![Acetaminophen and Tylenol are the same medication. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is used as an over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication to relieve common aches and pains such as headache, muscle aches, backache, minor arthritis pain, the common cold, toothache, and menstrual cramps. It is also used as a fever reducer.](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/childrens-tylenol.jpg?output-quality=75)
Acetaminophen and Tylenol are the same medication. Tylenol is a brand name for acetaminophen (the generic name of the drug).
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an analgesic (pain reliever) used to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains due to headache, muscle aches, backache, minor arthritis pain, the common cold, toothache, and premenstrual and menstrual cramps. It is also used to temporarily reduce fever.
What Are Side Effects of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)?
Side effects of acetaminophen (Tylenol) include:
- Rash (may itch)
- Dizziness
- Hives
- Skin swelling (angioedema)
- Disorientation
- Low levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and/or platelets
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
Serious side effects of acetaminophen (Tylenol) include:
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Liver toxicity/liver failure
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
- Laryngeal edema
- Kidney toxicity
- Hyperammonemia
- Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
- Low white blood cell count (leukopenia, neutropenia)
- Low red and white blood cell count and low platelet count (pancytopenia)
- Agranulocytosis
Is It Safe for Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be acceptable for short-term use in all stages of pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using acetaminophen.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) passes into breast milk but is considered compatible with breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
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Reviewed on 1/11/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Images
https://reference.medscape.com/drug/tylenol-acetaminophen-343346
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1622f694-4d63-4c56-8737-fae31f0ecfb7
https://www.megforit.com/paracetamol-acetaminophen-tylenol-whats-the-difference/
https://reference.medscape.com/drug/tylenol-acetaminophen-343346
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1622f694-4d63-4c56-8737-fae31f0ecfb7
https://www.megforit.com/paracetamol-acetaminophen-tylenol-whats-the-difference/