Tylenol Dissolve Powder Packs Are the Parent Hack You Need Right Now

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.

What are Tylenol Dissolve Powder Packs?

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.

Does Tylenol dissolve powder work as well as liquid and pill forms?

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.

How long does it take for Tylenol powder to work?

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.

How do you use Tylenol powder packets?

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.

Can kids take Tylenol powder?

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.

Children's Tylenol Dissolve Powder Packs dosing instructions

Manufacturers of Children's Tylenol Dissolve Powder Packs recommend these doses every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain and fever:

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.

Extra Strength Dissolve Packs dosing instructions

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.