What is the difference between regular tylenol and rapid release tylenol

In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses the difference between Tylenol Arthritis and Tylenol Extra Strength.

Table of Contents Show

• Strength Difference
• Duration Of Action & Dosing
• Maximum Tablets Per Day
• Final Words
• References
• About the Pharmacist
• What does Tylenol rapid release do?
• How long does it take for extra strength rapid release Tylenol to work?
• Does Tylenol Rapid Release make you sleepy?
• What is the strongest type of Tylenol?

Question

What is the difference between Tylenol 500mg and 650 mg? Which is extra strength? I know there is a 'Tylenol Arthritis', but I'm not sure what it is.

Asked by Doe On Jan 02, 2022

Published Jan 02, 2022
Last updated Mar 03, 2022

Hello and thank you for reaching out to us!

There are two main differences between Tylenol Extra Strength and Tylenol Arthritis.

• The amount of acetaminophen (the active ingredient) contained in each
• How long a dose lasts

I discuss these differences below.

Strength Difference

The first main difference between Tylenol Extra Strength and Tylenol Arthritis is their respective strengths:

• Tylenol Extra Strength contains 500mg acetaminophen per tablet
• Tylenol Arthritis contains 650mg acetaminophen per tablet

For reference, 'regular strength' Tylenol contains 325mg acetaminophen per tablet.

Below are the 'drug facts' for each product, showing the difference in strength.

Now, even though Tylenol Arthritis contains more acetaminophen per dose, it is released from the tablet (or caplet) over a longer period of time than Tylenol Extra Strength, and I discuss this in the next section.

Duration Of Action & Dosing

Tylenol Arthritis is an extended-release formulation and each tablet releases acetaminophen over an 8-hour window. Tylenol Extra Strength, on the other hand, is immediate-release.

Due to the differences in their drug-release mechanism, the products are recommended to be dosed as follows:

• Tylenol Arthritis: 1-2 tablets every 8 hours.
• Tylenol Extra Strength: 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours.

Tylenol Arthritis is sometimes referred to as 'Tylenol 8-Hour', as that is the approximate duration of action. Tylenol Extra Strength, being an immediate release product, generally lasts around 4 to 6 hours per dose.

Maximum Tablets Per Day

The recommended maximum daily dose of acetaminophen is 4,000 mg per day for most adults. This equates to:

• A maximum of 8 tablets of Extra Strength Tylenol per day
• A maximum of 6 tablets of Tylenol Arthritis per day

Final Words

Thanks again for your question!

I hope this answer helped!

The takeaway is that these are both similar products, with just some slight differences in strength and duration of action.

In regard to arthritis, it is more of a chronic condition, and has to be treated as such.

Taking a pain reliever that releases slowly over time, and therefore lasts longer, (like Tylenol Arthritis) is generally a better option than taking something intended to be used from minor aches and pains on an 'as-needed basis' (like Tylenol Extra-Strength).

The American College of Rheumatology actually recommends acetaminophen as a first-line treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee and hip, so Tylenol Arthritis, with its long duration of action, is a good choice for most individuals.

Please be sure to reach out to us if anything else comes up, or if you need a recommendation on the best over-the-counter pain reliever for you.

References

• American College of Rheumatology 2012 Recommendations for the Use of Nonpharmacologic and Pharmacologic Therapies in Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee, American College of Rheumatology 2012
• ClinicalKey: Acetaminophen Monograph, ClinicalKey (Subscription Required)
• Tylenol Manufacturer Website, Tylenol.com

• 
  Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
• 9 months ago
• 20808 views