How does tylenol work?

[Broohaha]

I just took a pair of extra strength tylenol and already feel a little better.

Can somebody biologically inclined tell me a quick a dirty on how it works?

 

[Hammer]

you stick it in your mouth and swallow... im sure your familiar with the process

 

[TooOne21]

I dunno...

My sister-n-law is a pharmacist, I should ask her sometime.

 

[Broohaha]

Originally posted by: Hammer
you stick it in your mouth and swallow... im sure your familiar with the process

sigh... as i was typing i knew this would be the first response.

eh.... i dont feel like bitching too much cuz im all sick.... just in time for fall break too.....

 

[shiner]

Each capsule contains hundreds of very small people who after the outer shell of the capsule dissolves travel through your bloodstream in mini submarines. After arriving at the point causing you pain they destroy the nerve endings in that area with a very powerful tequila powered laser. 72 hours after entering your body they die and are purged from your system.

 

[CubicZirconia]

How Stuff Works

Not really quick or dirty, but it explains it.

 

[Ryan]

Honestly, I can't remember the last time I took tylenol (or any other pain killer for that matter). I don't think I've even owned a bottle of anything like tylenol, advil, etc in my whole life...... :Q

I guess I live a relatively pain free life, or just don't pop pills everytime I don't feel good......

 

[DnetMHZ]

Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in TYLENOL* products, relieves mild to moderate pain by elevating your body's overall pain threshold and works to lower your fever by helping your body eliminate excess heat.

Acetaminophen has been widely used as a pain reliever since the 1950's and is suitable for adults and children. One of the advantages of using TYLENOL* is that it is unlikely to cause the stomach irritation or bleeding problems that can occur with other brands of pain relievers. Other types of pain relievers may have side effects associated with them, so it is wise to read the label before using. The medicine in TYLENOL* is also less likely to interact with other medications you may be taking. You should not normally take acetaminophen for a period longer than 5 days except on the advice of your doctor.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: dnetmhz
Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in TYLENOL* products, relieves mild to moderate pain by elevating your body's overall pain threshold and works to lower your fever by helping your body eliminate excess heat.

Acetaminophen has been widely used as a pain reliever since the 1950's and is suitable for adults and children. One of the advantages of using TYLENOL* is that it is unlikely to cause the stomach irritation or bleeding problems that can occur with other brands of pain relievers. Other types of pain relievers may have side effects associated with them, so it is wise to read the label before using. The medicine in TYLENOL* is also less likely to interact with other medications you may be taking. You should not normally take acetaminophen for a period longer than 5 days except on the advice of your doctor.

tylenol also has one of the highest death rates of any OTC.....

Acetaminophen, 4'-hydroxyacetanilide, is a nonopiate, non-salicylate analgesic and antipyretic which occurs as a white, odorless, crystalline powder, possessing a slightly bitter taste. It has the following molecular formula: C8H9NO2, with a molecular weight of 151.16

Decreases fever by an effect on the hypothalamus leading to sweating and vasodilation. It also inhibits the effect of pyrogens on the hypothalamic heat-regulating centers. May cause analgesia by inhibiting CNS prostaglandin synthesis; however, due to minimal effects on peripheral prostaglandin synthesis, acetaminophen has no anti-inflammatory or uricosuric effects. Does not cause any anticoagulant effect or ulceration of the GI tract. Antipyretic and analgesic effects are comparable to those of aspirin.

[stop here if you want the brief explaination]

Peak plasma levels: 30-120 min. t1/2: 45 min-3 hr. Therapeutic serum levels (analgesia): 5-20 mcg/mL. Plasma protein binding: Approximately 25%. Metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates. However, an intermediate hydroxylated metabolite is hepatotoxic following large doses of acetaminophen.

The extended-relief product uses a bilayer system that allows the outer layer to release acetaminophen rapidly while the inner layer is designed to release the remainder of the dose more slowly. This allows prolonged relief of symptoms.
The buffered product is a mixture of acetaminophen, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid that effervesces when placed in water. This product has a high sodium content (0.76 g/3/4 capful).

Uses: Control of pain due to headache, earache, dysmenorrhea, arthralgia, myalgia, musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, immunizations, teething, tonsillectomy. To reduce fever in bacterial or viral infections. As a substitute for aspirin in upper GI disease, aspirin allergy, bleeding disorders, clients on anticoagulant therapy, and gouty arthritis. Investigational: In children receiving diptheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccination to decrease incidence of fever and pain at injection site.


Contraindications: Renal insufficiency, anemia. Clients with cardiac or pulmonary disease are more susceptible to toxic effects of acetaminophen.


Special Concerns: May have to be used with caution in pregnancy. Heavy drinking and fasting may be risk factors for acetaminophen toxicity, especially if larger than recommended doses of acetaminophen are used. As little as twice the recommended dosage, over time, can lead to serious liver damage.


Side Effects: Few when taken in usual therapeutic doses. Chronic and even acute toxicity can develop after long symptom-free usage. Hematologic: Methemoglobinemia, hemolytic anemia neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, leukopenia. Allergic: Urticarial and erythematous skin reactions, skin eruptions, fever. Miscellaneous: CNS stimulation, hypoglycemic coma, jaundice, drowsiness, glossitis. Possible liver damage in those who consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily.


Overdose Management: Symptoms: May be no early specific symptoms. Within first 24 hr: N&V, diaphoresis, anorexia, drowsiness, confusion, liver tenderness, cardiac arrhythmias, low BP, jaundice, acute hepatic and renal failure. Within 24-48 hr, increased AST, ALT, bilibrubin, prothrombin levels. After 72-96 hr, peak hepatotoxicity with death possible due to liver necrosis. Treatment: Initially, induction of emesis, gastric lavage, activated charcoal. Oral N-acetylcysteine is said to reduce or prevent hepatic damage by inactivating acetaminophen metabolites, which cause liver toxicity.


Drug Interactions: Alcohol, ethyl / Chronic use toxicity of larger therapeutic doses of acetaminophen Barbiturates / Potential hepatotoxicity R/T liver breakdown of acetaminophen Carbamazepine / Potential of hepatotoxicity due to breakdown of acetaminophen by liver Charcoal, activated / Absorption of acetaminophen when given as soon as possible after overdose Diuretics, loop / Effect R/T renal prostaglandin excretion and plasma renin activity Hydantoins (including Phenytoin) / Potential of hepatotoxicity due to breakdown of acetaminophen by liver Isoniazid / Potential of hepatotoxicity due to breakdown of acetaminophen by liver Lamotrigene / Serum lamotrigene levels effect Milk thistle / Helps prevent liver damage from acetaminophen Oral contraceptives / Liver breakdown of acetaminophen t1/2 Propranolol / Effect due to breakdown by liver Rifampin / Potential of hepatotoxicity due to breakdown of acetaminophen by liver Sulfinpyrazone / Potential of hepatotoxicity due to breakdown of acetaminophen by liver AZT / Effect of AZT due to nonhepatic or renal clearance


How Supplied: Acetominophen: Capsule: 80 mg, 160 mg, 325 mg, 500 mg, 650 mg; Chew tablet: 80 mg, 160 mg; Elixir: 120 mg/5 mL, 160 mg/5 mL; Liquid: 160 mg/5 mL, 325 mg/5 mL, 500 mg/15 mL, 500 mg/5 mL; Powder for reconstitution: 950 mg; Solution: 80 mg/0.8 mL, 120 mg/2.5 mL, 160 mg/mL; Suppository: 80 mg, 120 mg, 325 mg, 650 mg; Suspension: 160 mg/5 mL, 80 mg/0.8 mL; Tablet: 160 mg, 325 mg, 500 mg, 648 mg, 650 mg; Tablet, Extended Release: 650 mg. Acetaminophen, buffered: Granule, effervescent


Dosage
?Caplets, Capsules, Chewable Tablets, Gelcaps, Elixir, Oral Liquid, Oral Solution, Oral Suspension, Sprinkle Capsules, Syrup, Tablets Analgesic, antipyretic.
Adults: 325-650 mg q 4 hr; doses up to 1 g q.i.d. may be used. Daily dosage should not exceed 4 g. Pediatric: Doses given 4-5 times/day. Up to 3 months: 40 mg/dose; 4-11 months: 80 mg/dose; 1-2 years: 120 mg/dose; 2-3 years: 160 mg/dose; 4-5 years: 240 mg/dose; 6-8 years: 320 mg/dose; 9-10 years: 400 mg/dose; 11 years: 480 mg/dose. 12-14 years: 640 mg/dose. Over 14 years: 650 mg/dose. Alternative pediatric dose: 10-15 mg/kg q 4 hr.
?Extended Relief Caplets Analgesic, antipyretic.
Adults: 2 caplets (1,300 mg) q 8 hr.
?Suppositories Analgesic, antipyretic.
Adults: 650 mg q 4 hr, not to exceed 4 g/day for up to 10 days. Clients on long-term therapy should not exceed 2.6 g/day. Pediatric, 3-11 months: 80 mg q 6 hr. 1-3 years: 80 mg q 4 hr; 3-6 years: 120-125 mg q 4-6 hr, with no more than 720 mg in 24 hr. 6-12 years: 325 mg q 4-6 hr with no more than 2.6 g in 24 hr. Dosage should be given as needed while symptoms persist.
?Buffered Analgesic, antipyretic.
Adult, usual: 1 or 2 three-quarter capfuls are placed into an empty glass; add half a glass of cool water. May be taken while fizzing or after settling. Can be repeated q 4 hr as required or directed by provider.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: dnetmhz
Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in TYLENOL* products, relieves mild to moderate pain by elevating your body's overall pain threshold and works to lower your fever by helping your body eliminate excess heat.

Acetaminophen has been widely used as a pain reliever since the 1950's and is suitable for adults and children. One of the advantages of using TYLENOL* is that it is unlikely to cause the stomach irritation or bleeding problems that can occur with other brands of pain relievers. Other types of pain relievers may have side effects associated with them, so it is wise to read the label before using. The medicine in TYLENOL* is also less likely to interact with other medications you may be taking. You should not normally take acetaminophen for a period longer than 5 days except on the advice of your doctor.

tylenol also has one of the highest death rates of any OTC.....

Acetaminophen, 4'-hydroxyacetanilide, is a nonopiate, non-salicylate analgesic and antipyretic which occurs as a white, odorless, crystalline powder, possessing a slightly bitter taste. It has the following molecular formula: C8H9NO2, with a molecular weight of 151.16

Decreases fever by an effect on the hypothalamus leading to sweating and vasodilation. It also inhibits the effect of pyrogens on the hypothalamic heat-regulating centers. May cause analgesia by inhibiting CNS prostaglandin synthesis; however, due to minimal effects on peripheral prostaglandin synthesis, acetaminophen has no anti-inflammatory or uricosuric effects. Does not cause any anticoagulant effect or ulceration of the GI tract. Antipyretic and analgesic effects are comparable to those of aspirin.

[stop here if you want the brief explaination]

Peak plasma levels: 30-120 min. t1/2: 45 min-3 hr. Therapeutic serum levels (analgesia): 5-20 mcg/mL. Plasma protein binding: Approximately 25%. Metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates. However, an intermediate hydroxylated metabolite is hepatotoxic following large doses of acetaminophen.

The extended-relief product uses a bilayer system that allows the outer layer to release acetaminophen rapidly while the inner layer is designed to release the remainder of the dose more slowly. This allows prolonged relief of symptoms.
The buffered product is a mixture of acetaminophen, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid that effervesces when placed in water. This product has a high sodium content (0.76 g/3/4 capful).

Uses: Control of pain due to headache, earache, dysmenorrhea, arthralgia, myalgia, musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, immunizations, teething, tonsillectomy. To reduce fever in bacterial or viral infections. As a substitute for aspirin in upper GI disease, aspirin allergy, bleeding disorders, clients on anticoagulant therapy, and gouty arthritis. Investigational: In children receiving diptheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccination to decrease incidence of fever and pain at injection site.


Contraindications: Renal insufficiency, anemia. Clients with cardiac or pulmonary disease are more susceptible to toxic effects of acetaminophen.


Special Concerns: May have to be used with caution in pregnancy. Heavy drinking and fasting may be risk factors for acetaminophen toxicity, especially if larger than recommended doses of acetaminophen are used. As little as twice the recommended dosage, over time, can lead to serious liver damage.


Side Effects: Few when taken in usual therapeutic doses. Chronic and even acute toxicity can develop after long symptom-free usage. Hematologic: Methemoglobinemia, hemolytic anemia neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, leukopenia. Allergic: Urticarial and erythematous skin reactions, skin eruptions, fever. Miscellaneous: CNS stimulation, hypoglycemic coma, jaundice, drowsiness, glossitis. Possible liver damage in those who consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily.


Overdose Management: Symptoms: May be no early specific symptoms. Within first 24 hr: N&V, diaphoresis, anorexia, drowsiness, confusion, liver tenderness, cardiac arrhythmias, low BP, jaundice, acute hepatic and renal failure. Within 24-48 hr, increased AST, ALT, bilibrubin, prothrombin levels. After 72-96 hr, peak hepatotoxicity with death possible due to liver necrosis. Treatment: Initially, induction of emesis, gastric lavage, activated charcoal. Oral N-acetylcysteine is said to reduce or prevent hepatic damage by inactivating acetaminophen metabolites, which cause liver toxicity.


Drug Interactions: Alcohol, ethyl / Chronic use toxicity of larger therapeutic doses of acetaminophen Barbiturates / Potential hepatotoxicity R/T liver breakdown of acetaminophen Carbamazepine / Potential of hepatotoxicity due to breakdown of acetaminophen by liver Charcoal, activated / Absorption of acetaminophen when given as soon as possible after overdose Diuretics, loop / Effect R/T renal prostaglandin excretion and plasma renin activity Hydantoins (including Phenytoin) / Potential of hepatotoxicity due to breakdown of acetaminophen by liver Isoniazid / Potential of hepatotoxicity due to breakdown of acetaminophen by liver Lamotrigene / Serum lamotrigene levels effect Milk thistle / Helps prevent liver damage from acetaminophen Oral contraceptives / Liver breakdown of acetaminophen t1/2 Propranolol / Effect due to breakdown by liver Rifampin / Potential of hepatotoxicity due to breakdown of acetaminophen by liver Sulfinpyrazone / Potential of hepatotoxicity due to breakdown of acetaminophen by liver AZT / Effect of AZT due to nonhepatic or renal clearance


How Supplied: Acetominophen: Capsule: 80 mg, 160 mg, 325 mg, 500 mg, 650 mg; Chew tablet: 80 mg, 160 mg; Elixir: 120 mg/5 mL, 160 mg/5 mL; Liquid: 160 mg/5 mL, 325 mg/5 mL, 500 mg/15 mL, 500 mg/5 mL; Powder for reconstitution: 950 mg; Solution: 80 mg/0.8 mL, 120 mg/2.5 mL, 160 mg/mL; Suppository: 80 mg, 120 mg, 325 mg, 650 mg; Suspension: 160 mg/5 mL, 80 mg/0.8 mL; Tablet: 160 mg, 325 mg, 500 mg, 648 mg, 650 mg; Tablet, Extended Release: 650 mg. Acetaminophen, buffered: Granule, effervescent


Dosage
?Caplets, Capsules, Chewable Tablets, Gelcaps, Elixir, Oral Liquid, Oral Solution, Oral Suspension, Sprinkle Capsules, Syrup, Tablets Analgesic, antipyretic.
Adults: 325-650 mg q 4 hr; doses up to 1 g q.i.d. may be used. Daily dosage should not exceed 4 g. Pediatric: Doses given 4-5 times/day. Up to 3 months: 40 mg/dose; 4-11 months: 80 mg/dose; 1-2 years: 120 mg/dose; 2-3 years: 160 mg/dose; 4-5 years: 240 mg/dose; 6-8 years: 320 mg/dose; 9-10 years: 400 mg/dose; 11 years: 480 mg/dose. 12-14 years: 640 mg/dose. Over 14 years: 650 mg/dose. Alternative pediatric dose: 10-15 mg/kg q 4 hr.
?Extended Relief Caplets Analgesic, antipyretic.
Adults: 2 caplets (1,300 mg) q 8 hr.
?Suppositories Analgesic, antipyretic.
Adults: 650 mg q 4 hr, not to exceed 4 g/day for up to 10 days. Clients on long-term therapy should not exceed 2.6 g/day. Pediatric, 3-11 months: 80 mg q 6 hr. 1-3 years: 80 mg q 4 hr; 3-6 years: 120-125 mg q 4-6 hr, with no more than 720 mg in 24 hr. 6-12 years: 325 mg q 4-6 hr with no more than 2.6 g in 24 hr. Dosage should be given as needed while symptoms persist.
?Buffered Analgesic, antipyretic.
Adult, usual: 1 or 2 three-quarter capfuls are placed into an empty glass; add half a glass of cool water. May be taken while fizzing or after settling. Can be repeated q 4 hr as required or directed by provider.

 

[Platypus]

Take a whole bunch more with some alcohol

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: CubicZirconia
How Stuff Works

Not really quick or dirty, but it explains it.

Uh, Tylenol is NOT Aspirin.

 

[911paramedic]

It's an analgesic.

 

[ITJunkie]

very well...especially when combined with codiene

 

[DT4K]

Most drugs work by interfering with the biological process that is causing the problem.
Often because the chemical structure is similar enough to some naturally occuring substance in the body that it can bind with certain molecules and prevent the natural substance from binding to those molecules and having the effect it would otherwise have.
Didn't read the long posts, so don't know if acetaminophen works exactly this way or not.

 

[Mark R]

It works by blocking chemicals called 'prostaglandins' which cause inflammation - and is similar to how aspirin works. The key difference with paracetamol is that it doesn't work in the tissues, only inside the nervous system, spinal cord and brain. Because of this it doesn't have the anti-inflammatory effects that aspirin, ibuprofen and similar drugs have. However, the effects on the brain (causing relief of pain and fever) are the same.

Paracetamol is probably one of the safest analgesics there is. It is the drug of choice in people that have liver, kidney or heart failure and at its recommended dose has few side-effects. Despite this, in the UK it is the commonest cause of 'acute' liver failure (due to overdose), and is responsible for thousands of hospital admissions per year. Despite its remarkable safety at normal doses, it is exceptionally toxic in overdose (10 tablets in one dose is potentially fatal) - a particular problem with overdose is that it has no significant symptoms until irreversible liver damage occurs approx 24-36 hours later.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: Mark R
It works by blocking chemicals called 'prostaglandins' which cause inflammation - and is similar to how aspirin works. The key difference with paracetamol is that it doesn't work in the tissues, only inside the nervous system, spinal cord and brain. Because of this it doesn't have the anti-inflammatory effects that aspirin, ibuprofen and similar drugs have. However, the effects on the brain (causing relief of pain and fever) are the same.

Paracetamol is probably one of the safest analgesics there is. It is the drug of choice in people that have liver, kidney or heart failure and at its recommended dose has few side-effects. Despite this, in the UK it is the commonest cause of 'acute' liver failure (due to overdose), and is responsible for thousands of hospital admissions per year. Despite its remarkable safety at normal doses, it is exceptionally toxic in overdose (10 tablets in one dose is potentially fatal) - a particular problem with overdose is that it has no significant symptoms until irreversible liver damage occurs approx 24-36 hours later.

Damn. heh.

 

[Eli]

:|

 

[CubicZirconia]

Originally posted by: Eli

Originally posted by: CubicZirconia
How Stuff Works

Not really quick or dirty, but it explains it.

Uh, Tylenol is NOT Aspirin.

I thought it was similar, sorry.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: CubicZirconia

Originally posted by: Eli

Originally posted by: CubicZirconia
How Stuff Works

Not really quick or dirty, but it explains it.

Uh, Tylenol is NOT Aspirin.

I thought it was similar, sorry.

I guess it is similar.. Didn't mean to jump all over ya.

 

[TheBDB]

Originally posted by: ITJunkie
very well...especially when combined with codiene

Mmmmmm.....vicodin.