About Alcohol & Tylenol PM

Mixing Tylenol PM and alcohol can lead to big problems. The active ingredients in the combination pain reliever and sleep aid have the same risks as booze, so you should never take the substances at the same time.

Uses of Tylenol PM

• Tylenol PM contains the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug acetaminophen to relieve pain and the antihistamine diphenhydramine to promote sleep. McNeil Consumer Healthcare markets Tylenol PM in caplet, geltab, rapid-release gel and vanilla-flavored liquid formulations.

Dosing

• Product labeling directs users to take two caplets, geltabs or tablespoons (1 oz.) of Tylenol PM immediately before bedtime or as recommended by a physician. Following these directions will provide a 1,000 mg dose of acetaminophen and a 50 mg dose of diphenhydramine.

Acetaminophen Warning

• Acetaminophen can cause liver damage, as can alcohol consumption. Tylenol PM labeling warns that individuals who have three or more alcoholic drinks a day while using the medicine run a particular risk of experiencing liver damage.

Diphenhydramine Warnings

• Both diphenhydramine and alcohol can cause blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness and loss of coordination. Taking the two substances together compounds these effects, making it difficult to drive or perform tasks that require fine muscle control and concentration.

  A study reported in the March 7, 2000, issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine revealed that a single 50 mg dose of diphenhydramine by itself impaired study participants' ability to complete a simulated driving test more than did consuming enough alcohol to be judged legally intoxicated (i.e., blood alcohol concentration of .10). Definitely never drive after drinking and taking Tylenol PM.

Other Precautions for Tylenol PM

• Do not give Tylenol PM to children younger than 12, and do no take more than eight doses of the medication within a 24-hour period. Using Tylenol PM with other products that contain acetaminophen increases the risk for liver damage.