Question:
What is acetaminophen and why do I see it listed on so many products in my
medicine cabinet?
Answer:
Acetaminophen is the most widely used pain-reliever and fever-reducer in the
world. It is contained in more than 100 products. Tylenol is the best known
over-the-counter acetaminophen product. It is also a component of well known
prescription drugs such as Darvocet and Percocet.
Acetaminophen also is known as paracetamol and
N-acetyl-p-aminophenol.
Acetaminophen
is available without a prescription. Follow the directions on the package label
carefully. If your doctor prescribes it for you, the prescription label will
tell you how often to take it.
Taking
too much acetaminophen can lead to liver damage. The risk for liver damage may
be increased if you drink three or more alcoholic drinks while using medicines
that contain acetaminophen.
The
maximum daily dose of acetaminophen is 4 grams in adults. The toxic dose of
acetaminophen after a single acute ingestion is about 7 grams in adults. The
at-risk dose may be lower in some susceptible populations, such as alcohol
abusers. When dosing recommendations are followed, the risk of liver toxicity
is extremely small.
Acetaminophen
is one of the most common pharmaceutical agents involved in overdose, as
reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers.
One
of the problems with acetaminophen is its widespread use. You have to check
your medicine cabinet to see what products contain acetaminophen. Then, if
you’re taking more than one medication, be sure you don’t exceed the maximum
daily dose.
Adults
should not take acetaminophen for pain for more than 10 days without talking to
a doctor. Acetaminophen should not be taken for high fever, for fever lasting
more than 3 days, or for recurrent fever without a doctor’s supervision.
There
are basically two types of over-the-counter pain relievers.
Some
contain acetaminophen and others contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
examples of which include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen sodium (Aleve),
and ketoprofen (Orudis).
Non-steroidal
anti-inflamatory drugs are associated with stomach
distress. You should talk to your doctor before using them if you are over 60,
taking prescription blood thinners, have stomach
ulcers or other bleeding problems. They also can cause reversible damage to the
kidneys. The risk of kidney damage may increase in people who are over 60, have
high blood pressure, heart disease or pre-existing kidney disease, and people
who are taking a diuretic.
You
should talk with your healthcare professional if you have questions about using
an over-the-counter medicine before using it in combination with other
medicines — either prescription or non-prescription medicine. Combining
prescription medicines and over-the-counter medicines can lead to problematic
drug interactions.
All
older adults should consult their doctors before taking any non-prescription
medication or herbal.
Often,
older adults use many drugs at the same time. They also process drugs
differently than younger adults. This is why older adults need to be especially
careful about drug to drug interactions.
If
you’re a senior, talk with your doctor about all of the drugs and herbal health
products you take. He or she can tell you whether you are at risk for having a
bad reaction from taking an over-the-counter drug.
If
you have a question, please write to fred@healthygeezer.com
©
2008 by Fred Cicetti. All rights reserved.