Can You Take Tylenol on an Empty Stomach?
Key takeaways:
You can take Tylenol on an empty stomach, but make sure to take it with a full glass of water.
Tylenol is safer for your stomach than NSAIDs like Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen), which can cause stomach bleeding or ulcers.
Most adults can safely take up to 4,000 mg of regular strength Tylenol in a day. However, some experts recommend no more than 10 tablets (3,250 mg). Just be sure to follow the dosing instructions.
Being in pain or having a fever is never a great experience. Most people with these symptoms reach for an over-the-counter (OTC) medication like Tylenol (acetaminophen) for relief.
Similar medications, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), need to be taken with food because they’re hard on your stomach. But does the same apply to Tylenol? And does it carry a similar risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers? We answer those questions and more below.
Is Tylenol bad for your stomach?
No. Tylenol is safe for the stomach. Unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Tylenol won’t cause stomach bleeding or ulcers.
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NSAIDs lower inflammation by blocking certain cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in the body. But some NSAIDS also affect COX enzymes that help protect the stomach lining. Blocking these enzymes can raise the risk of certain stomach problems.
Tylenol doesn’t have anti-inflammatory effects like NSAIDs. And it doesn’t appear to affect COX enzymes in the stomach, either. Experts don’t completely understand how Tylenol works. But it is believed to stop the brain from making chemicals that cause pain and fever.
Can you take Tylenol without food?
Yes, but make sure you take it with a full glass of water. As mentioned above, it’s more gentle on the stomach compared to NSAIDs, which should be taken with food.
And if you’re looking for faster relief, taking Tylenol on an empty stomach can help it kick in sooner. That’s because food can slow down how quickly your body absorbs it.
To be safe, only take one medication that contains Tylenol at a time. This will help you keep track of how much you’re taking. Check product labels to be sure. And don’t take more than directed, even if you still have pain or fever.
Side effects of Tylenol
When used as directed, Tylenol doesn’t usually cause major side effects. Serious skin reactions have been reported in people taking Tylenol, but these reactions are rare. Look out for any changes in your skin, including reddening, rashes, and blisters. If you develop any skin rash or reaction while using a Tylenol-containing medication, seek medical attention immediately and do not take another dose.
Can you take Tylenol every day?
Yes, most people can safely take Tylenol every day. But stay within the recommended daily doses. And if you’re taking it long term, it may be safer to stick to no more than 3,000 mg per day.
Taking too much Tylenol can cause liver damage. If you experience nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes while taking Tylenol, seek medical attention.
Ideally, you should limit your alcohol intake while taking Tylenol. That’s because the combination can raise the risk of liver damage. Talk with your healthcare provider about safe consumption of alcohol while taking Tylenol.
The bottom line
Tylenol is a pain reliever and fever reducer that can be used in both children and adults. It’s easier on your stomach than other pain relievers, like ibuprofen. And you don’t need to eat a meal before taking a dose. Follow the dosing instructions to avoid serious issues like liver damage.
Why trust our experts?
References
Gerriets, V., et al. (2021). Acetaminophen. StatPearls.
Llamas, M., (2014). FDA sets acetaminophen dose limit, warns of liver damage. Drugwatch.
MedlinePlus. (2022). Acetaminophen overdose.
Moore, R. A., et al. (2015). Effects of food on pharmacokinetics of immediate release oral formulations of aspirin, dipyrone, paracetamol and NSAIDs – A systematic review. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2016). FDA drug safety communication: FDA warns of rare but serious skin reactions with the pain reliever/fever reducer acetaminophen.
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