a better way.
Tylenol relieves moderate pain of arthritis, back pain, muscle pain, and menstrual pain.
Tylenol Dosage:
Tylenol for arthritis comes in a bottle of 100 Tylenol 8 Hour Arthritis Pain Extended-Release Caplets. Each caplet contains acetaminophen 650 mg active ingredient. Its action starts rapidly within two hours at most and lasts for eight hours.
The recommended dose is one tablet every 8 hours to a maximum of 6 tablets per day.
For children, the dose is calculated depending on their weight. Children shouldn’t take more than 5 doses within 24 hours.
The tablets are taken orally. You have to ask your doctor first before taking Tylenol.
Tylenol Strength:
Tylenol is available in 3 different dosages:
- Tylenol 325 mg: Each tablet contains 325 mg of acetaminophen. It is recommended to take two tablets every four to six hours while the symptoms last. The maximum dose is 10 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by your doctor.
- Tylenol 500 mg: Each tablet contains 500 mg of acetaminophen. The recommended dose is two tablets every six hours while the symptoms last. Be careful, you can’t take more than 6 tablets per day without asking your doctor.
- Tylenol 650 mg: Each tablet contains 650 mg of acetaminophen. They are extended-release pills, formed of two layers. You have to take it with water. The recommended dose is two tablets every 6 to 8 hours. Usually, this dosage is prescribed to relieve arthritis pain. If the pain persists and you want to increase the dose, ask your doctor first, as the maximum dose shouldn’t exceed 6 tablets per day.
Precautions:
- Don’t take Tylenol if you are allergic to acetaminophen.
- Ask your doctor first if you have liver disease or if you drink alcohol.
- The maximum dose of Tylenol arthritis is 6 tablets within 24 hours.
- You have to ask your doctor first before taking another drug containing acetaminophen.
- Generally, the maximum dose of acetaminophen for adults is 4 grams per day.
- When taking your dose, don’t break the tablets or crush them. It is better to drink a full glass of water after swallowing the tablet.
- Continue your dose just for 10 days, if your symptoms are constant you should ask your doctor first before repeating the course.
- Patients below 18 years shouldn’t take Tylenol without a doctor’s advice.
- Tylenol is stored at room temperature and kept away from the children.
Side Effects:
Acetaminophen products are known to have minimal side effects.
The possible side effects include:
- Stomach upset.
- Nausea, constipation, or diarrhea.
The following side effects are serious, and you must tell your doctor if you examined one of them. However, they are rare to happen:
- Allergic reaction in form of itching, rash, and swelling in any site of your body especially on the face, tongue, or throat.
- Dizziness, unusual tiredness, or weakness.
- Bloody stool.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising.
- Yellow eyes or skin.
Conclusion
Some people might fine tylenol helpful but you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider before using tylenol for arthritis.
