Having surgery a week from today. I have pain from a muscle strain in lower back. I can't take ibuprofen because I'm having surgery in a week. Can I take Tylenol for pain? I think the issue is taking meds that are blood thinners.
Is Tylenol a blood thinner?
Question posted by mirvine on 27 Oct 2012
Last updated on 29 September 2019 by Katie Copeland
This question has also been asked and answered here: Is Tylenol (acetaminophen) a blood thinner?
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11 Answers
Katie Copeland
30 Sep 2019
No Tylenol isn’t a blood thinner. You’d be better off with Aspirin.
JadedPrincess
1 Nov 2018
I started taking Tylenol at fairly high dose everyday, twice a day, over past 6 months to help with my knee pain. I had blood work done for pre-op exam for knee replacement surgery, and my blood was abnormally thin according to blood work results in 2018. Tylenol is the only change I've made prior to last pre-op exam a year ago in 2017, when I had to cancel the surgery. So, YES. Tylenol can thin your blood.
Most doctors will tell you this is not so, but I am living proof that it can thin the blood!!! Same meds as last year. No changes in diet or meds, except the introduction of Tylenol Extra Strength, Extended Release twice a day for 6 months prior to 2018 pre-op exam for knee replacement surgery. Same tests were performed for same pre-op exam that had to be cancelled a year ago in 2017. In 2017 - was not taking Tylenol extended release for Arthritis pain.
Chyk41
6 Aug 2018
No, it's just a mild pain killer.
Inactive
6 Aug 2018
No, but Aspirin is.
Bellady7
12 Feb 2018
Is Tylenol or Mapap kidney safe? Are they blood thinners.
MCR
21 Dec 2017
Yes, Tylenol is not a blood thinner. You should always ask your doctor.
dasvaki
21 Sep 2017
Just, FYI: Tylenol (acetaminophen) is not an antiinflammatory. Tylenol is classified as a painkiller for mild to moderate pain and fever.
https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/tylenol-anti-inflammatory-drug-3002130/
teisha53
30 Nov 2016
Acetaminophen is generic for Tylenol is brand name for ibuprofen. Unless the doctor specifically said nothing by mouth before surgery that would be because he doesn't want you to have anything in your stomach that may cause vomiting from anesthesia. So it is best to make sure that at least 12 hours before the surgery you do not have anything in your stomach if you are going to receive anesthesia. You will be receiving pain medication after your surgery and you will also be receiving anesthetic during your surgery. They will make certain that you are as comfortable as can be. But again a direct answer to your question is Tylenol is not a blood thinner.
Acetylsalicylic acid is aspirin the generic name that is a blood thinner so if you take a baby aspirin every day you need to hold that 4 several days prior to your surgery.
Topazlace
2 Feb 2018
Tylenol & ibuprofen are two different medicines...
Patients on Coumadin & similar drugs are advised to avoid ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin
but allowed to take Tylenol
Topazlace
2 Feb 2018
Tylenol & ibuprofen are two different mediciations.
Patients on Coumadin & similar drugs are advised to avoid ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin as they affect blood clotting, but allowed to take Tylenol, which does not
Also Tylenol is not considered an anti inflammatory
Mmags_14
28 Feb 2018
Tylenol and Ibuprofen are not the same drug at all. They can both be used for mild pain relief, but Tylenol does not pose a bleeding risk like ibuprofen would (which is an NSAID, aka non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent).
Just take caution when using tylenol and monitor how much you are taking if you have any underlying liver disorder or are taking any additional medications that are primarily filtered through the liver or may interfere with the liver's ability to metabolize the drugs
Adella Moore
27 Aug 2016
I'm trying to find out the answer to the question I got two blood clots in my lungs and im taking warfarin the doctor said my body was rejected the warfarin but they still got me taking them I need help ASAP I stayed in the hospital 8 days so is Tylenol a blood thinner or what can I take please help me
Buddy1971
27 Oct 2012
No.
meyati
28 Oct 2012
Concise, precise, and terse- NO-- Tylenol It's for reducing fever or pain for people that have stomach ulcers and is used for people with bleeding or possible bleeding problems. Also people that do take "blood thinners" like warfarin are told to take Tylenol for fevers or pain.
My brother has clotting problems, so he uses Tylenol for everything. Also Vitamin E isn't good for people that clotting problems.
kaismama
27 Oct 2012
Yes you can take tylenol. Its not a drug that slows clotting. There is no such thing as a blood thinner. The blood does not get thinner. The platelets are prevented from clumping causing clots.
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tylenol, pain, ibuprofen, surgery, blood disorders, muscle
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