Tylenol, also known as acetaminophen, is one of the most popular over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers. Tylenol is manufactured by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. Regular Tylenol comes in several forms including tablets, capsules, liquid suspensions, and chewable tablets.
With food allergies and sensitivities like gluten intolerance or celiac disease affecting more and more people, it’s understandable that consumers want to know if their medications contain any problematic ingredients. For those who need to follow a gluten-free diet, ingesting even small amounts of gluten can cause issues.
So is regular Tylenol gluten-free? The short answer is yes, regular Tylenol does not contain any gluten ingredients. Keep reading to learn more about the details around Tylenol’s gluten-free status.
What is Gluten?
Before discussing Tylenol’s gluten content further, let’s first cover what exactly gluten is.
Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and triticale. It acts as a glue that helps foods maintain their shape, acting as a structural component. The two main proteins that make up gluten are:
– Gliadin
– Glutenin
When flour is mixed with water, the gluten proteins form elastic strands that stretch and trap gases as the dough rises. This gives baked goods their chewy texture. Besides baked goods, gluten is found in many other grains, cereals, pastas, seasonings, soups, sauces, and more.
People with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity cannot tolerate gluten. When they eat it, their immune system reacts, causing damage and inflammation in the small intestine. Even small amounts of cross-contamination can be problematic.
Over time, eating gluten can damage the intestines and cause symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, neurological issues and more. Avoiding gluten helps manage these autoimmune conditions.
Let’s now take a closer look at the ingredients in regular Tylenol to assess its gluten content.
Regular Tylenol Ingredients
Regular Tylenol contains just a few inactive ingredients along with its active ingredient, acetaminophen.
According to Tylenol’s website, the inactive ingredients in regular Tylenol tablets are:
– Powdered cellulose
– Magnesium stearate
– Starch
– Pregelatinized starch
The ingredients can vary slightly depending on the exact Tylenol product. For example, regular Tylenol Extra Strength caplets contain these inactive ingredients:
– Carnauba wax
– Hypromellose
– Magnesium stearate
– Modified starch
– Powdered cellulose
– Pregelatinized starch
– Sodium starch glycolate
– Titanium dioxide
As you can see, the inactive ingredients in regular Tylenol products are relatively simple. There are no gluten-containing ingredients like wheat, barley, rye or malt.
Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. states on Tylenol’s website that all Tylenol products are gluten-free.
No Cross-Contamination Risk
In addition to checking the ingredients list, anyone following a strict gluten-free diet also needs to consider the risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing.
Cross-contamination occurs when a gluten-free product comes into contact with a source of gluten during production, processing, or packaging. This transfers traces of gluten to the gluten-free item.
The good news is that regular Tylenol is at very low risk for cross-contamination with gluten. Tylenol’s manufacturing facilities and equipment are not shared with any gluten-containing medications. The brand meets all the FDA’s health and safety regulations, which includes stringent protocols to avoid cross-contamination.
Johnson & Johnson’s website states:
“Gluten is not used in any phase of manufacturing for TYLENOL® products. During the manufacturing process, every TYLENOL® batch is tested for gluten down to 20ppm.”
20 ppm refers to 20 parts per million, which is an extremely low gluten threshold. This rigorous batch testing further supports that Tylenol products contain no trace amounts of gluten from cross-contamination.
Third-Party Gluten-Free Certifications
Currently, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. has not sought gluten-free certification for regular Tylenol products from one of the independent, third-party organizations.
However, the lack of formal gluten-free certification does not indicate an issue with the gluten-free status of Tylenol. The rigorous procedures and protocols followed by the manufacturer are sufficient to ensure no gluten.
Here is an overview of the most recognized gluten-free certifying organizations and their certification processes:
Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO)
The GFCO is a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), a leader in advocacy, education and support for the gluten-free community.
The GFCO certification process includes:
– Review of the manufacturing process, including supplier documentation
– Product testing to 10 ppm or less of gluten
– Onsite inspection of manufacturing facilities
– Review of employee training procedures
– Recertification on a yearly basis
National Celiac Association Recognition Seal
This seal provided by the National Celiac Association (NCA) involves:
– Review of manufacturing processes, procedures and protocols
– Product testing to 5 ppm or less of gluten
– Follow-up monitoring and onsite inspections
UL Gluten Free Certification
This certification from global safety science company UL focuses on:
– Audits and inspection of manufacturing sites
– Review of ingredient supplier documentation
– Product testing to 10 ppm or less of gluten
While Johnson & Johnson does not currently opt to have Tylenol certified gluten-free by one of these organizations, their own rigorous internal protocols adhere to the same standards.
Tylenol Labeling
Consumers should also look for any gluten-related labeling on Tylenol packaging.
Tylenol products do not currently contain any of the following gluten-related statements on the label:
– Gluten-free
– Free from gluten
– Without gluten
This lack of a gluten-free claim on the packaging is likely because the FDA has specific guidelines for when manufacturers can use those terms.
Johnson & Johnson prefers to steer clear of making an explicit gluten-free claim on the label. However, as we’ve reviewed, regular Tylenol contains no gluten ingredients or cross-contamination risks.
Contacting Manufacturer
Those who need absolute certainty about Tylenol’s gluten content can consider reaching out to the manufacturer directly:
Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.
Consumer Care Center
(866) 565-2229
A consumer care representative should be able to provide you with any manufacturing details, testing protocols, and ingredient sourcing information you need to feel fully confident in Tylenol’s lack of gluten.
Some people also find it reassuring to get their inquiry and the company’s response in writing. This way you have a record for your own reference and to share with your healthcare provider.
Tylenol Alternatives
For those who for any reason are still concerned about traces of gluten in Tylenol, there are some alternative pain reliever options to consider:
Acetaminophen
The active ingredient in Tylenol is acetaminophen. Other brands like Anacin, Mapap, and store brands also contain acetaminophen as the main pain-relieving ingredient. Look for one with simpler inactive ingredients if you’re concerned about Tylenol.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is another common over-the-counter option for pain and fever. Popular brands include Advil and Motrin. Ibuprofen also does not contain gluten.
Aspirin
Aspirin is also generally well tolerated by those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Two common brands of aspirin are Bayer and Bufferin. Some people do need to avoid aspirin for health reasons, so check with your doctor if appropriate for you.
Acupuncture
For those seeking a non-drug method for pain relief, acupuncture may provide benefits. Acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body. Multiple studies have suggested acupuncture can help reduce migraine and tension headache pain.
Physical Therapy
Working with a physical therapist to treat an injury or manage chronic pain is another drug-free approach. A physical therapist can offer treatments like joint mobilization, therapeutic exercises, dry needling, and other modalities.
Is Tylenol Prescription Gluten Free?
Along with over-the-counter Tylenol, Johnson & Johnson also manufactures a few prescription Tylenol products:
– Tylenol-Codeine (acetaminophen and codeine)
– Tylenol #3 (acetaminophen and codeine)
– Tylenol #4 (acetaminophen and codeine)
These prescription combinations also do not contain gluten. According to the manufacturer, “TYLENOL® formulations including TYLENOL with Codeine do not contain gluten as an ingredient or from cross contamination.”
So both regular over-the-counter Tylenol products and Tylenol-containing prescription medications are considered gluten-free.
Children’s Tylenol and Gluten
Parents of children following a gluten-free diet can also rest assured that Children’s Tylenol products are gluten-free.
Children’s Tylenol is formulated for infants and children ages 2-11 years. It comes in several forms like suspension liquid and chewable tablets.
According to the manufacturer, Children’s Tylenol is made without any gluten-containing ingredients. The production processes also prevent cross-contamination with gluten.
So Children’s Tylenol, for all ages of children, does not contain traces of gluten and is considered safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Tylenol During Pregnancy
For women with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity who are pregnant, it is also important to ensure medications taken during pregnancy are gluten-free.
The good news is that regular Tylenol tablets and caplets are considered safe for pain relief during pregnancy when taken as directed. As we have discussed, Tylenol products do not contain any gluten.
Always be sure to check with your obstetrician before taking any medication during pregnancy. But generally Tylenol is recommended as the go-to pain reliever for pregnant women, as needed.
Gluten-Free Versus Wheat-Free
When researching medication ingredients online, you may come across sources listing Tylenol as “wheat-free.”
Wheat-free means a product does not contain wheat as an ingredient. However, wheat-free and gluten-free don’t necessarily mean the same thing.
A medication could be wheat-free but still contain barley, rye, or malt – other gluten sources. The terms wheat-free and gluten-free are sometimes used interchangeably, but it’s important to note the difference.
Tylenol is both wheat-free AND gluten-free, meaning it contains no wheat, barley, rye or malt. But be mindful that for gluten-related concerns, the key is ensuring a medication is specifically gluten-free, not just wheat-free.
What About Generic Acetaminophen?
Generic versions of medications contain the same active ingredients as their brand name counterparts. Generic acetaminophen still has acetaminophen as the main active ingredient.
However, inactive ingredients in generics often differ from brand formulations. It’s important when taking a generic medication to still check the inactive ingredients listed.
Some generics of acetaminophen do contain gluten:
– Mainpharma acetaminophen tablets contain pregelatinized starch
– Rugby acetaminophen caplets contain pregelatinized starch
However, there are also plenty of generics made without gluten-based ingredients. As always, be sure to check the label of any generic or store brand medicine to be safe.
You can also request your pharmacist help identify a generic option known to be gluten-free. Generic acetaminophens from manufacturers like Amneal Pharmaceuticals and Teligent are gluten-free.
Can You Safely Crush or Chew Tylenol Tablets?
Some people need to crush or chew certain medications if they have difficulty swallowing tablets whole.
The good news is that Tylenol tablets can safely be crushed, chewed, split, or dissolved according to the medication guidelines. This applies to Tylenol products like:
– Regular strength Tylenol tablets
– Extra strength Tylenol caplets or tablets
– Children’s Tylenol chewable tablets
Crushing, chewing, or dissolving Tylenol does not impact the medication’s effectiveness or gluten-free status.
However, it’s never recommended to alter medications beyond the instructions given. Always speak with your pharmacist or doctor first before modifying how you take prescription Tylenol combinations.
Some people prefer to take Tylenol in liquid form, like Children’s Tylenol suspension or the adult Tylenol liquid gels. The manufacturer confirms the liquid forms are also gluten-free.
Should You Take Tylenol Before Testing for Celiac Disease?
To test for celiac disease, doctors will order a blood test screening and intestinal biopsy. For the most accurate results, patients are advised to continue consuming a regular, gluten-containing diet leading up to the testing.
Some sources advise stopping all medications before celiac disease testing. The rationale is that medications could potentially interfere with test results.
However, standard Tylenol products contain only inactive ingredients that should not impact the results or accuracy of celiac testing. There is no medical need to avoid Tylenol before celiac testing specifically due to the gluten-free status.
Still, be sure to check with the doctor performing your celiac disease screening for their specific recommendation. Some gastrointestinal specialists may suggest stopping a range of medications beforehand as an extra precaution.
Tylenol and Gluten-Related GI Issues
For those with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or other gluten-related GI conditions, medication ingredients matter. Ingesting hidden sources of gluten can exacerbate intestinal symptoms and perpetuate inflammation.
Luckily, Tylenol is one popular over-the-counter medication generally considered gluten-free friendly. The regular and prescription Tylenol formulations are made without gluten-containing ingredients or cross-contamination risks.
Individuals can double check the product labels and contact the manufacturer directly for any additional concerns. But regular Tylenol products from leading brand names like Tylenol, Kirkland, and Up & Up have proven to be reliably gluten-free and well tolerated.
Tylenol can provide gluten-free pain relief, fever reduction, and headache relief you can count on when needed. Just be sure to take as directed and see a doctor for any persisting or worsening symptoms.
The Takeaway on Tylenol and Gluten
Checking medication ingredients is an important step for anyone with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy.
When it comes to Tylenol, both the brand name and generic acetaminophen products are made without gluten and safe for those managing gluten-related conditions. The manufacturer follows rigorous protocols and batch testing to avoid any cross-contamination.
Regular Tylenol tablets, Children’s Tylenol, and prescription Tylenol combinations can be taken without concern over gluten exposure. Individuals can always reach out to the drug maker directly or read product labels for ultimate reassurance.
Overall, Tylenol remains one of the most widely used and recommended fever and pain medications for both children and adults requiring a gluten-free diet.
The Bottom Line
| Tylenol Formulation | Gluten-Free Status |
|---|---|
| Regular Tylenol tablets | Yes |
| Tylenol Extra Strength caplets | Yes |
| Children’s Tylenol suspension | Yes |
| Tylenol-Codeine prescription | Yes |
| Tylenol PM caplets | Yes |
| Generic acetaminophen tablets | Check label |
Overall, regular formulations of Tylenol are considered gluten-free. Tylenol products do not contain any gluten-based ingredients. The manufacturing facilities and protocols prevent any cross-contamination with gluten.
Individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can feel at ease taking regular, children’s, and prescription Tylenol combinations according to the package directions. Tylenol continues to be one of the most trusted over-the-counter mediations for those following a strict gluten-free diet.
