Children's Tylenol

Children's Tylenol is a medicine 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. The medication 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.

Children's Tylenol Drug Information

What Is Children's Tylenol?

Children's Tylenol^® (children's acetaminophen) is a nonprescription pain reliever and fever reducer for use in children ages 2 to 11. It 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, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes It?

Children's Tylenol is made by McNeil Consumer Healthcare. Numerous generic versions are available, made by several different manufacturers.

How Does This Medication 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 nonprescription medications. Most other nonprescription 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 that 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). It may also work by blocking pain signals from nerves, or preventing such signals from forming.

Because Tylenol is not related to aspirin, children with chickenpox can take it. Also, many children who are sensitive or allergic to aspirin can take Tylenol without problems.

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