Depending on the symptoms you have, you may choose one formulation or strength of Tylenol over another.
This article reviews the different Tylenol products, and how they are alike and different.
The main difference between the types of Tylenol is the amount of acetaminophen in each one.
Verywell / Laura Porter
For example, stronger formulations are meant to relieve more intense types of pain.
Extra-Strength Tylenol
Extra-Strength Tylenolcontains 500 mg acetaminophen per tablet/capsule.
Tylenol 8-Hour Arthritis Pain
Tylenol 8-Hour Arthritis Pain contains 650 mg acetaminophen per caplet.
It has a double-layer design.
The first layer provides fast relief and the second offers continuous all-day relief in an extended-release formula.
Tylenol products designed to help relieve cold symptoms or sinus discomfort contain another active ingredient called phenylephrine.
This ingredient relievescongestionby shrinking blood vessels in the nasal passages.
However, OTC oral decongestants with phenylephrine are not considered effective at clearing up congestion at recommended doses.
Types of Tylenol for Infants and Children
There are specific Tylenol products for babies and kids.
Many formulations treat symptoms similar to the products for adults, like colds and the flu.
However, these products come in smaller doses and are made to be easier for children to take.
Childrens Tylenol Liquid
Several liquid formulations of Tylenol are available for children ages 2 to 11.
Like the adult versions,Childrens Tylenolcomes in different formulations to treat specific symptoms.
There is also a liquid Childrens Tylenol that is madewithout dyes.
It also does not contain parabens or high fructose corn syrup.
The medication comes with a special cup that caregivers can use to measure out the correct dose.
Like the liquid Tylenol, the powder packs are fruit-flavored.
Therecommended dose depends on a child’s age and weight.
Childrens Tylenol Chewables
Chewable Childrens Tylenolcomes in bubblegum and grape-flavored tablets.
It can be given to kids ages 2 to 11.
The dose depends on a childs weight and age.
Some children will need to take more than one chewable.
Infants Tylenol Liquid
Infants Tylenol Liquidis made for children ages 2 to 3 years.
There is also adye-free version.
The medication comes with a dropper to help caregivers measure the right dose.
Tylenol PM
Tylenol also makes products that are meant to be used at night.
Other Types of Tylenol
Tylenol also makes many symptom and condition-specific products.
Child Dosage
The maximum per dose depends on the child’s weight but its not 90mg.
The max daily dose is 75mg/kg/day and depends on route.
The Tylenol product and the form it comes in will also determinethe correct dose.
The dose is 5 ml.
If you better take higher doses for chronic pain, check with your healthcare provider first.
Acetaminophen is contraindicated for use in people with severe liver impairment or severe liver disease.
The FDA warns you shouldn’t have more than three or more drinks per day.
These include prescription, over-the-counter, nutritional, homeopathic, and recreational drugs.
However, research has now shown it might not be safe to take Tylenol while youre pregnant.
Talk to your provider about the risks and benefits of taking Tylenol during pregnancy in your case.
Summary
Tylenol is the brand name of a drug called acetaminophen.
The medication can be bought over-the-counter and is good for relieving pain and helping lower a fever.
The Tylenol brand makes many types of products for different symptoms.
There are also special Tylenol types for infants and children.
Tylenol does have risks, including damaging your liver and may be unsafe to take when you’re pregnant.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are more than two dozen Tylenol products on the market.
They differ in strength, formulation, intended use, and ages they are appropriate for.
The strongest forms of over-the-counter Tylenol are Tylenol 8-Hour Aches and Pain and 8-Hour Arthritis Pain.
These products have 650 mg acetaminophen.
Generic medications work the same as the brand-name versions and usually have the same ingredients.
In some cases, one of these may even be better in your case.
NIH DailyMed.Tylenol regular strength.
NIH DailyMed.Acetaminophen 500 mg.
NIH DailyMed.Acetaminophen extended release.
Food and Drug Administration.FDA clarifies results of recent advisory committee meeting on oral phenylephrine.
2016;4(2):131-42. doi:10.14218/JCTH.2015.00052
NIH DailyMed.Children’s Tylenol.
University of Utah Health.How much acetaminophen is too much?
Texas A&M Health Science Center.Advil, Aleve and Tylenol: Whats the difference?
