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Careful With Acetaminophen
Be Careful With Acetaminophen
By Molly Shomer
Many people have switched from using aspirin as a non-prescription pain killer because of the potential for bleeding and stomach problems that it can cause. A popular alternative to aspirin is acetaminophen, another over-the-counter pain reliever.
Acetaminophen is a safe and effective pain reliever, and it has been approved for this use for decades. Millions of consumers have used it to relieve occasional pain without any problems. However, simply because a non-prescription pain reliever has been approved by the FDA does not make it entirely risk-free.
Acetaminophen, sold under the brand names Tylenol and Datril, is also available from a variety of retailers as store-branded or generic acetaminophen. It is also included in a multitude of other over-the-counter and prescription medications. Herein lies the rub: many acetaminophen overdoses occur because the consumer did not realize that another cough or cold product, or sleep aid, or prescription pain reliever also contained acetaminophen.
Acetaminophen can cause serious, potentially fatal, liver damage when taken in excess. When a person takes more acetaminophen than the body can easily eliminate, a buildup of toxic metabolites can seriously damage the liver.
To avoid a toxic overdose of acetaminophen it is important to read the label on every over-the-counter and prescription medication, and never take more than the recommended dose. Taking more than the recommended dose will not provide more or faster pain relief. Avoid taking more than one product containing acetaminophen. If you are taking a prescription pain medication check with your physician before taking any non-prescription pain reliever. The prescription medication may also contain acetaminophen.
Never take acetaminophen with alcohol, as there appears to be some evidence that alcohol can make the liver more susceptible to damage from acetaminophen.
Older adults may also be more susceptible to liver damage from acetaminophen because older bodies often process drugs less efficiently.
If you are not feeling well, you could mistake the warning signs of an acetaminophen overdose for something else. The initial symptoms are often overlooked because they are similar to those of the flu. If you are using acetaminophen be on the lookout for unusually yellow eyes or skin (jaundice), abnormally dark urine, and nausea or vomiting.
About the Author: Molly Shomer writes, teaches and consults with families caring for aging parents. As a senior editor she contributes regularly to the Texas Aging Network resource site at http://www.texasagingnetwork.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Molly_Shomer http://EzineArticles.com/?Be-Careful-With-Acetaminophen&id=357153
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