The Potential Dangers Associated with Acetaminophen

Recently, several different advisory committees that are part of the FDA or Federal Drug Administration met to cover the topic of potential dangers associated with acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is an ingredient that is contained in many different medications that are sold over-the-counter as well as through prescription. While many may find this term to be new, it is not. It is the active ingredient in medications like Tylenol®, Excedrin®, and Darvocet®. In this medicine guide, you will learn about the potential dangers that are associated with this drug.

The Federal Drug Administration has discovered after many conclusive case studies that acetaminophen may lead to injury that involves the liver. It has been discovered that several individuals suffer from liver damage, acetaminophen poisoning, and overdoses each year when taking products that contain acetaminophen. The individuals that were present in the FDA's discussion of how to eliminate potential dangers associated with acetaminophen developed many ways that the public can reduce the possibility of affecting their health when taking medications that contain the ingredient. It has been stated that acetaminophen is the number one cause of failure of the liver in the United States each year. These methods include:

• Ensuring that when medication that contains acetaminophen is taken that it is taken exactly as prescribed. If it is an over-the-counter medication, it is essential to follow the dosing specifications listed on the bottle or on the box that the medication comes in.

• It is essential to understand that there are many medications that contain acetaminophen. It is important to carefully check the ingredients of the medications that you elect to take to avoid encountering the potential dangers associated with acetaminophen. For example, an individual that develops a cold may take Tylenol® to reduce a fever; however, they may also take another product that will assist in cough relief that could contain acetaminophen. As a result, this person may take too much and suffer from too much exposure to the ingredient.

• When evaluating an over-the-counter drug or a prescription drug to check to see if it is contains acetaminophen, it is essential to understand that it may be listed as "APAP". If you consume alcoholic beverages on a regular basis, or you have complications with your liver and you see this particular ingredient listed in your medication, it is important to discuss whether or not it is appropriate to take with your doctor.

If you are worried that you may have ingested too much acetaminophen, it is important to reach out for assistance. You may call the Poison Control Center by dialing 800, followed by 222-1222. However, acetaminophen poisoning is a serious condition. When it comes to this possibility, you should either call 911 or get to a doctor immediately - even if it is your local emergency room. When it comes to damage to the liver due to taking too much acetaminophen, it is important to understand that symptoms may not appear immediately. Several have waited that have experienced this has found that by the time the symptoms set in, it was too late. Remember, there are many potential dangers associated with acetaminophen. It is important to learn about them and work to prevent them from occurring in your life.