What time should you take Tylenol PM?
By
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira is a Pharmacist and Doctor of Philosophy in Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has experience in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Milena’s Highlights:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration in the areas of Pharmacometrics and Population Pharmacokinetics, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
“Science can be translated, and it is essential that everyone has access to quality information to make informed decisions” – Dr Milena Oliveira, PhD.
Professional Experience:
With a decade-long career as a researcher, Dr Milena has amassed extensive experience in conducting research projects in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics.
Her expertise also extends to the preparation of technical and scientific reports, literature reviews, data analysis, and scientific communication, both oral and written.
Dr Milena has served as a Clinical Pharmacist, providing expert supervision and guidance to teams during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the ICUs of two reference hospitals for patient hospitalization.
In her most recent role, Dr Milena worked on the implementation of the deliberatives of the São Paulo State Government Pharmaceutical Assistance Coordination. These decisions were aimed at ensuring medication access within the Unified Health System.
A widely multidisciplinary background enabled Dr Milena to become a professional capable of integrating scientific knowledge into private initiatives, education, and healthcare, delivering consistent services in patient safety and population health.
Professional Memberships & Affiliations:
Dr Milena Oliveira is a member of the Regional Council of Pharmacy of the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Education:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
Relevant Published Work & Citations:
Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, Nardotto GHB, Pippa LF, Simões BP, Lanchote VL. Analysis of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in plasma and urine with application in the evaluation of total, renal and metabolic formation clearances in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Nov 2020. 191:113-124.
Abstracts. CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology. 2020 Nov; 9 (S1).
Pippa LF, Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, de Andrade JM, Lanchote VL. Total, renal and hepatic clearances of doxorubicin and formation clearance of doxorubicinol in patients with breast cancer: Estimation of doxorubicin hepatic extraction ratio. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2020 Jun 5; 185:113-231.
Godoy ALPC, De Jesus C, De Oliveira ML, Rocha A, Pereira MPM, Larangeira DF, Lanchote VL, Barrouin-Melo SM. Determination of Allopurinol and Oxypurinol in Dogs Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Ultraviolet Detector: Application for Pharmacokinetic Studies. J Chromatogr Sep Tech. 2017; 8 (4).
Clímaco EC, Oliveira ML de, Pitondo-Silva A, Oliveira MG, Medeiros M, Lincopan N, et al. Clonal complexes 104, 109 and 113 playing a major role in the dissemination of OXA-carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Southeast Brazil. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2013 Oct;19:127–33.
Conference Papers:
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B.; PIPPA, L. F.; ROCHA, A.; SIMOES, B. P.; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Daunorubicin metabolism and urinary excretion in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 84th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) and the 20th Annual Meeting of the Association of the Clinical Pharmacology Germany (VKliPha), 2018, Göttingen. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Arch Pharmacol, 2018. v. 391. p. S76-S76.
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . The low contribution of urinary excretion in the elimination of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 49th Brazilian Congress of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics., 2017, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2017. p. 64-64.
Oliveira, M. L.; PIPPA, L. F. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Quantification of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in human plasma by LC-MS/MS. In: I International Meeting of Environmental Health and Toxicology (IMEHTOX), 2016, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2016.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. . PFGE typing of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different University Hospitals. In: V International Postgraduate and Research Symposium, 2012.
Clímaco, E.C. ; SILVA, A. P. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. Relação clonal entre linhagens de Acinetobacter baumannii produtoras de carbapenemases da família OXA em quatro hospitais no Brasil. In: XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012, Santos. XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Dissemintion of OXA carbapenemases genes in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in University Hospital of Juiz de Fora, MG. In: 8th CIFARP – International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011, Ribeirão Preto.
Clímaco, E.C. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Avaliação do sequenciamento parcial do gene rpoB e de seus flanqueadores para identificação de espécies de Acinetobacter na rotina laroratorial. In: 2° International Symposium on Clinical Microbiology, 2010, Florianópolis.
You can view some of Dr Milena’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dra-milena-locci-de-oliveira-28986042/?locale=en_US
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Milena-Oliveira-6
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/5394254/milena-locci-de-oliveira
Lattes: https://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/busca.do
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57199779361
Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=pt-BR&user=1YUBDIQAAAAJ
What time should you take Tylenol PM?
You should take Tylenol PM at bedtime. Tylenol PM contains Acetaminophen and Diphenhydramine. Acetaminophen manages your pain and fever, whereas Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine which resolves allergy symptoms and helps you fall asleep (1,2).
This sedative property, that Diphenhydramine gives Tylenol PM, makes it unsuitable to take in the morning or daytime. This is because Diphenhydramine starts to cause sedation within a few minutes and this can make you unable to work or perform your daily activities.
If you have nothing to do and you’re just planning to rest, you can take Tylenol PM at any time of the day. Just make sure you don’t engage in any activity that requires your full mental alertness, like driving or operating heavy machinery after taking Tylenol PM (3).
It is also important to avoid unnecessary use of medications, including OTC formulations. You should not take Tylenol PM every single day simply because it can help calm you down and induce sleep. If you are struggling with sleep disturbances, it’s important to seek professional advice.
Risks of taking Tylenol PM in the morning before going to work
Taking Tylenol PM in the morning before going to work can pose several risks. Here are some important considerations (3):
Sedation and drowsiness
Tylenol PM contains an antihistamine called diphenhydramine, which can cause drowsiness and sedation. Taking it in the morning can make you feel sleepy, groggy, and less alert, which can be unsafe during work hours, especially if your job requires concentration or operating machinery.
Impaired cognitive function
The sedative effects of Tylenol PM can impair your cognitive function and mental clarity. It may affect your ability to make quick decisions, solve problems, and perform tasks that require focus and attention.
Increased risk of accidents
Drowsiness and impaired cognitive function can increase the risk of accidents, both on the road during your commute and in the workplace. This can compromise your safety and the safety of others around you.
Reduced productivity
The drowsiness and sedation caused by Tylenol PM can negatively impact your productivity at work. You may find it difficult to stay awake, concentrate, and perform your tasks efficiently.
It’s important to follow the recommended dosage and usage instructions provided by the manufacturer and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions (3).
If you’re experiencing difficulty sleeping, it’s best to discuss alternative options with your doctor that are specifically designed for daytime use and won’t interfere with your work performance.
However, if you have a night job and you mostly stay at home during the daytime, it is safe for you to take Tylenol PM in the morning.
Alternatives to Tylenol PM that can be taken in the morning
If you are looking for alternatives to Tylenol PM that can be taken in the morning, there are several options available. However, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Some potential alternatives to consider include:
- Non-sedating pain relievers: There are various over-the-counter pain relievers that do not contain sleep aids, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen. These can help manage pain without causing drowsiness.
- Natural remedies: Some individuals find relief from pain or discomfort through natural remedies such as herbal supplements, aromatherapy, or topical creams containing ingredients like menthol or capsaicin.
- Prescription medications: If over-the-counter options are not providing sufficient relief, your healthcare provider may consider prescribing alternative medications for your specific condition.
It is crucial to remember that everyone’s situation is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it is important to have a discussion with your healthcare provider to explore the best alternatives to Tylenol PM for your specific needs.
It is also important to avoid excessive Tylenol use. Although this medication does not affect your kidneys or your heart/blood pressure, it can cause liver damage due to chronic use of high doses.
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References
1.-
Gerriets V, Anderson J, Nappe TM. Acetaminophen. 2022 Sep 18. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29493991. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482369
2.-
Sicari V, Zabbo CP. Diphenhydramine. 2022 Jul 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30252266. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526010
3.-
LABEL: TYLENOL PM EXTRA STRENGTH- acetaminophen and diphenhydramine hydrochloride tablet, film coated. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=ce58105b-f010-47af-8f31-6dd4ce4e9cba&type=pdf
