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TYLENOL® and Your Stomach

If you have a history of stomach problems, TYLENOL® may be the right choice of pain reliever for you.

TYLENOL® is thought to work by elevating the body’s overall pain threshold so that you feel less pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which include naproxen sodium, aspirin, and ibuprofen also elevate the body’s overall pain threshold so that you feel less pain. In addition, NSAIDs also work on a chemical level. They block the effects of certain enzymes, specifically COX 1 and COX 2 enzymes. These enzymes play a key role in producing chemicals called prostaglandins. There are different types of prostaglandins that have important roles in the body. Some prostaglandins have a direct role in pain and by temporarily blocking these prostaglandins, you relieve pain. Other prostaglandins play an important role in protecting the stomach and gastrointestinal (GI) lining. NSAIDs temporarily block that production of these prostaglandins and, as a result, the stomach can become more vulnerable to GI side effects.

It is important to always read and follow the label and not use TYLENOL® products with other products containing acetaminophen. When taken in overdose amounts, TYLENOL® products can cause severe liver damage. To learn more about taking acetaminophen appropriately, visit GetReliefResponsibly.com.