15 Nov 2021
Tylenol is also known by the generic name Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. There are several brands and forms of Acetaminophen available, and Tylenol is one of them. Tylenol is used commonly among people since it's an over-the-counter drug. Tylenol can be used for the following reasons:
- Headache.
- Arthritis.
- Backache.
- Toothache.
- Sore throat.
These were a few common conditions for which Tylenol gives us relief. Tylenol isn't meant for children below 12 years of age without a doctor's recommendation, and an adult shouldn't exceed 4000mg of Acetaminophen in a day. An irregular dose could result in a hazardous overdose. Before consuming these medications, first contact your health care provider, you can buy Tylenol over the counter from a certified online pharmacy.
How does Tylenol work?
Research is ongoing to know how Tylenol actually works. We know how it reacts with the human body, however. It is considered a Non-opioid analgesic. A Non-opioid analgesic works by impeding an enzyme known as cyclooxygenase (COX). COX works as a catalyst for converting fatty acids stored in cell walls-arachidonic acid- to substances called Prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins serve various protective functions in the body that can also cause pain, inflammation, and fever. After a cell injury, the prostaglandin causes pain by several mechanisms. The impairment occurs in the peripheral nervous system, where the nerves are outside the brain, spinal cord, and central nervous system. They increase one's body temperature by affecting the brain's heat-regulating region, also called the hypothalamus.
During any injury, prostaglandin causes us pain. Still, the Tylenol blocks the COX, which stops the subsequent production of prostaglandins in the central and peripheral nervous system (Botting, R.M., 2000. Mechanism of action of acetaminophen)
How does Tylenol help with Menstrual Cramp?
According to a study by the wright state University School of Medicine and College of Science and Engineering, Dayton, Ohio, USA. It was a four-month study where 90 women participated. No pain relievers were given to them in the first two periods; however, during the last two periods, they were given a dose of 2 x 325 mg aspirin, Acetaminophen (Tylenol), or an identically packed placebo.
These medicines were given to them every 4 hours to a total of eight tablets during the first 24 hours of their periods, beginning with spots. For a statistical analysis period, 1 and 2 were combined on an average and then compared to the average of periods 3 and 4. The number of days of flow, total menstrual loss in grams, pain were examined by MANOVA for the three treatment groups.
An ANOVA type of analysis was also done for each of these variables for the first 3 menstrual days. The MANOVA reading failed to show any significant differences from all 3 variables. The same was for the ANOVA reading except for the variable pain of cramps. To see the difference in the measurement of cramps, the Duncan's Multiple Range Test for pain was used, which showed us that the average pain of the placebo group was higher than the average pain of the aspirin group and Tylenol (Acetaminophen) group.
This concludes that neither aspirin nor Acetaminophen (Tylenol) given in the doses changes either total menstrual loss or the pattern of loss during the first 3 menstrual days. But, when it came to cramps, both the drugs proved to be an effective means to alter the pain (Pendergrass, P.B. Effect of small doses of aspirin and acetaminophen on total menstrual loss and pain of cramps).
Tylenol dosages for Cramps
Tylenol is an over-counter drug available in:
- Capsules,
- Gel caps,
- Chewable,
- Liquid,
Adults and teenagers weighing at least 110 pounds (50kgs) should not take more than 1000mg at one time and not more than 4000mg per day.
Why Ibuprofen is better for Menstrual Cramps?
Menstrual cramps take a toll on women and are a significant concern for them. One out of two people suffers from extreme menstrual cramps. Although menstrual cramps are really intense from the age of 20-24, they weaken as a women ages. Many analgesics help relieve menstrual cramps like ibuprofen and Tylenol.
When we compare Ibuprofen vs Tylenol, which helps relieve pain and fever. Still, Ibuprofen has inflammatory properties, which makes it a better drug to relieve menstrual cramps. The recommended dosage is 400 mg of ibuprofen taken every six to eight hours for the initial days of the period. Any queries regarding the drug, dosage, or uses, the pharmacist will assist you (Chan, W.Y., Dawood, M.Y. and Fuchs, F., 1979).
Conclusion
Although menstrual cramps are a typical symptom of menstruation, they can be dealt with using the correct medication and can be under control. Consult your General Practitioner regarding the same and drug usage.
