Speak with your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you are not sure.
Tylenol and NSAIDs are similar but not exactly alike.
Tylenol is bothanalgesic(pain-relieving) andantipyretic(fever-reducing).
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
So are NSAIDs but they are also anti-inflammatory due to a different mechanism of action.
Can You Take Tylenol With an NSAID?
Doing so increases the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
It is also available as a generic.
This risk of this is easier than one might expect.
This is especially true for children.
The three NSAIDs available over the counter are:
All three are also available as generics.
This is because of the unique action of NSAIDs on the body.
NSAIDs work by blocking the production of compounds calledprostaglandinsthat are involved with inflammation.
By doing so, NSAIDs can quickly reduce pain, fever, and swelling.
At the same time, prostaglandins are involved withblood clottingand the regulation of stomach acids.
Combining an NSAID with NSAID-containing medications increases the likelihood of these potentially serious side effects.
Warning to Parents
Children and teens with fever and flu-like symptoms.
should never be given aspirin.
Cold and Cough Relievers
There are two types of OTC cough medicines: antitussives and expectorants.
The only OTC antitussive isdextromethorphanand the only OTC expectorant isguaifenesin.
Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan is an antitussive sold under the brand names Delsym, Robitussin, and others.
Dextromethorphan is anopioid-like substance similar to the prescription drugcodeine.
This can make driving or handling heavy machinery dangerous.
Dextromethorphan and Diphenhydramine Risk
Diphenhydramineis an OTCantihistaminethat can also cause extreme drowsiness.
Guaifenesin reduces the viscosity of mucus so it can be easily coughed up.
While guaifenesin has low toxicity, overdosing can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
Doing so can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening side effects due to the child’s smaller body size.
They come in regular and extended-relief tablets as well as oral solutions.
However, oral decongestants containing the active ingredient phenylephrine are not considered effective at clearing up congestion.
Summary
It is important to read product labels on cold and flu medicines to avoid double dosing.
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