Regarding extended release pain pills such as Tylenol Arthritis?!
Question:
Regarding extended release pain pills such as Tylenol Arthritis?
I am unable to swallow these pills, probably for psychosomatic reasons. What would the results be if I were to crush or break them to get them down? I understand that the time release function is for a gradual release of the pain killer. Would I just get a big jolt of pain relief which would not last long, or is it dangerous?
Answers:
In essence, you'd be taking the entire dose, meant for release over several hours all at once. Tylenol arthritis has 650mg of acetaminophen per caplet or geltab. The directions say to take two every eight hours. So, if you take two and crush or break them, you'd be getting 1,300mg of acetaminophen at one time. Dangerous depends on how you define it, and it depends on how often you do this. Good luck.
Just FYI, Tylenol is a bilayer tablet.
First layer dissolves quickly to provide prompt pain relief.
Second layer is time-released to provide up to 8 hours of relief.