Can you take Tylenol before bedtime? 

Can you take Tylenol before bedtime? 

Yes, you can take Tylenol before bedtime. Tylenol (Acetaminophen) is one of the safest painkillers and it does not affect your stomach. You can safely take it at any time of the day. Tylenol is usually intended to be used 3-4 times a day, especially for the management of fever (1). 

This is an easy-going medication, which can also take on an empty stomach safely. However, this is for healthy individuals. People with hepatic insufficiency should not use Tylenol frequently because of the mild hepatotoxic nature of Acetaminophen. 

If you’re taking Tylenol at bedtime, you can try Tylenol PM instead of the original one. Tylenol PM contains Diphenhydramine along with Acetaminophen, which can help induce relaxation and sleep. This helps you sleep better when you’re sick or have a fever. 

Some tips for taking Tylenol safely

There are tips which can help you take Tylenol in the safest way possible. These include: 

  • Only take the recommended dosage of Tylenol as instructed by your healthcare provider or on the packaging. Avoid taking more than the recommended dose, especially before bedtime, as it can increase the risk of liver damage.
  • Be sure to read the labels of all over-the-counter medications, including cough and cold medicines, to avoid accidentally taking multiple medications that contain acetaminophen.
  • Don’t combine medications without consulting your healthcare provider.
  • Do not consume alcohol while taking Tylenol, especially before bedtime. 
  • If you are prescribed extended-release Tylenol, do not crush or chew the tablets, as it can cause too much of the drug to be released at once, increasing the risk of overdose.
  • Tylenol is meant for short-term use and should not be used for more than 10 days without consulting your healthcare provider.
  • While using Tylenol at night, if you suffer any strange symptoms, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or abdominal pain, stop taking the drug and get help right away because they could be signs of liver damage.

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References

1.-

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) Tablets [prescribing information]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/019872Orig1s048lbl.pdf