Incremental Small Overdoses of Tylenol Shown to Be Deadly
Health care experts have long warned consumers about the dangers of large doses of Tylenol. The drug, present in many over-the-counter medications, has been found to be even more deadly in incremental small over-dosages.
Clinical Study
An article published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology reveals that taking just slightly more than the recommended amounts of acetominophen at intervals is more toxic to the liver -- and more deadly -- than single over-dosages of the drug.
Researchers, concerned with the continued major cause of acute liver toxicity in the United Kingdom being from acetominophen (paracetamol), studied 663 cases of people admitted to the hospital for severe liver damage secondary to acetominophen between the years 1992 to 2008. When the data was studied, the results indicated that 37 percent of individuals who took small, staggered overdoses over time died, compared with 27 percent of those who took a single, larger overdose.
Over-the Counter Status of Acetominophen Is Misleading
Acetominophen has been a common over-the-counter pain killer for many years, long before ibuprofen and naproxen became available. Tylenol has been the go-to fever reducer for children for decades. Acetominophen is an ingredient in many over-the-counter products and some prescription pain medications.
Health experts believe that it is the drug's familiarity that lulls people into a false sense of security about its dangers. It is easy enough for a person to take the recommended dose of Tylenol, but also take another over-the-counter medication that also contains acetominophen, thereby taking a small overdose of the drug unwittingly.
For the liver, it doesn't matter if the overdose is taken intentionally or by accident; the potential for harm to this important body organ exists just the same.
FDA's Safe Use Initiative
The Safe Use Initiative is an attempt by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to lower preventable harm from medications such as acetominophen. Included in the plans will be improved labeling on medications so that consumers can plainly note ingredients, including acetominophen.
Clinical Study
An article published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology reveals that taking just slightly more than the recommended amounts of acetominophen at intervals is more toxic to the liver -- and more deadly -- than single over-dosages of the drug.
Researchers, concerned with the continued major cause of acute liver toxicity in the United Kingdom being from acetominophen (paracetamol), studied 663 cases of people admitted to the hospital for severe liver damage secondary to acetominophen between the years 1992 to 2008. When the data was studied, the results indicated that 37 percent of individuals who took small, staggered overdoses over time died, compared with 27 percent of those who took a single, larger overdose.
Over-the Counter Status of Acetominophen Is Misleading
Acetominophen has been a common over-the-counter pain killer for many years, long before ibuprofen and naproxen became available. Tylenol has been the go-to fever reducer for children for decades. Acetominophen is an ingredient in many over-the-counter products and some prescription pain medications.
Health experts believe that it is the drug's familiarity that lulls people into a false sense of security about its dangers. It is easy enough for a person to take the recommended dose of Tylenol, but also take another over-the-counter medication that also contains acetominophen, thereby taking a small overdose of the drug unwittingly.
For the liver, it doesn't matter if the overdose is taken intentionally or by accident; the potential for harm to this important body organ exists just the same.
FDA's Safe Use Initiative
The Safe Use Initiative is an attempt by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to lower preventable harm from medications such as acetominophen. Included in the plans will be improved labeling on medications so that consumers can plainly note ingredients, including acetominophen.
Published by L.L. Woodard
Freelance writer/editor and freelance observer of life. Three decades of nursing experience in long-term care, from development of team care planning to hands-on patient care. View profile
- Magic Power Coffee Receives Food and Drug Administration Warning to ConsumersMagic Power Coffee, a relatively new product that is classified as a dietary supplement, may well have an ingredient or ingredients that make it unsafe for some consumers. The product is advertised as an aphrodisiac.
New Drug for Carcinoma Cleared by U.S. Food & Drug AdministrationThe Food and Drug Administration has just approved the testing of a new drug for the treatment of Carcinoma,- Has the U.S. Food & Drug Administration Turned Its Back on the American Consumer?Is the food we eat really safe? where does our food come from?, Lack of information on food labels, Isn't the FDA supposed to be a consumer protection agency?
- Stock Alert! Pharmaceutical and Drug Company Stock Are Big Buys!Considering drug company stock? Here are some reasons why you should diversify your portfolio with them!
FDA Strengthen States' Food Safety ProgramsThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a program that aims to increase the efficacy and efficiency of state programs that oversee facilities that manufacture,...
- Acetaminophen or Paracetamol Poisoning in Pets
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Modernization Act of 1997
- Jobs with the Food and Drug Administration
- How Does the Food and Drug Administration Regulate Personal Care Products?
- Death Penalty Handed Down for China's Former Food and Drug Chief
- The FDA: Food and Drug Administration and Ethics
- The Food and Drug Administration Warns Consumers to Stop Using Zicam Cold Remedy N...