According to the American Medical Association overuse of acetaminophen is the leading cause of liver failure in the United States. Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol. It’s inclusion in a number of over the counter medications and treatments create an unfortunate situation in which many people are not even aware how much acetaminophen they consume.
Acetaminophen is both an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretics (fever reducers), according to Medicinenet.com. It has been an approved medication since 1951.
Be aware of which OTC medications contain acetaminophen
Since acetaminophen is such a common ingredient in over the counter meds, it is a good idea to be aware of exactly what you are taking. Acetaminophen is the primary ingredient in Tylenol, but it is also used in combination with other OTC drugs like Nyquil ®, medicated cough drops, Allerest ®, many Excedrin® products, Genapap®, Goody’s ®, and extra strength Anacin® products.
This list of acetaminophen containing products is not exhaustive, nor is it listed to suggest you abandon the use of these products. It is simply important that you are aware of the variety of medications which include acetaminophen.
While everyone should be aware of which medications they are taking that contain acetaminophen, there are certain groups which should avoid using acetaminophen.
Avoid acetaminophen if you drink three or more drinks a day
The negative effects of alcohol on the liver are well known. The combination of acetaminophen and alcohol is a toxic combination for the liver. Continuous use of nonprescription acetaminophen combined with three drinks a day can lead to serious liver damage or even liver failure.
Kidney disease can be exacerbated by acetaminophen
Use of over the counter painkillers that contain acetaminophen may harm the kidneys if taken regularly over a long period of time. If you take any type of pain killers on a regular basis talk to your doctor about possible risks to your kidneys.
Heavy caffeine consumption combined with acetaminophen is a bad combination
Those who consume large amounts of caffeine, whether through coffee, sports energy drinks, or lattes, place themselves at risk of greater liver damage when taking acetaminophen. Tests have shown that caffeine accelerates the rate at which acetaminophen damages the liver.
Should you use acetaminophen?
Use of over the counter acetaminophen (Tylenol ®) in moderation should not be harmful. The medication may become harmful and dangerous with daily, excessive use.
***If you have questions or concerns about the use of acetaminophen talk to your doctor.
Sources:
Acetaminophen: Medline Plus, Drug Info
Aminotransferase Elevations in Healthy Adults Receiving 4 Grams of Acetaminophen Daily (abstract), Journal of the American Medical Association.
Know what’s in the medicine’s you take: Acetaminophen, Medline Plus, NIH.gov
Medications and Drugs: Acetaminophen (Tylenol and others), Medicinenet.com
