Acetaminophen Dangers: What You Need to Know

Tylenol is such a common over-the-counter drug that few people would consider it dangerous. But acetaminophen overdose is linked to 458 deaths each year, according to the FDA.

Fact is, acetaminophen (the generic name of Tylenol) isn't dangerous when it's taken moderately and according to the instructions. But when that headache or pain starts throbbing, it is too easy to think that popping one more acetaminophen won't bring about any problems.

One of the biggest dangers associated with accidental acetaminophen overdose is liver failure. This is a risk that has been well documented in the scientific literature. In fact, this kind of overdose is the number one cause of acute liver failure in the U.S.

This doesn't necessarily mean that acetaminophen should be pulled off the shelves. But it does mean that stricter regulation and better warning labels are needed so that consumers are more careful to avoid accidental overdose. The FDA has realized this, and is recommending stricter labeling for acetaminophen products.

Acetaminophen can be especially dangerous when mixed with alcohol. Both are toxic to the liver, so the combination can end up being deadly. If you have been drinking alcohol, you should be very cautious about how much acetaminophen you take if you are in pain. The safest thing to do would be to just take another type of pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, to avoid an overdose from mixing acetaminophen with alcohol.

So what can consumers do to protect themselves? The first thing is to read the labels of all medications. One big cause of accidental acetaminophen overdose is taking multiple medications that contain the drug without knowing it. Even if you are taking each medication in its prescribed amount, the compounded effect of the acetaminophen from each can land you in the hospital.

Consumers should also make sure to follow directions when taking any medicine. Don't exceed the recommended dosage, even if you are in a lot of pain. Thousands end up in the hospital each year from taking one too many doses of acetaminophen. The temptation is high to pop another one when suffering a lot of pain, but the risk associated with acetaminophen overdose are not worth it.

If you are in a lot of chronic pain, it is best to seek out a doctor. The doctor should be able to give some of the best ways to manage your pain without risking overdose.

Finally, the FDA has recently come out with a list of recommendations for acetaminophen use. Take a look at these recommendations.