Tylenol PM is a widely used over-the-counter (OTC) medication that combines pain relief with a sleep aid. The drug is commonly used for managing minor aches and pains, while helping individuals fall asleep.
Like all medications, it comes with potential side effects and considerations. These are important when deciding which drug will be suitable for a patient’s condition.
The following article will look into the ingredients in Tylenol PM, side effects and how long it lasts in the body. We’ll also look at the other information that ensures safe use.
What is in Tylenol PM
Tylenol PM is an alternative formulation of Tylenol with a slightly higher dose than the regular strength. It has 500 mg of acetaminophen per caplet/tablet and acts as a pain reliever and fever reducer.
This helps manage mild to moderate pain such as arthritis, headaches, muscle aches and back pain.
The diphenhydramine HCl is an antihistamine that is present in a small dose (25 mg/caplet) which causes drowsiness. This helps individuals fall asleep easily.
Tylenol PM works by combining the effects of diphenhydramine and acetaminophen to have a stronger effect on the pain. Acetaminophen acts as an analgesic and stops the production of certain chemicals in the brain. This helps relieve pain for a considerable amount of time.
Diphenhydramine on the other hand, helps block histamine in the body that promotes wakefulness. This is responsible for causing drowsiness which helps the patient sleep.
Tylenol vs Tylenol PM has subtle differences that make them different from each other. However, their strength is something that differs significantly. Tylenol (regular strength) comes with 325 mg of acetaminophen, as opposed to the dual action of drugs in Tylenol PM.
Tylenol PM has 500 mg of acetaminophen with 25 mg of diphenhydramine – both are important to help in pain relief, as well as sleeplessness due to the pain. You can rely on medication if you’ve been having a headache that does not let you sleep.
Tylenol PM Side Effects
Let us learn a bit more about the side effects to understand the medication better. Consuming the drug differently than how it is prescribed can lead to severe side effects such as:
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Sleepiness
- Headache
- Constipation
- Trouble urinating
- Blurry vision
- Skin reaction such as skin reddening, blisters or rash
- Liver damage evident through yellowing of eyes or skin, nausea, vomiting, severe stomachache
- Overdose, which is evident through flushed skin, vision changes, confusion
You can avoid experiencing these symptoms by following the prescribed dosage and dose. Dosage is how you consume the medication – for Tylenol PM, swallow the caplet whole with water. Do not crush, break or chew the caplet to avoid overdose.
If you experience any of these side effects persistently, discontinue the drug’s use and consult your physician.
How Long Does Tylenol PM Last in the System
The drug stays for nearly 4-6 hours with regular strength in the system. The extended-release formulations may last for more – nearly 8 hours. There are several theories on the internet about the drug’s presence in your system, always consult your doctor for credible information.
Unless there are underlying issues, the drug only lasts for a maximum of 8 hours in the system.
Considerations for using Tylenol PM
Never take medications on your own, even after thorough research. It is best to consult a physician for any persistent symptom you experience to avoid significant damage. Here are a few considerations for you after your doctor prescribes it:
- Follow your physician’s advice on the dosage and dose. Never exceed the prescribed dose and report to your physician in case of any adverse effects.
- Take the medication once a day or as prescribed and do not increase or decrease it as per your will. Always consult your doctor.
- As the drug combines the power of two medications for better effectiveness and convenience, do not take either of the two in their standalone forms.
- If you do not find relief from your symptoms after its use, be sure to consult your physician for an alternative. It is unsuitable for long-term use
- Not safe for people 65 or older or those who drink alcohol regularly due to high risk of side effects.
- Those with liver, kidney, breathing or urinary problems should not consume it due to worsening problems.
- Not for use in case of children younger than 12 years
- Keep the liquid solution of Tylenol PM at room temperature. Only use a syringe or a medication dose cup for accuracy.
- If you have a history of heart problems, the medication may not be for you. Ask your healthcare provider for assistance on the same.
These are all the important considerations that you should go over before consuming the medication for a prolonged time.
Precautions While Consuming
While consuming the drug, it is possible that you may experience mild adverse effects such as headache or nausea.
However, it is important to note that you may experience certain side effects that are too much to handle and require medical intervention. That is what you need to be careful from:
- Severe liver damage due to drinking 3 or more alcoholic beverages daily.
- Taking other acetaminophen-containing medications can also affect your liver
- Sleepiness is one of the most common side effects of the drug which can be intense if you are above 65 years.
- There may even be worsening of medical conditions due to the medication such as glaucoma, breathing and liver problems
- Allergic skin reactions may be rare, however, occur with the consumption of this drug.
- Accidental overdose is common with the drug. Patients consuming more than the recommended dose can experience overdose. This may include severe reactions such as hallucinations, seizures and liver failure among others.
Wrapping It Up!
That was all about Tylenol PM and how you can use it effectively to cure sleeplessness due to pain. Just like Tylenol, it is great for minor arthritis pain and moderate to severe headache, back ache, stomach ache and menstrual pain.
The article describes all the different ways you can avoid an overdose with the medication. You can also find information such as how long does it lasts in the system, considerations you should make and ways to avoid an adverse reaction.
These considerations are important to avoid any adverse effects in the long run.
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