View source

<!--  via Wikipedia: Tylenol

      last updated: 2007-02-27T07:30:23Z

//-->

:''For more information about the active ingredient of Tylenol, acetaminophen, see [[acetaminophen]].''
Tylenol is a popular American [[brand]] of [[drug]]s for relieving [[analgesic|pain]], reducing [[fever]], and relieving the symptoms of [[allergy|allergies]], [[common cold|cold]], [[cough]], [[flu]], sold by [[Johnson & Johnson]]. The name is derived from N-aceTYL-p-aminophENOL (APAP). Its original, flagship product, [[acetaminophen]] (called [[paracetamol]] outside of North America), is marketed for [[headache]]s, [[fever]], [[muscle pain|muscle]] and body [[Pain and nociception|pain]], [[arthritis]], and [[joint pain]]. It is available without prescription ("[[over-the-counter drug|over the counter]]") and has few side effects which is why most hospitals in the U.S. choose it over [[Ibuprofen]] or other mild pain killers/fever reducers.  Tylenol reacts with very few medications. In addition to products related to allergies and cold, Tylenol also sells a stronger pain reliever containing [[codeine]].

==History==

The active substance of Tylenol, acetaminophen, was first used in medicine in 1893. Acetaminophen only gained widespread use after 1948, when scientists concluded that another popular drug, [[acetanilide]], was toxic and that the same therapeutic effect could be safely achieved with acetaminophen, which was already known to be a [[metabolite]] of acetanilide.

James Roth, a U.S. [[gastroenterology|gastroenterologist]], advocated paracetamol as a safer alternative to [[aspirin]], which was shown to have some [[adverse drug reaction|negative effects]]. Roth was also principal consultant to [[McNeil Laboratories]]. In 1953 McNeil Laboratories introduced Algoson, a preparation containing paracetamol together with sodium [[butabarbital]], a sedative. In 1955 McNeil Laboratories introduced Tylenol Elixir for children, which contained paracetamol as its sole active ingredient. It was originally marketed mainly towards children, but soon came to dominate the North American pain-killer market. There is a wide array of different varieties of Tylenol available today including extra-strength, children's doses, longer-lasting, and sleep aiding (as a combination with a sedative [[antihistamine]]).  In 2005, Tylenol Ultra was introduced, containing 500 milligrams of acetaminophen, the same dosage as Extra Strength Tylenol, but also including 65 mg of [[caffeine]].  This is due to caffeine's [[Vasoconstriction|vasoconstricting]] effects, for which there is some disputed evidence for additional efficacy.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Diener H, Pfaffenrath V, Pageler L, Peil H, Aicher B | title = The fixed combination of acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol and caffeine is more effective than single substances and dual combination for the treatment of headache: a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, single-dose, placebo-controlled parallel group study. | journal = Cephalalgia | volume = 25 | issue = 10 | pages = 776-87 | year = 2005 | id = PMID 16162254}} - which concludes ''"the fixed combination of ... caffeine was statistically significantly superior to the combination without caffeine"''</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = Loder E | title = Fixed drug combinations for the acute treatment of migraine : place in therapy. | journal = CNS Drugs | volume = 19 | issue = 9 | pages = 769-84 | year = 2005 | id = PMID 16142992}} - which notes that ''"benefits assumed for ... caffeine ... are not clearly confirmed in these trials"''</ref> 
The patent on paracetamol has expired, and the continued success of Tylenol brand preparations is largely due to marketing, the backing of Johnson & Johnson, and new patented delivery mechanisms such as quick-release and extended-release forms of the medication.

On [[September 29]], [[1982]], a [[1982 Chicago Tylenol murders|"Tylenol scare"]] began when the first of seven individuals died in [[Chicagoland|metropolitan Chicago, Illinois]], after ingesting Extra Strength Tylenol that contained [[cyanide]].  While the crime was never solved and Tylenol sales temporarily collapsed, the brand was rebuilt and recovered in only a few years. The scare led to the introduction of tamper-proof packaging for medicines.

Tylenol remains a top seller, controlling about 35% of the pain killer market in North America.

In 2006, a study showed that the maximum recommended daily dose of Tylenol can cause elevation in the liver enzyme ALT in healthy adults.<!--
  --><ref>{{cite journal | author = Watkins P, Kaplowitz N, Slattery J, Colonese C, Colucci S, Stewart P, Harris S | title = Aminotransferase elevations in healthy adults receiving 4 grams of acetaminophen daily: a randomized controlled trial. | journal = JAMA | volume = 296 | issue = 1 | pages = 87-93 | year = 2006 | id = PMID 16820551 | url=http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/296/1/87?etoc | format=abstract}}</ref><!--
  -->

As with other over-the-counter medications, overdoses of Tylenol can result in death.

== Tylenol products ==

Tylenol sells products to relieve [[pain relief|pain]], [[allergy|allergies]], and [[common cold|cold]]- and [[flu]]- related symptoms. All of the Tylenol brand products contain [[acetaminophen]]. Allergy and cold products also contain [[dextromethorphan]], [[pseudoephedrine]] and other [[nasal decongestant]]s, [[antihistamine]]s, and [[expectorant]]s.  A class of stronger pain relievers contains [[codeine]] ([[Tylenol 3]]). Acetaminophen is also found in other narcotic based analgesics such as [[Percocet]] which contains [[oxycodone]].

Overdoses of acetaminophen are serious and can be fatal from liver toxicity. In [[alcoholism|heavy drinkers]], regular use of acetaminophen increases liver damage from alcohol. Unlike [[NSAID]]s, acetaminophen is not particularly effective against pain from inflammatory disorders. It is essential to avoid excessive amounts of acetaminophen as this may cause damage to the liver. This risk is additive when separate co-ingestion of acetaminophen is used. The normal maximum for acetaminophen per day is 65 mg/kg / 24 hr or 4 g/d, whichever is less. Certain patients such as those on medications processed by the liver or diseases of the liver (''e.g.'', Hepatitis A, B, or C) should consult their physician.

==Further reading==
* [http://www.rsc.org/Education/EiC/issues/2005July/painrelief.asp Pain relief: from coal tar to paracetamol]

==References==
<references/>

{{J&J}}

[[Category:Johnson & Johnson brands]]
[[yi:????????]]

<!--  NOTE TO EDITORS: 
Per the GNU Free Documentation License, please include the live link below to the adapted Wikipedia article:
//-->

====References====
* Adapted from the [[Wikipedia]] article, "Tylenol" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tylenol, used under the [[GNU Free Documentation License]]