Acetaminophine Dangers: Is Tylenol Really Safe for Your Liver?

Acetaminophine, when taken as directed on the label, is usually considered safe for adults and children but there are a few risks that you may not know. According to recent studies overdosing with acetaminophine is the number one cause of acute liver failure today. Hospitals literally see hundreds of people each year who have unwittingly overdosed with acetaminophine, particularly infants and young children.

Acetaminophine should never be taken with other pain medications unless a physician has specifically recommended the combination. Some people are unaware that prescription medicines often contain acetaminophine; they are under the impression that it is only found in non-prescription medicines. Being unaware, they take a prescription medication, containing acetaminophine, along with Tylenol or another over-the-counter drug containing acetaminophine, which can then cause overdose.

Many people suffer from migraines, and although Tylenol and other acetaminophine products may give some relief, preventative medications for migraines could be dangerous when coupled with acetaminophine. Check with your doctor, if you’re taking preventative migraine medications, before taking any Tylenol, Sinutab, or similar products.

Children are especially prone to acetaminophine dangers. That’s because when children are sick unaware parents may give them children’s Tylenol in addition to a sore throat medication or another medicine that may also contain acetaminophine. The combination of two doses, especially several times in the same day, can be extremely dangerous. Liver damage is one of the most severe dangers of taking too much acetaminophine.

Adults can also develop liver damage after taking acetaminophine too often. If you’re taking the medication every 4 hours, more than one or two days a week, check with your physician to see if you are in danger of developing liver problems. Alcohol can add to the dangers of liver problems while taking acetaminophine.

Overdose symptoms may be delayed for 12 hours or even longer. Overdose can cause death within a few days but can usually be successfully treated if treatment is sought within a few hours. Symptoms usually include severe perspiring, convulsions, abdominal pain, diarrhea, upset stomach, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, irritability or even coma.

The hospital will likely ask the name of the product that was taken, how much was consumed and at what time the doses were administered. If possible, take all medication containers along with you to the emergency room. Treatment can include activated charcoal or a laxative and blood levels will likely be observed.