
Tylenol Cold and Flu Severe is a medication used to temporarily relieve symptoms associated with the common cold, allergies, or flu. It contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine. The medication is available in both daytime and nighttime formulations, with the nighttime version containing an additional antihistamine. Due to the presence of acetaminophen, it is recommended that patients avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Tylenol Cold and Flu Severe. Mixing the medication with alcohol may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills. Additionally, alcohol use, especially when combined with acetaminophen, may increase the risk of liver injury or damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine |
| Purpose | Temporary relief from cold/flu symptoms |
| Side Effects | Liver damage, skin reactions, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain, extreme tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine |
| Warnings | Avoid alcohol, do not take with other drugs containing acetaminophen, get medical help for overdose, keep out of reach of children |
| Interactions | Alcohol, opioid pain relievers, cough relievers, marijuana, sleep/anxiety drugs, muscle relaxants, antihistamines |
| Overdose Symptoms | Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain, extreme tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine |
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What You'll Learn
- Tylenol Cold and Flu contains acetaminophen, which can cause liver damage when mixed with alcohol
- The medication may cause central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgement, thinking, and psychomotor skills
- It is advised to avoid hazardous activities requiring mental alertness and coordination when taking this medication with alcohol
- Tylenol Cold and Flu may interact with other products that cause drowsiness, such as opioid pain relievers, marijuana, and antihistamines
- Alcohol use increases acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity by inducing CYP2E1, leading to increased formation of the hepatotoxic metabolite of acetaminophen

Tylenol Cold and Flu contains acetaminophen, which can cause liver damage when mixed with alcohol
Tylenol Cold and Flu Severe is a medication used to temporarily relieve symptoms of the common cold, allergies, or flu. It contains a combination of acetaminophen, a cough suppressant, a decongestant, and an expectorant. Acetaminophen is a non-aspirin pain reliever and fever reducer.
The risk of liver damage is further increased when taking more than the recommended dose of acetaminophen. The maximum daily dose of Tylenol Cold and Flu Severe is 10 caplets (3,250 mg acetaminophen) in 24 hours. Severe liver damage may occur if more than 4,000 mg of acetaminophen is taken within 24 hours, especially when combined with alcohol consumption.
It is important to note that acetaminophen is present in many nonprescription and prescription medications, including pain/fever drugs and cough-and-cold products. Therefore, it is crucial to check the labels on all medications and consult a doctor or pharmacist before using Tylenol Cold and Flu Severe in conjunction with other drugs to avoid an overdose of acetaminophen.
Additionally, Tylenol Cold and Flu Severe may cause additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills when combined with alcohol. Patients receiving CNS-active agents should be warned of this interaction and advised to avoid or limit alcohol consumption.
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The medication may cause central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgement, thinking, and psychomotor skills
Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe is a medication that combines acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine to treat symptoms associated with the common cold, allergies, or flu. It is important to note that this medication may cause central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgement, thinking, and psychomotor skills. This means that patients taking this medication may experience a decrease in their mental alertness and motor coordination. As a result, they are advised to avoid activities that require these functions, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, until they understand how the medication affects them.
The medication's acetaminophen content is of particular concern when combined with alcohol. Alcohol use, especially when chronic or combined with acetaminophen, can increase the risk of liver injury and hepatotoxicity. This is due to the induction of CYP2E1, leading to the increased formation of toxic acetaminophen metabolites. Additionally, chronic alcohol consumption can deplete liver glutathione stores, further exacerbating the potential for liver damage. Therefore, patients with a history of alcoholism or regular alcohol consumption should be cautious when taking acetaminophen-containing medications and may need to limit or avoid alcohol altogether.
Furthermore, patients taking Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe should be warned about the potential interaction between the medication and alcohol, which can lead to additive central nervous system depression and impaired judgement, thinking, and psychomotor skills. This combination may enhance the sedative effects of the medication, impacting an individual's ability to perform tasks requiring alertness and coordination. As such, patients are advised to avoid or limit their alcohol intake while taking this medication to mitigate these risks.
Additionally, patients should be aware that Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe may interact with other medications or substances that cause drowsiness, such as opioid pain relievers, cough suppressants, marijuana, sleep aids, anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, and antihistamines. It is crucial to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe in conjunction with any other medications or substances to ensure safe usage and avoid potential adverse effects.
In summary, the use of Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe, particularly in combination with alcohol, may result in central nervous system depression and impaired judgement, thinking, and psychomotor skills. Patients taking this medication should be cautious and follow the provided instructions and warnings to ensure their safety and well-being. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional if any concerns or questions arise regarding the use of this or any other medication.
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It is advised to avoid hazardous activities requiring mental alertness and coordination when taking this medication with alcohol
Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe is a medication that contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine. It is used to temporarily relieve symptoms associated with the cold, flu, or other respiratory illnesses, such as sinusitis or bronchitis. This includes reducing pain, fever, and cough, as well as relieving congestion and loosening mucus.
It is important to note that this medication contains acetaminophen, which can interact with alcohol to increase the risk of liver injury. Alcohol use, especially when combined with acetaminophen, may cause severe liver damage. Therefore, it is advised to avoid alcohol consumption when taking Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe. Chronic alcohol use can also deplete liver glutathione stores and increase the formation of hepatotoxic metabolites of acetaminophen, further elevating the risk of liver injury.
In addition to the risk of liver damage, the combination of Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe and alcohol may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills. This can impair an individual's ability to perform tasks requiring mental alertness and coordination. As a result, patients taking this medication should be warned about this interaction and advised to avoid or limit alcohol consumption. They should also be counselled to refrain from engaging in hazardous activities that require complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they understand how the medication affects them.
If individuals taking this medication experience any signs or symptoms of liver injury, such as right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-coloured stool, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or unusual weakness or fatigue, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Additionally, they should seek medical attention right away if they suspect an overdose, even if they feel well, as acetaminophen overdose can have serious consequences.
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Tylenol Cold and Flu may interact with other products that cause drowsiness, such as opioid pain relievers, marijuana, and antihistamines
Tylenol Cold and Flu contains acetaminophen, a non-aspirin pain reliever and fever reducer. It is important to note that acetaminophen is present in many nonprescription and prescription medications, including pain, fever, cough, and cold products. Therefore, it is crucial to check the labels on all your medications to ensure you do not exceed the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen, which is 4000 mg in 24 hours, as severe liver damage may occur.
When taking Tylenol Cold and Flu, it is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption. Acute or chronic alcohol use increases the risk of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity and can deplete liver glutathione stores, leading to potential liver injury. Combining Tylenol Cold and Flu with alcohol can also result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.
Additionally, it is important to be cautious when taking Tylenol Cold and Flu with other products that may cause drowsiness. This includes opioid pain relievers, such as codeine and hydrocodone, marijuana, sleep or anxiety medications (e.g., alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (e.g., carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), and antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, diphenhydramine). These interactions may enhance the drowsiness caused by Tylenol Cold and Flu, impacting your mental alertness and motor coordination.
If you are taking any other medications or substances that may cause drowsiness, it is advisable to consult your doctor or pharmacist to ensure safe usage. They can provide guidance on potential interactions and help you use these products together safely.
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Alcohol use increases acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity by inducing CYP2E1, leading to increased formation of the hepatotoxic metabolite of acetaminophen
Tylenol Cold and Flu Severe is a medication that treats symptoms of the common cold, allergies, and flu. It contains acetaminophen, a cough suppressant, a decongestant, and an expectorant. Acetaminophen is safe and effective when used appropriately. However, hepatotoxicity can occur due to overconsumption, which can lead to abnormalities in liver function, acute liver failure, and even death.
Acute or chronic alcohol use increases the risk of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. This is due to the induction of CYP2E1, which increases the formation of the hepatotoxic metabolite of acetaminophen. In addition, chronic alcohol use can deplete liver glutathione stores, further increasing the risk of liver injury. Therefore, patients with alcoholism or those who consume alcohol regularly should be advised to limit or avoid the use of acetaminophen.
The combination of Tylenol Cold and Flu Severe with alcohol may also result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills. Patients receiving CNS-active agents should be warned of this interaction and advised to avoid or limit alcohol consumption.
It is important to note that Tylenol Cold and Flu Severe is not recommended for children under 12 years of age. In case of overdose, medical attention should be sought immediately, as quick medical intervention is critical for both adults and children.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Tylenol Cold and Flu does not contain alcohol. However, it is advised that you do not consume alcohol while taking this medication.
Mixing alcohol with Tylenol Cold and Flu can increase the risk of liver injury.
Mixing alcohol with Tylenol Cold and Flu can cause additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.
Signs of liver injury include right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, or unusual weakness or fatigue.
If you experience any of these side effects or symptoms of liver injury, contact your care team right away.











































