Ingredients List for Tylenol
Tylenol is a brand name of drugs popular in North America based upon the primary active ingredient, acetaminophen. Tylenol is owned by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, part of Johnson & Johnson, and was introduced into the market in 1955. Regular Tylenol products are limited to 325 mg of acetaminophen per dose, whereas the Extra Strength variations contain 500 mg. The Extra Strength product variations differ in consistency, color, shape and secondary ingredients that are claimed to be inactive.
The primary ingredient of Tylenol products is acetaminophen. (Image: dina2001/iStock/Getty Images)All Tylenol Products
Acetaminophen is a generic name derived from the chemical compound name, N-acetyl-para-aminophenol, which is classified and marketed as both an analgesic--for pain--and an antipyretic--for fever, according to Drugs.com. MedlinePlus claims that acetaminophen works by lowering the temperature of the body and by changing how the brain senses pain. Acetaminophen is in all Tylenol products as the active ingredient. Drugs.com warns that the maximum recommended amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1000 mg per dose and 4000 mg per day.
Tylenol Extra Strength Rapid Release Gelcaps
Rapid Release Gelcaps are elongated red and white gel capsules that have specially designed perforations in the gelatin that allow the 500 mg of acetaminophen to be absorbed quicker. According to Tylenol.com, the other 24 inactive ingredients are: benzyl alcohol, butylparaben, carboxymethyl cellulose sodium, corn starch, D&C Yellow #10, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Red #40, edetate calcium disodium, gelatin, hypromellose, iron oxide, magnesium stearate, methylparaben, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80 powdered cellulose, pregelatinized starch, propylene glycol, propylparaben, red iron oxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium propionate, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide and yellow iron.
Tylenol Extra Strength Caplets
The caplets are elongated, white, coated capsules. According to Tylenol.com, the 13 inactive ingredients include carnauba wax, castor oil, corn starch, FD&C Red #40, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, powdered cellulose, pregelatinized starch, propylene glycol, shellac, sodium starch glycolate and titanium dioxide.
Tylenol Extra Strength Cool Caplets
The Cool Caplets are flavored, elongated white coated capsules. According to Tylenol.com, the inactive ingredients are castor oil, corn starch, FD&C Red #40, flavors, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, powdered cellulose, pregelatinized starch, propylene glycol, shellac, sodium starch glycolate, sucralose and titanium dioxide.
Tylenol Extra Strength Rapid Blast Liquid
The Rapid Blast is a red liquid that contains 500 mg of acetaminophen per tablespoon. According to Tylenol.com, the other inactive ingredients include anhydrous citric acid, D&C Red #33, FD&C Red #40, flavor, high fructose corn syrup, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, purified water, saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate and sorbitol solution.
Tylenol Extra Strength EZ Tabs
EZ tabs are another variant and look like small red round pills. According to Tylenol.com, the inactive ingredients are anhydrous citric acid, carnauba wax, corn starch, D&C Yellow #10, FD&C Red #40, FD&C Yellow #6, iron oxide, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, potassium sorbate, powdered cellulose, pregelatinized starch, propylene glycol, shellac, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, sodium starch glycolate, sucralose, talc and titanium dioxide.
