In the last few days there have been various news articles on the dangers of acetaminophen. The FDA is currently discussing new restrictions for this popular OTC pain medication - and for good reason for the health of the general public.
147 deaths from acetaminophen have been reported by the American Association of Poison Control Centers in 2003 along with the approximate 41,000 unintentional overdoses. Acetaminophen being an over the counter drug is assumed safe yet liver toxicity from acetaminophen poisoning is by far the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States.
And that’s not all. Mixing acetaminophen and drinking alcohol can be a dangerous combination. The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that liver damage may occur with as little as 2.6 grams of acetaminophen (about four extra-strength pills) taken over the course of the day in persons consuming varying amounts of alcohol (NIAAA, Seeff). The damage caused by alcohol-acetaminophen interaction is more likely to occur when acetaminophen is taken after, rather than before, the alcohol has been metabolized.
Look before you leap, even when it comes to the use of any over the counter pain medication. Understanding the risks and proper use of any medications is essential. Become fully informed for your better health.
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