Extra Strength Tylenol Side Effects

Extra Strength Tylenol is an over-the-counter pain reliever that temporarily reduces fever and relieves pain due to conditions like headache, muscular aches, arthritis, colds and flu. The active ingredient in Extra Strength Tylenol is acetaminophen 1. Each tablet or capsule contains 500 milligrams of acetaminophen, and adults and children 12 years and older are advised to take 2 pills every 4 to 6 hours up to a maximum of 8 in a 24-hour period 1. It is important stay within these guidelines to avoid unwanted, potentially serious side effects.

Rare Side Effects

According to The Mayo Clinic, acetaminophen found in Extra Strength Tylenol may sometimes cause rare side effects such as:

• unusual bleeding or bruising
  
• bloody or cloudy urine
  
• bloody
  
• black or tarry stools
  
• sores or ulcers in the mouth or on the lips
  
• unusual fatigue or weakness
  
• decreased urine output
  
• fever
  
• sore throat 12

Skin-related symptoms such as rash, hives or itching or pinpoint-sized red spots on the skin may also develop. Yellow eyes or skin may also occur, suggesting problems with liver functioning. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact a healthcare professional for help.

Poisoning

Acetaminophen overdose or poisoning can occur if very large amounts of Extra Strength Tylenol are taken 1. Within hours of ingestion, some may experience symptoms of gastroenteritis such as abdominal cramping and bloating, low-grade fever or diarrhea. Symptoms may not develop until 1 to 3 days after ingestion, and then they will unfold in four stages. In stage one, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite occur. In stage two, individuals often experience pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen and have abnormal liver enzyme function. Stage three brings on more vomiting and signs of liver failure, along with worsening liver enzyme function and possibly renal failure and pancreatitis. Stage four arrives within 5 days of ingestion and either brings improvement of liver toxicity or progression to multiple organ failure. (See Reference 1)

Cases of mild overdose may produce no symptoms or mild symptoms for about 2 days.

Liver Failure

According to the FDA, acetaminophen is the leading cause of liver failure in the United States 1. In June 2009, an FDA advisory panel voted to recommend lowering the current maximum daily dose of nonprescription acetaminophen which is eight pills (4 grams) of Extra Strength Tylenol 1. According to the FDA, products like Extra Strength Tylenol are generally safe when used within the limits described on the label; however, taking more than is recommended can lead to liver damage, including abnormal liver function blood tests, acute liver failure or death. (See References 3) Jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), a darkening of the urine, pale stool, chills and easy bleeding may all be signs of liver failure.