How to Take Tylenol

• 1). Make sure your condition calls for Tylenol. Tylenol reduces fever and provides temporary relief for toothaches, headaches, common colds, muscular aches, backaches and the minor pain associated with arthritis and menstrual cramps.
  
  
• 2). Choose the proper Tylenol product for you. There are two versions of this medicine, Regular Strength Tylenol and Extra Strength Tylenol. There are also several forms of the extra-strength version, including geltabs, caplets and tablets. Choose the Tylenol product that best suits your needs, based on the amount of pain you're feeling, the size of the tablet and the severity of your condition.
  
  
• 3). Determine the proper amount of Tylenol to take. Extra Strength Tylenol contains 500 mg of acetaminophen per geltab, gelcap, caplet or tablet. The usual dose is two caplets every 4-6 hours. Regular Strength Tylenol contains 325 mg of acetaminophen per tablet, and the usual dose is also two tablets every 4-6 hours. Consumers should use Regular Strength Tylenol when possible, as this contains the lowest amount of acetaminophen and may cure ailments. If symptoms persist, begin using Extra Strength Tylenol.
  
  
• 4). Consume the Tylenol. Tylenol can be taken at any time, without regard to meals. Simply follow the instructions on the label and do not consume more than the recommended amount. Many consumers choose to take Tylenol with a glass of water to help wash the tablet down.
  
  

How to Take Aleve

• 1). Make sure your symptoms call for Aleve. Aleve relieves muscular aches, backaches, menstrual cramps, headaches, toothaches, common colds and the minor pains associated with arthritis. Aleve also temporarily reduces fevers.
  
  
• 2). Choose the proper Aleve product. Aleve now produces liquid gel caplets, extra stength caplets, tablets, and smooth gels. Aleve also produces caplets made specifically for cold and sinus symptoms. All Aleve products contain 220 mg of naproxen.
  
  
• 3). Determine the proper amount of Aleve to take. Consumers should take one Aleve caplet every 8-12 hours while symptoms last. If pain or symptoms are not reduced within 30 minutes, consumers may take a second caplet in the first hour. Consumers are urged not to exceed two caplets in any 8-12 hour period, and not to exceed three caplets in any 24-hour period.
  
  
• 4). Consume the Aleve. All Aleve products should be consumed with a full glass of water for each dose. It can be taken without regard to meals.