When was tylenol invented?

Do you ever wonder who invented the miraculous medication that makes your headache go away? Of course not, you just pop a pill and move on. But for the curious minds out there, let’s dive into the history of Tylenol.

A Brief Timeline

Before we jump into the juicy details, take a quick glance at this timeline to get an idea of when all this happened:

  • 1887: Acetaminophen is first synthesized in Germany
  • 1955: McNeil Laboratories introduces Tylenol Elixir for children
  • 1956: The FDA approves acetaminophen as an over-the-counter pain reliever
  • 1961: Johnson & Johnson acquires McNeil Labs
  • 1963: Tylenol capsules are introduced with brand name change from “Tylenol Elixir” to simply “Tylenol”
  • Late 1970s – Early 1980s : Tainted bottles of Extra Strength Tylenol kill seven people in Chicago, leading to massive product recalls and tamper-resistant packaging implementation

Acetaminophen – What Is It And Where Did It Come From?

To answer our primary question about where it came from can’t be done without understanding what it is. So, acetaminophen (otherwise known by its trade name, Tylenol) was created back in 1887 through experimentation by specifically German chemists Harmon Northrop Morse and Charles Gerhardt.

This duo discovered how when acetyl groups were added to p-nitrophenoul disulphide, it turned into paracetamolum. This converted substance had fever-reducing properties that later inspired much research about potential uses and applications.

Fast forward about t60 years or so until around 1956, which marks an important date because shortly after the FDA’s approval of over-the-counter sales of acetaminophen as a pain reliever, McNeil Labs entered the scene.

The Birth Of Tylenol

McNeil Laboratories was operated by Robert McNeil Jr. and focused on introducing new medications to ease common maladies. They understood the value of aspirin but also recognized that it could upset people’s stomachs.

With this in mind, they began developing an alternative pain relief solution using acetaminophen because research suggested it had fewer side effects than aspirin. So by 1955, McNeil introduces “Tylenol Elixir” specifically for children and gets quick FDA approval for its efficacy against fever and mild pains caused as a result of cold or flu viruses

Brand Identity Is Born

After more extensive testing (of course), changes were made, leading Tylenol manufacturers to drop “Elixir” from their product’s name after gaining approval from the FDA so that they could produce just ‘Tylenol.’ This renaming happened during mid-1963 rather quietly — until there is an unwelcome appearance in Chicago…

Pain In A City: The Tampered Bottles & Deaths In Chicago

Late September/early October 1982 saw seven people killed in the Chicago area – technically still unsolved – but everyone refers to them as victims of The Chicago Tylenol murders. Each victim took an Extra Strength Tylenol capsule pill soon after went into respiratory distress – many other cases bore wonderful results with no incidents like these becoming known earlier or up till then. Upon closer examination,it was discovered someone tampered with their Cyanide-filled pills entering unsealed bottles on store shelves everywhere throughout Chicagoland.. thus calling attention to everything related to this vital medication including discovering where it really came from.

In light of these unsettling events, Johnson & Johnson immediately responded better equipped packagingand withdrew all products off-shelves; recalled every necessary package item available on the market (worth over $100 million).

Tylenol Emerges Stronger Than Before

The successful relaunch of their pain medication product on the market took place just six months later, highlighting Johnson & Johnson’s proactive approach to eradicating an unexpected crisis.

At that time, they introduced a new tamper-proof packaging method known as “triple sealing” process. This packaging invention withstood any attempt by opening it subsequently showing if it had been interfered with(like injection or re-sealing). Because of this innovation and widespread adoption across other consumer goods, many people came to have more trust in not only powering through headaches – but also purchasing sweets like gum/candy/mints for themselves without fear!

In conclusion,

From its origins coming from German chemists Morse and Gerhardt back in 1887 — all accounts show that even after almost 140 years until now.. Tylenol still does wonders- making us forget our pain – whatever form it may manifest itself in…but maybe always check your brand name first before you swallow a capsule whole?

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