Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 16, 2012

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Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) »

What is the temporomandibular joint?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the area directly in front of the ear on either side of the head where the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) meet. Within the TMJ, there are moving parts that allow the upper jaw to close on the lower jaw. This joint is a typical sliding "ball and socket" that has a disc sandwiched between it. The TMJ is used throughout the day to move the jaw, especially in biting and chewing, talking, and yawning. It is one of the most frequently used joints of the body.

The temporomandibular joints are complex and are composed of muscles, tendons, and bones. Each component contributes to the smooth operation of the TMJ. When the muscles are relaxed and balanced and both jaw joints open and close comfortably, we are able to talk, chew, or yawn without pain.

We can locate the TMJ by putting a finger on the triangular structure in front of the ear. The finger is moved just slightly fo...

Read the Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) article »

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TYLENOL®
(acetaminophen)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

American Hospital Formulary Service (Ahfs)* Classification Number

28:08.92

Generic Name

USAN: acetaminophen

INN: paracetamol CAS#: 103-90-2

Source of Supply (Trade Name and Manufacturer)

TYLENOL® (acetaminophen) - McNeil Consumer Healthcare

Physical Properties Of The Chemical Entity¹

a. Structural Formula

Tylenol (acetaminophen) structural formula illustration

b. Molecular Formula

C₈H₉NO₂

c. Molecular Weight

151.16

d. Macroscopic Appearance

Acetaminophen is a white, crystalline powder.

e. Solubility

water 1:70
boiling water 1:20
alcohol 1:10
chloroform 1:50
glycerin 1:40
ether slightly soluble

Chemical Properties

a. Structural Similarities/Differences of the Drug to Other Available Compounds or Groups of Compounds

Acetaminophen is a synthetic, nonopiate, centrally acting analgesic derived from p-aminophenol. The full chemical name is N-acetyl-p-aminophenol.

b. pKa

The pKa of acetaminophen is 9.51 at 25°C.

c. Stability of the Drug to Temperature, Light, and Moisture

Acetaminophen is stable to temperature, light, and moisture.

d. pH Range Over Which Drug is Stable in Solution

Acetaminophen is stable at a pH between 4 and 7 at 25°C.

e. pH of Commercially Available Liquid Products

Acetaminophen oral solution (ie, elixir, adult liquid) has a pH of 3.8 to 6.1 and the oral suspension (ie, infants' drops, children's suspension) has a pH of 5.4 to 6.9.

f. Osmolarity/Osmolality of Commercially Available Solutions

Extra Strength TYLENOL® acetaminophen Adult Liquid: 3058 ± 152 mmol/kg

Children's TYLENOL® acetaminophen Elixir: 6040 ± 25 mmol/kg

Because of the nature of suspension formulations, osmolarity of the TYLENOL® acetaminophen suspension products cannot be determined.

References

1. Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences. 23rd ed. Easton, PA: Mack Publishing Company; 1995:1109-1110.

*Permission to use the Product Information Form for the American Hospital Formulary Service as modified by McNeil Consumer Healthcare has been granted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814. The answers to all questions are prepared and furnished by the manufacturer. The answers were not supplied by the Society nor are they intended to imply the endorsement of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; neither does the Society affirm or deny the accuracy of the answers contained herein. Copyright© 1985, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., all rights reserved.

What are the possible side effects of acetaminophen?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

low fever with nausea, stomach pain, and loss of appetite;
dark urine, clay-colored stools; or
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Tylenol »

What are the precautions when taking acetaminophen (Tylenol)?

Before taking acetaminophen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, regular use/abuse of alcohol.

Acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with acetaminophen, may increase your risk for liver damage. Avoid alcohol. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Liquid products, chewable tablets, or dissolving/effervescent tablets may contain sugar or aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes,...

Read All Potential Precautions of Tylenol »

Last reviewed on RxList: 11/7/2007
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.