10/11/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/11/2024 13:06
Key takeaways:
Tylenol Dissolve Powder Packs contain a standard dose of acetaminophen. They're helpful if your child has a hard time taking liquid or chewable Tylenol.
The medication comes in a powder that instantly dissolves in your mouth. Children can't spit it out.
Packets can't be split. You'll need to use a different form of Tylenol if your child needs a different dose than what's in the packet.
Every parent's been there - your child is sick and uncomfortable. You know that an over-the-counter (OTC) fever and pain reliever can help them feel better. But they just won't take the medicine.
It's a frustrating situation and can make you feel helpless as a parent. Tylenol Dissolve Powder Packs can be a solution. These handy packets contain acetaminophen in a powder form that instantly dissolves on your child's tongue, so they can't spit it out. And it tastes good, too.
But there are some things you need to know about safety using Tylenol dissolvable powder.
How much Tylenol can your child safely take? Our children's Tylenol guide has the answer you need.
What can you do when Tylenol isn't enough for pain relief? Ibuprofen may help - check out our children's ibuprofen guide.
Trying to limit how much medication your child takes? Our experts review natural remedies for headache relief that are safe for kids.
Tylenol Dissolve Powder Packs contain a powdered form of acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is an OTC pain and fever reliever.
Tylenol and generic acetaminophen are available in many forms including:
Suppositories
Liquids
Chewable tablets
Tablets
Capsules
The powdered form of acetaminophen inside Tylenol's dissolve packets, released in 2019, dissolves instantly on the tongue. You don't need to dissolve it in liquid first. You can just open the packet and tip it right into your child's mouth.
Few medications are available in an instantly dissolving form. And research suggests that people are more likely to take instantly dissolving medication, likely because they're easier to use. So if your child hates taking medications, especially when they're sick, Tylenol dissolve packets may be a game changer for your family.
Tylenol's dissolve packets are available in two doses:
Children's Tylenol Dissolve Powder Packs contain 160 mg of acetaminophen per packet
Tylenol Extra Strength Dissolve Pack contain 500 mg of acetaminophen per packet
Older children and teens may be able to take either product, depending on their size. Adults with sore throats or trouble swallowing can also take advantage of this product, too.
Yes. Tylenol's dissolve packets contain the same active ingredient (acetaminophen) as the liquid and pill forms. In fact, if your child is having trouble swallowing, the dissolvable powder may actually work better than other forms because it's easier to take.
Tylenol takes about 45 minutes to start working. But dissolvable powder and liquid forms may start to work faster than capsules and tablets.
One study showed that liquid and dissolvable powder forms of Tylenol take about the same amount of time to lower a child's fever.
Tylenol Dissolve Packs contain a specific amount of acetaminophen:
Children's Tylenol Dissolve Powder Packs contain 160 mg of acetaminophen per packet.
Tylenol Extra Strength Dissolve Packs contain 500 mg of acetaminophen per packet.
You don't have to measure out the powder. Simply tear off the top of the packet and let the powder fall into your child's mouth. The powder will start to dissolve immediately and your child will naturally swallow once to clear any small amounts of residual powder. The powder comes in a berry flavor.
Your child doesn't need to take a drink of water or any other liquid along with the medication. But you can offer them something to drink afterwards if they want to clear the taste from their mouth.
Tylenol's dissolve packs can be stored at room temperature. Each dose is individually wrapped, which can make them a good on-the-go option.
Yes, some children can take Tylenol Dissolve Powder Packs.
It's important to remember that a safe acetaminophen dose is determined by your child's weight. Tylenol's dissolve packs only come in two doses: 160 mg and 500 mg.
If your child doesn't weigh enough to safely take these doses of acetaminophen, they cannot use this form of Tylenol. That's because packs can't be divided. Tylenol chewables and tablets can be cut in half. Tylenol liquid can be measured out. But this isn't an option for the dissolvable powder.
You'll need to use a different form of Tylenol if your child doesn't weigh enough to take 160 mg of acetaminophen. Tylenol's dissolve packets may not be a good option if your child is between doses. You'd need to use the lower dose, which may not provide complete fever or pain relief.
Manufacturers of Children's Tylenol Dissolve Powder Packs recommend these doses every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain and fever:
Weight (pounds/lbs) |
Age (years) |
Dose |
48 lbs to 59 lbs |
6 to 8 years old |
2 packets |
60 lbs to 71 lbs |
9 to 10 years old |
2 packets |
72 lbs to 95 lbs |
11 years and older |
3 packets |
Children shouldn't take more than 5 doses in a 24-hour period.
Talk with your child's pediatrician or primary care provider if your child is younger than 6 years or weighs less than 48 lbs. Your child may still be able to take dissolvable powder. Your child's pediatrician or primary care provider can help determine a safe dose for your child.
For adults and children 12 years and older, manufacturer's recommend taking 2 packets of Extra Strength Dissolve Packs every 6 hours as needed.
Older children, teens, and adults shouldn't take more than 6 packs in a 24-hour period.
Keep the packets stored safely away from children's reach. The packets can be torn open and don't come in childproof packaging. Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) if you accidentally give your child too much Tylenol or if they accidentally take it.
Tylenol's dissolve packs are a powdered form of acetaminophen that instantly dissolve on the tongue. They come in two forms: Children's Tylenol Dissolve Powder Packs (which contain 160 mg of acetaminophen per pack) and Tylenol Extra Strength Dissolve Packs (which contain 500 mg of acetaminophen per pack). They can be a great option for children and adults who have trouble swallowing from sore throats. They're also a good option for kids who have trouble taking other forms of fever and pain relievers. Packs contain a standard dose and can't be divided.
Altman, R., et al. (2015). Advances in NSAID development: Evolution of diclofenac products using pharmaceutical technology. Drugs.
Okereke, B., et al. (2021). Randomised comparative trial of the efficacy of paracetamol syrup and dispersible tablets for the treatment of fever in children. Journal of International Medical Research.
By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.