20 Nov 2021
Tylenol is a drug used for medication as a pain reliever and fever reducer. It belongs to the drug classes named Analgesics and Antipyretics. Acetaminophen is the generic name of Tylenol. It is an oral medication available in the form of tablets.
Aspirin is used as a medication for minor pains and aches caused in the body. Aspirin is a part of the drug class named Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It was the first member of the NSAID drug group.
Aspirin is also known as Salicylate and helps reduce the human body's pain, ache, and fever. Being generically known by the same name, it is available by other brand names in the market. You can also buy Aspirin from an online certified pharmacy. It is an oral medication available in the form of tablets (Liew, Z., Ritz, B., Rebordosa, C., Lee, P.C. and Olsen, J., 2014).
Is it Safe to consume Tylenol and Aspirin together?
Tylenol and Aspirin are both used to treat the pain and ache caused in the body. Tylenol is generally considered a better choice than the other aspirins available in the market.
The answer to the question is that there is no harm involved in taking Tylenol and Aspirin together as there is no such interaction between these two drugs. Generally, an NSAID drug can be given with Aspirin to get an anti-inflammatory effect to get relief. Tylenol, which may not cause severe significant side effects, is considered along with Aspirin (D’Lugos, A.C., Patel, S.H., Ormsby, 2018. Prior acetaminophen consumption).
How do Both the Medications Work?
The combination of Tylenol and Aspirin works to reduce the fever and soothing the pain caused in the body. Tylenol and Aspirin work on their specific parts and provide better results.
Tylenol works by affecting the production of chemicals that cause pain and swelling inside the body. Tylenol reduces the Prostaglandin production and thus enables to reduce the pain and swelling. It works against the fever by informing the heat-regulating center of the brain to lower the body temperature when it gets high. Thus, it balances the temperature.
While on the other hand, Aspirin also works by affecting the substances that cause pain and ache in the body. It tries to reduce their production and helps the body to overcome pain. It reduces the signals sent by these pain-causing chemicals to the brain and provides relief from fever and pain.
This combination works by working together by performing each of their tasks and helps in reducing fever and pain (Botting, R.M., 2000. Mechanism of action of acetaminophen).
Warnings of Aspirin and Tylenol together?
Whenever a combination of the drug is used for medication, it has some exceptions associated with it. People should not take Tylenol and Aspirin combination if they are:
- Allergic to Tylenol or Aspirin
- Heart disease
- Kidney disorders
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Blood clotting disorders
- Serious Liver Diseases
- Addiction of daily alcohol consumption
- Under the age of 12
It can cause harm to pregnant women and breastfeeding women to take the Tylenol-Aspirin combination as it can affect the baby. This combination can be taken only if advised by the doctor.
People using herbal products and over-the-counter vitamins can face problems using this combination. Thus, a proper doctor consultation should be taken before any medication to prevent any further risk.
Dosages
This combination of Tylenol and Aspirin should only be taken as prescribed by the doctor. As both of the medications are oral medications, they should be taken with a glass of water. An adult should follow the equal distribution rule while taking the combination dose.
An adult dose should include 250 mg Tylenol and 250 mg Aspirin together. Initially, the medication should be taken in 2 caplets every 6 hours. An adult should not increase the dosage by more than 8 caplets in a single day or 24 hours.
The dosage will remain the same if you are using the combination to treat pain, backache, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Talking about the Paediatric dosage, this combination can only be taken by children above 12.
The pediatric dose should be 250 mg Aspirin and 250 mg Tylenol in 2 caplets every 6 hours. Similar to adult dosage, this dose should also not exceed 8 caplets in a day (Divoll, M., Abernethy, D.R., Ameer, B. and Greenblatt, D.J., 1982).
Side effects of Aspirin and Tylenol
Unlike other medications, there are side effects associated when Tylenol and Aspirin are taken together.
Following are some common side effects that can be observed after the medication of this combination:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Ringing in ears
There are severe side effects associated with the consumption of Tylenol and Aspirin together, which might require emergency medical help or even termination of medication. Following are some serious side effects:
- Redness of the skin
- Skin allergies and rashes
- Breathlessness
- Difficulty in hearing
- Stomach bleeding
Conclusion
Tylenol and Aspirin can be taken together as a combination of medication for pain and aches. But proper doctor consultation should be carried before taking such a combination as it may affect the body's normal working and may cause serious issues.
