Tylenol PM is mainly taken for muscle ache, pain, headaches, cold and flu, sinus, allergy, and fever. The medication can however, produce a number of side effects, which are discussed in this article.
Tylenol PM is the medication that combines acetaminophen and diphenhydramine. Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is an analgesic that can reduce pain and fever. On the other hand, diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is basically used for treating the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Diphenhydramine can also induce sleep. Due to the combined effects of acetaminophen and diphenhydramine, this medication can relieve pain and fever, and at the same time promote sleep. This drug is basically indicated for body ache, muscle ache, pain, headaches, cold and flu, sinus, allergy, and fever. Though it is a very effective medication, it can cause a few side effects at times, especially if it is not used in the appropriate dosage.
Possible Side Effects
The most common side effect associated with this medication is drowsiness. This however, is quite natural, as this medication contains diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is a sleep aid, and therefore, it causes drowsiness. For this reason, this drug should not be used while driving a car or while operating any kind of machinery. Sometimes, diphenhydramine can cause restlessness or nervousness in some individuals, instead of causing drowsiness.
This medication can also produce some gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. These side effects are quite rare, but still can be experienced in the case of an overdose. The simultaneous use of alcohol and Tylenol PM can produce these side effects.
Some individuals can be allergic to acetaminophen and diphenhydramine, and they can experience an allergic reaction after taking this drug. An allergic reaction to this medication can manifest in symptoms like skin rashes, hives, unusual swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, and the throat, and shortness of breath. On observing any of these side effects, be sure to inform your physician immediately, as an allergic reaction can sometimes lead to serious complications.
One of the most serious side effects associated with the long-term use of this medication is liver failure. The risk of developing this condition increases when Tylenol PM and alcohol are taken simultaneously. An overuse of this drug can also raise the risk of liver failure. Liver failure can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, jaundice, fatigue, and abnormal bleeding.
The overuse of this drug for a long time can also affect the kidneys and cause kidney diseases. Apart from these, some other possible side effects are, dizziness, blurred vision, problems with concentration and memory, unusual bleeding or bruising, low blood sugar, and dry nose and mouth. The serious side effects associated with this drug are changes in heartbeat, unusual bruising, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes and the skin, and flu-like symptoms.
To sum up, this drug should be taken only in the prescribed dosage to avoid the aforementioned side effects. People having certain underlying diseases like liver disease, kidney diseases, glaucoma, and problems with urination need to inform their physicians before using Tylenol PM. Individuals allergic to acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and antihistamines should also inform their physicians before using this medication. The effects of Tylenol PM on the developing fetus are not known, for which pregnant women should not take this medication without consulting a health care provider. Similarly, breastfeeding women should also confirm with their physician before considering to use this drug.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice.
