Frequently Asked Questions

TYLENOL® is safe and effective when used as directed. The safety of TYLENOL® at recommended doses has been established through 50 years of use and scientific investigation. Do not exceed the recommended dosage as it may cause liver damage.

Acetaminophen is an active ingredient in all TYLENOL® products and in more than 450 other over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines. Do not take more than one medicine at a time containing acetaminophen.

TYLENOL® contains the active ingredient acetaminophen, which is a pain reliever and fever reducer. It works by elevating the body's overall pain threshold so you feel less pain, and lowers your fever by helping your body eliminate excess heat.

A fever is the body’s response to a disease characterized by a rise in body temperature. A rectal temperature at or above 38°C, an oral temperature at or above 37.4°C, or an axillary temperature at or above 37.2°C is usually considered the threshold for a fever.

Acetaminophen is an effective pain reliever and fever reducer. Acetaminophen is thought to relieve mild to moderate pain by elevating your body’s overall pain threshold. It is also thought to lower your fever by helping your body eliminate excess heat.

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant indicated for the temporary relief of cough due to the common cold/flu.

Phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are nasal decongestants indicated to help clear nasal passages, promote nasal and sinus drainage, and for temporary relief of sinus congestion and pressure.

Guaifenesin is an expectorant indicated to help loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions to make coughs more productive.

These are antihistamines that relieve symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose.  These ingredients may cause drowsiness so are likely to be in Nighttime formulations. To be sure what ingredients are in your medicine always read the complete label and follow the instructions.

No, TYLENOL® products do not contain aspirin.

The only non-prescription TYLENOL® product that contains caffeine is TYLENOL® Ultra (for clinically proven superior headache pain relief – Clinical studies have proven that an acetaminophen and caffeine combination relieves headache more effectively than acetaminophen alone). None of the other TYLENOL® products in Canada contain caffeine.

You can take TYLENOL® with or without regard to meals.

All TYLENOL® Cold, Sinus or Flu products contain acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine in different combinations.   Therefore, all products can be used to temporarily reduce fever and are also indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, sinus congestion, and sinus pressure.  Additionally, TYLENOL® Complete Cold, Cough & Flu products contain guaifenesin, an expectorant, which helps to relieve chest congestion and clear out mucus. The Nighttime product contains a drowsy antihistamine that helps relieve running nose and sneezing so you can rest.

Easy-to-swallow tablets are solid, round tablets coated with a water-soluble coating to make swallowing easier. Caplets are a type of tablet that is “capsule” shaped.

Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in TYLENOL®. TYLENOL® products do not contain acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen or naproxen, the active ingredients found in other non-prescription pain relievers. Each of these active ingredients relieves pain, but they work differently.

We understand the recent media coverage you’re reading may cause concern or lead to questions. We want to make sure you have the answers.  

Here is what we can tell you:  

Credible, independent scientific data continues to show no proven link between taking acetaminophen and autism.   

Medical and public health organizations agree.  

This includes:

• Health Canada

• Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada

• Autism Alliance of Canada

• Sick Kids | The Hospital for Sick Children

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

• Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine

• Autism Science Foundation

• European Medicines Agency

• Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency

• Australian Government, Department of Health, Disability And Aging

Our best advice? Talk to your healthcare professional before taking or administering acetaminophen.  

As our label says, ‘Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.’  

Your health provider is best positioned to advise whether taking this medication is appropriate based on your unique medical condition.  

If you are treating your little one with acetaminophen, please know that there is no credible science that shows taking acetaminophen causes autism. When searching what medicine may be suitable for infants and children, the best thing you can do is to speak with your healthcare provider — they will guide you on what is best for your child’s pain and fever. Be sure to always follow the dosage guidelines provided on the product label or by your healthcare provider.^[1] For Infants’ TYLENOL® in particular, you will need to ask a doctor for dosing information if your child is under 4 months of age.

You can also find important safety information and resources on treating fever on our website.

1. Tylenol Pain Relief Dosing Directions for Children & Infants, https://www.tylenol.ca/children/safety-dosing/dosing-chart-infants-children

2. Health Canada Acetaminophen and Children Usage and Dosing,
   https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medical-devices/acetaminophen-and-children.html

We do not recommend using any products beyond their expiration date.  If your product has expired, please contact your local pharmacy to learn about how to properly discard it and obtain a new product.

No, TYLENOL® Cold or Sinus products contain a nasal decongestant.  Do not use two decongestants at the same time.

As stated on the product label, TYLENOL® products may be taken no sooner than every 4 hours after the last dose. Always use TYLENOL® products as directed and read the product label.

TYLENOL® Complete Cold, Cough and Flu Nighttime and other Nighttime or Allergy products contain an antihistamine, which may cause marked drowsiness.  Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking sedatives or tranquilizers.  Alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase the drowsiness effect.   Always use the product as directed and read the label.

TYLENOL® contains acetaminophen.  Severe liver damage may occur if you take 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using a TYLENOL® product.

This warning is necessary so that patients will seek appropriate medical attention if needed.

The safety of TYLENOL® at recommended doses has been established through 50 years of use and scientific investigation; however, if you take too much, you could harm your liver.
In case of overdose, consumers are instructed to get medical help or contact a local Poison Control Centre right away. Quick medical attention is critical for adults as well as for children even if no signs or symptoms are noticed.

TYLENOL® should not be used with other products containing acetaminophen.
Always read and follow the label.
If you are under a doctor’s care for any serious condition, or are taking any other drugs, you should talk to your doctor if you want to know more or have other questions.

If you are taking any other drugs, including natural health products such as herbal supplements, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you want to know more or have other questions. Always use the product as directed and read the label.

In order to help soothe your cold while taking TYLENOL^® Cold products, you should:

• Get lots of rest, especially while you have a fever. Rest helps your body fight illness.

• Drink lots of fluids. Soups and other fluids can help loosen mucus.

• Soothe a sore throat by gargling with warm salt water or try throat sprays or lozenges.

Use of TYLENOL® with other pain relievers (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium or prescription pain relievers) is not recommended, unless directed by your doctor.
Do not use TYLENOL® with any other products containing acetaminophen (prescription or non-prescription). If you are not sure whether a drug contains acetaminophen, ask a doctor or pharmacist.
If you are under a doctor's care for any serious condition, or are taking any other drugs, you should talk to your doctor if you want to know more or have other questions.

No. TYLENOL® Cold and TYLENOL® Sinus caplets should be swallowed whole.  Do not crush, chew, or dissolve the caplets in your mouth. Always use the product as directed and read the label.

TYLENOL® Cold and TYLENOL® Sinus products are indicated for adults and children 12 years and older. These products are not recommended for children under 12 years of age.   There are Children’s TYLENOL® Cough and Cold products available for children between 6 and 12 years of age.  These products are not recommended for children under 6 years of age.

TYLENOL^® (acetaminophen) is indicated for the reduction of fever and the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with:

• The common cold or flu

• Headache, including migraine pain

• Toothache

• Immunizations

• Muscular aches

• Backache

• Minor pain of arthritis

• Premenstrual and menstrual cramps

Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in TYLENOL®, has not been shown to reduce inflammation.

Yes, some TYLENOL® (acetaminophen) products are indicated for the relief of mild to moderate migraine headache pain.

Sinus headaches are accompanied by other cold symptoms such as nasal congestion and usually characterized by a throbbing pain in your forehead or behind your eyes that may increase when you lean forward or lie down.  You may also experience pressure between your eyes or tenderness in your cheekbones, a sore throat, runny nose or cough.  These symptoms may be a result of your nasal passages becoming swollen due to environmental irritants, allergies, or even a cold. As cold and flu symptoms can be very similar, please refer to the following differences:
A cold is characterized by a runny nose, watery eyes, stuffy nose, and congestion, sneezing and coughing.  These symptoms build over 48 hours and may last for 3-10 days. Unlike the cold, flu symptoms such as fever and chills appear very quickly and may last for hours or days up to a week and may linger for up to 3 weeks. Other symptoms include body aches and pains, weakness and fatigue.

TYLENOL® Cold and TYLENOL® Sinus products cannot be used with many other conditions such as; high blood pressure, heart and thyroid disease or diabetes.  
If you are under a doctor's care for any serious condition, or are taking any other drugs, you should read medicine labels very carefully and talk to your doctor if you want to know more or have other questions.

Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before use if you have liver disease.

If you are pregnant or nursing a baby, seek the advice of your healthcare professional before using TYLENOL^® or any other medication.