Tylenol PM Extra Strength (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (2024)

What are the risks and warnings for Tylenol PM Extra Strength (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine)?

Taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage that can be permanent and life-threatening. For adults, the maximum amount of acetaminophen is 3 or 4 grams in a 24-hour period, depending on your provider's instructions. For children, ask your child's provider.

Speak to your provider before using Tylenol PM Extra Strength (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine) if you have liver problems, since it can cause further damage to your liver. Also avoid drinking alcohol while taking Tylenol PM Extra Strength (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine), since this combination can harm your liver too.

Signs of liver problems include dark urine, feeling tired, upset stomach or stomach pain, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your provider right away.

Tylenol PM Extra Strength (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine) can make you very sleepy, which can affect your ability to focus, think, or react. This side effect is more likely to happen or be more intense if you're over 65 years old, drink alcohol while taking this medication, or take other medications that cause sleepiness (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines, sleep medications). Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

Don't take Tylenol PM Extra Strength (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine) if you have any of the risk factors listed above unless your provider said it's safe to do so. Taking Tylenol PM Extra Strength (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine) can worsen your condition(s) and cause serious side effects. Make sure your provider knows about all medical conditions you have or have had in the past before starting Tylenol PM Extra Strength (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine).

Although rare, Tylenol PM Extra Strength (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine) can cause serious skin reactions, such as rash, blisters, skin reddening, or skin peeling. If you notice changes in your skin, stop using Tylenol PM Extra Strength (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine) and get medical attention right away.

Tylenol PM Extra Strength (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine) contains an analgesic (acetaminophen) and an antihistamine (diphenhydramine), which are found in many other over-the-counter products. Using more than one medication containing acetaminophen or an antihistamine (including antihistamines used on the skin) can lead to an accidental overdose and cause serious side effects. These serious side effects include liver failure, seizures, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real), or even death. Tell your provider or pharmacist about the medications you take or plan to take before starting Tylenol PM Extra Strength (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine). Also don't start any new medications while taking Tylenol PM Extra Strength (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine) without talking to your provider or pharmacist. They can make sure your medications are safe for you to take.

To prevent an accidental overdose, read package labels carefully. Check to see if the product you have contains any acetaminophen or antihistamines. If you're not sure, ask your provider or pharmacist.

Early signs of taking too much acetaminophen include vomiting, right-sided stomach pain, and severe dizziness. Taking too much diphenhydramine can also cause tiredness, dry mouth, flushed skin, high body temperature, irregular heartbeat, and confusion. If you think you or a loved one has accidentally taken too much Tylenol PM Extra Strength (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine), acetaminophen, or diphenhydramine, get medical help or contact the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away.

Tylenol PM Extra Strength (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine) dosage forms

There are several manufacturers and brand names of this medication. The dose might differ slightly depending on which manufacturer and formulation of the medication you're using.

Be sure to check the medication box for specific instructions. In general:

Pills (Tylenol PM Extra Strength, generic)

• Each pill contains 500 mg of acetaminophen and 25 mg of diphenhydramine.

• Adults and children 12 years and older: The typical dose is 2 pills by mouth at bedtime. Don't take more than 2 pills in a 24-hour period.

• Children under 12 years old: Don't use. Ask your child's provider about other options.

Liquid solution (Tylenol PM Extra Strength, generic)

• Each 30 mL contains 1,000 mg of acetaminophen and 50 mg of diphenhydramine.

• Adults and children 12 years and older: The typical dose is 30 mL (2 tablespoonfuls) by mouth at bedtime. Don't take more than 30 mL in a 24-hour period.

• Children under 12 years old: Don't use. Ask your child's provider about other options.