What do Tylenol products treat?
Certain Tylenol products are used to help with trouble sleeping. The main active ingredient in Tylenol products for sleep is diphenhydramine. It helps you fall asleep by working in your brain to affect the sleep-wake cycle, causing drowsiness.
Some Tylenol products for sleep, like Tylenol PM Extra Strength, also contain acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever that works by blocking pain signals in your brain.
Tylenol products for sleep may be used in adults and children 12 years and older.
What are the possible side effects of Tylenol products?
Side effects may vary depending on the ingredients in the specific product you are using. Some possible side effects of diphenhydramine include dizziness, feeling off balance, or an increase in the thickness of mucus in the lungs. Acetaminophen is usually well tolerated.
Stop taking the medicine if you develop a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
What should I know before using Tylenol products?
Check with your health care provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have any of the following before taking a Tylenol product for sleep.
- Glaucoma
- A breathing problem, such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema
- Trouble peeing due to an enlarged prostate
- Take certain medicines, such as sedatives or tranquilizers
You should not take or use any other product with diphenhydramine in it while taking a Tylenol product for sleep. This includes not using any products that you apply to your skin if they have diphenhydramine in them.
If you are taking a Tylenol product for sleep, the medicine can make you drowsy. If you feel drowsy after taking this product, do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how the product affects you. Drinking alcohol can increase your risk for drowsiness. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Tylenol products for sleep. If you are taking a Tylenol product for sleep consistently for two weeks and still have sleeping problems, stop taking it and contact your health care provider.
Tylenol PM Extra Strength has acetaminophen in it, which is a medicine used for pain or fever. If you have liver disease or take warfarin, which is a blood thinner, ask your health care provider before taking Tylenol PM Extra Strength.
Acetaminophen can be found in many medicines that you can buy over the counter (OTC), including many combination products, such as cough and cold medicines. Talk to your health care provider if you are not sure which medicines have acetaminophen in them. Taking too much acetaminophen can be harmful and can lead to liver damage. Do not take more than what is recommended on the product label or by your health care provider. Also, drinking three or more alcoholic drinks per day can increase your risk for liver damage while taking a Tylenol product with acetaminophen.
Stop taking Tylenol PM Extra Strength if any of the following happen.
- Pain gets worse instead of getting better or lasts longer than 10 days
- Fever gets worse instead of getting better or lasts longer than three days
- You have redness, swelling, or new symptoms
There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Tylenol product for sleep you are using. Always check the label before taking any over-the-counter medicine. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which products are safe for you.
Which Tylenol product is right for me?
The best Tylenol product for sleep depends on your specific symptoms.
| Your Symptoms | Recommended Product/Active Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Trouble sleeping | Simply Sleep Caplets
|
| Headache, aches, and pain with trouble sleeping | Tylenol PM Extra Strength Caplets
|