Acetaminophen
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a widely-used over-the-counter medication that provides relief from mild to moderate pain and reduces fever. It is commonly taken for headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, backaches, toothaches, and cold or flu symptoms. As one of the most commonly used analgesics worldwide, it is available in various forms including tablets, capsules, and liquid suspension.
Tylenol is an over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer used for common aches, pains, and fever associated with various conditions.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 202433
- Generic
- Tylenol
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Tylenol is used to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains due to headache, muscle ache, backache, arthritis, toothache, premenstrual and menstrual cramps, and to reduce fever associated with common conditions like colds, flu, and infections.
While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, acetaminophen is believed to work primarily in the central nervous system by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which reduces the production of prostaglandins that signal pain and fever.
Taking more than the recommended dose can cause serious liver damage. It should not be combined with alcohol as this increases the risk of liver toxicity. People with liver disease or chronic alcohol use should consult a doctor before using. While generally well-tolerated, acetaminophen has fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to NSAIDs like ibuprofen.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy