Children's Tylenol

Children's Tylenol is a medication that is available over the counter for treating minor aches and pains in children ages 2 to 11. It works by blocking the production of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation and fever. Children's Tylenol comes in two forms -- orally disintegrating tablets and liquid. The tablets quickly dissolve in the mouth, which is helpful for children with difficulty swallowing tablets.

 

What Is Children's Tylenol?

Children's Tylenol® (children's acetaminophen) is a non-prescription pain reliever and fever reducer for use in children ages 2 to 11. Children's Tylenol comes in many different strengths and forms. Junior Tylenol is also available for children ages 6 to 12.
 
(Click Children's Tylenol Uses for more information on what Children's Tylenol is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Children's Tylenol?

Children's Tylenol is made by McNeil Consumer Healthcare. There are numerous generic versions of Children's Tylenol, made by several different generic manufacturers.
 

How Does Children's Tylenol Work?

Even though Tylenol has been around for quite a while, it is not fully understood exactly how it works. It is known that Tylenol works differently from any other non-prescription medications. Most other non-prescription pain relievers or fever reducers are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Both NSAIDS and Tylenol block the body's production of prostaglandins (naturally occurring chemicals which cause inflammation and fever). However, while NSAIDS block prostaglandin production throughout the body, Tylenol appears to do so just in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Tylenol may also work by blocking pain signals from nerves (or preventing such signals from forming).
 
Because Tylenol is not related to aspirin, it can be safely used by children with chickenpox. Also, many children who are sensitive or allergic to aspirin can safely take Tylenol.
 
(Children's Tylenol Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;