A Look at Tylenol And its Effects on Us Patrick Alexander

What is Tylenol? -Acetaminophen: a synthetic nonaspirin pain reliever or analgesic that can be combined with other drugs (such as codeine) to help alleviate pain and reduce fevers -Molecular Formula: C 8 H 9 NO 2 -It is a white, crystalline powder in appearance.

How is it Administered? -Administration: all Tylenol products (there is quite a few of them) are consumed orally. Children’s dosages are usually either chewable tablets or liquid formulas, whilst adult dosages are extended-release capsules. -Recomm. Adult Dosage (12 yrs and up): 650 – 1000 mg every 4 to 6 hrs, not exceeding 4000 mg in 24 hrs. -Recomm. Child Dosage (under 12 yrs): 10 – 15 mg/kg every 4 to 6 hrs, not exceeding 5 doses in 24 hrs.

How does it work? -Surprisingly, very little is known as to how acetaminophen works in the body. What is known, though, is that acetaminophen inhibits an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (say that five times fast) – which is a key player in pain, inflammation, and fever. Acetaminophen works in the body’s central nervous system to stop pain while other pain relievers, such as aspirin, stop the pain where it is located.

Side Effects -Side effects of Tylenol are not common. However, exceeding the recommended dosage can result in damage to the liver. This is why mixing large amounts of alcohol with acetaminophen is a bad idea. -Other possible side effects include: -dark urine, discolored stools -jaundice -low fever with nausea and loss of appetite

Acquisition & Costs -Tylenol products are OTC and do not require a prescription (this does not include Tylenol with Codeine) -The cost of an Extra Strength Tylenol 100 capsule pack ranges from $8.85 to $10.99 – depending on your area -Generic brands may be cheaper

The 1982 Chicago Tylenol Murders - Tylenol bottles were tampered with and cyanide pills were methodically inserted into them sometime after they left the factory. -Many innocent people were killed, thus causing reform in the packaging of OTC drugs (seals, etc.)

Works Cited -“Extra Strength Tylenol” Label on Bottle -Rx List: The Internet Drug Index -"acetaminophen". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., Web. 02 Jun “The Tylenol Terrorist” nol_murders/index.html