46. Guccione JL, Zemtsov A, Cobos E, Neldner KH “Acquired purpura fulminans induced by alcohol and acetaminophen – successful treatment with heparin and vitamin-k.” Arch Dermatol 129 (1993): 1267-9
Side Effects of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Have you ever taken Tylenol to treat mild pain or reduce a fever? If so, then you’ve taken acetaminophen. It’s the generic name for the drug in Tylenol. This drug is also sold under many other brand names and is an ingredient in many over-the-counter drugs. It’s quite possible that you’ve taken it and not even known.
Acetaminophen can have side effects. Although they don’t occur in most people, some effects can be serious. This is especially true if you take more than the recommended amount. Read on to learn about this drug as well as its side effects, including tips on what to do if you experience side effects and how to avoid them altogether.
You can use acetaminophen to relieve mild or moderate pain. This is usually pain from colds, sore throats, headaches, body or muscle aches, menstrual cramps, arthritis, or toothaches. You can also use it to reduce fever.
It’s not fully known how acetaminophen works. It doesn’t reduce swelling or inflammation. Instead, it’s thought that it blocks the release of certain chemicals in your brain that signal the sensation of pain.
Acetaminophen has side effects, but most people don’t experience them. Most people tolerate this drug well. In rare cases, people have had allergic reactions to it. The most concerning side effect, though, is severe liver damage. It usually only happens when you overuse acetaminophen.
Allergic reaction
In very rare cases, some people have had allergic reactions to acetaminophen. Call your doctor immediately if you develop the following reactions after taking acetaminophen:
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- swelling of your face, lips, throat, or tongue
- hives
- severe itching
- peeling or blistering skin
Severe liver damage
Acetaminophen poisoning can happen from taking too much acetaminophen. Your liver processes acetaminophen and converts it into a different substance. If you take large amounts of acetaminophen, your liver produces more of that substance. And when there is too much of it, that substance can damage your liver. However, if you take acetaminophen at the recommended dosage, liver damage from the drug is not likely.
Symptoms of liver damage include:
- yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
- pain in the upper right area of your abdomen
- nausea or vomiting
- loss of appetite
- fatigue
- sweating more than usual
- pale skin
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- dark or tea-colored urine
- dark, tarry stools
If you suspect you’ve taken too much acetaminophen or notice any of these symptoms, contact your poison control center or get medical help right away. If you know you’ve taken more than the recommended dosage of acetaminophen, go to the nearest emergency room, even if you don’t have any symptoms of liver damage. If someone you know who has taken acetaminophen becomes unresponsive or stops breathing, call 9-1-1 or the number for your local emergency services.
Acetaminophen overuse is more common than you think. That’s because acetaminophen is a common ingredient in many different over-the-counter drugs. Keep track of how much acetaminophen you take in one day. This can decrease your risk of overuse.
Your individual acetaminophen limit may also be affected by your age or certain lifestyle habits. Severe liver damage is more likely to occur in:
- Adults who take more than 3 g (3,000 mg) of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period
- Children who take more than five doses in a 24-hour period
- People who already have liver disease, take other medications that can damage the liver, or drink three or more alcoholic drinks per day, even when they take acetaminophen at the recommended dosage
Before giving acetaminophen to your child, check the package label for instructions. Verify the dosage. The dosage for children is usually in a chart that is based on age and weight. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you with the dosage if the package is unclear to you. If your child is younger than 2 years, talk to their doctor before giving them acetaminophen. And never give your child acetaminophen that is clearly marked for use only in adults.
When used at correct dosages, acetaminophen is a safe and effective drug. It usually has no side effects. However, if you use too much, the side effects can be severe and even deadly. You need to know if any other drugs you take contain acetaminophen so that you don’t go over your daily limit. If acetaminophen is a part of your drug regimen, talk to your doctor to see what that limit is for you.
Last medically reviewed on July 12, 2016
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Acetaminophen – acetaminophen tablet, coated. (2012, December)
dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=e4cfbe12-d712-4ca6-8400-14eec2eca019 - U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2014, August 15). Acetaminophen. Retrieved from
nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a681004.html - Wilkinson, J. J. (2015). Headache. In D. L. Krinsky, S. P. Fereri, B. A. Hemstreet, A. L. Hume, G. D. Newton, C. J. Rollins, & K. J. Tietze (Eds.), Handbook of nonprescription drugs: An interactive approach to self-care (18 th ed.). Washington, DC: American Pharmacists Association.
Tylenol Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 23, 2022.
Note: This document contains side effect information about acetaminophen. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Tylenol.
Applies to acetaminophen: capsule, capsule liquid filled, elixir, liquid, powder, solution, suppository, suspension, tablet, tablet chewable, tablet disintegrating, tablet extended release. Other dosage forms:
Serious side effects of Tylenol
Along with its needed effects, acetaminophen (the active ingredient contained in Tylenol) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking acetaminophen:
Rare
- Bloody or black, tarry stools
- bloody or cloudy urine
- fever with or without chills (not present before treatment and not caused by the condition being treated)
- pain in the lower back and/or side (severe and/or sharp)
- pinpoint red spots on the skin
- skin rash, hives, or itching
- sore throat (not present before treatment and not caused by the condition being treated)
- sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
- sudden decrease in the amount of urine
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- yellow eyes or skin
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking acetaminophen:
Symptoms of overdose
- Diarrhea
- increased sweating
- loss of appetite
- nausea or vomiting
- stomach cramps or pain
- swelling, pain, or tenderness in the upper abdomen or stomach area
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to acetaminophen: compounding powder, intravenous solution, oral capsule, oral granule effervescent, oral liquid, oral powder, oral powder for reconstitution, oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet disintegrating, oral tablet extended release, rectal suppository.
General
In general, acetaminophen (the active ingredient contained in Tylenol) is well-tolerated when administered in therapeutic doses. The most commonly reported adverse reactions have included nausea, vomiting, constipation. Injection site pain and injection site reaction have been reported with the IV product. [Ref]
Hepatic
Common (1% to 10%): Increased aspartate aminotransferase
Rare (less than 0.1%): Increased hepatic transaminases
Frequency not reported: Liver failure [Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 34%), Vomiting (up to 15%)
Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, dyspepsia, enlarged abdomen
Frequency not reported: Dry mouth [Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Postmarketing reports: Anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity reactions [Ref]
Hematologic
Common (1% to 10%): Anemia, postoperative hemorrhage
Dermatologic
Common (1% to 10%): Rash, pruritus
Rare (less than 0.1%): Serious skin reactions such as acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Pemphigoid reaction, pustular rash, Lyell syndrome [Ref]
Respiratory
Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea, abnormal breath sounds, pulmonary edema, hypoxia, pleural effusion, stridor, wheezing, coughing [Ref]
Cardiovascular
Common (1% to 10%): Peripheral edema, hypertension, hypotension, tachycardia, chest pain [Ref]
Metabolic
Common (1% to 10%): Hypokalemia, hyperglycemia [Ref]
Nervous system
Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness
Frequency not reported: Dystonia
Musculoskeletal
Common (1% to 10%): Muscle spasms, trismus
Psychiatric
Genitourinary
Common (1% to 10%): Oliguria
Local
Common (1% to 10%): Infusion site pain, injection site reactions
Ocular
Common (1% to 10%): Periorbital edema
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Pyrexia, fatigue
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Malaise
Frequently asked questions
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- Advil (ibuprofen) & Tylenol (acetaminophen) together, is it safe?
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- Can you take tramadol with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin?
- Is it safe to take acetaminophen every day?
More about Tylenol (acetaminophen)
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- Reviews (28)
- Drug images
- Latest FDA alerts (16)
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References
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.
Tylenol Pediatric Dosage Guide
Use these dosage charts for infants and children under 12 years old:
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