Tylenol Frequently Asked Questions
Tylenol is an over-the-counter medication considered safe and effective when you carefully follow the directions on the label. Physicians and other medical professionals recommend its usage more often than any other non-prescription pain and fever reducer. However, most individuals who take more Tylenol than recommended do not know it can cause abnormal liver function, liver failure and death.
Q: What is Tylenol?
A: The generic name for Tylenol is acetaminophen. It is found in many over-the-counter and prescription medications. Sometimes acetaminophen is included in combination with other drugs that treat allergies and sleep problems as well as colds and flu. Even well known pain medications such as Vicodin or Percocet contain Tylenol. While a physician will alert you to the danger of taking additional Tylenol with whatever medications they prescribe, if you use over-the-counter drugs without medical advice, you need to be aware of the potential for consuming too much.
Q: What is the Risk for Taking Too Much Tylenol?
A: Liver damage can result from taking too much Tylenol. Never ignore a physician’s advice and recommendation, even for over-the-counter medications. It is extremely important to follow the directions on the label carefully. Only deviate from those directions when told to do so by your doctor.
Q: What are the Signs of Liver Damage?
A: Liver damage generally does not announce itself with signs and symptoms. It is subtle and can take years to develop to the point when liver failure becomes visible. In addition, the symptoms can easily be mistaken for a cold or flu. A few of the symptoms of liver damage are as follows:
• Excessive tiredness
• Weight gain or loss
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Anxiety, mood swings and a short temper
Q: How Can I Lower My Risk for Liver Damage?
A: Always take Tylenol as directed on the package or as recommended by your doctor. Even a little bit more can affect liver function. Never take it for more days than you need to. Also, do not take more than one medication with acetaminophen at a time. When you take an allergy pill and a Tylenol close together, it can increase the risks dramatically. In addition, the following health problems and conditions may put you at higher risk even when you take Tylenol as directed:
• If you drink alcohol (at least three drinks per day)
• If you take blood thinners
• If you have abnormal liver function or disease
Q: How Can My Child and I Take Tylenol Safely?
A: Taking Tylenol safely begins with accurate label reading. Check for ingredients listed under the Drug Facts section as well as the active ingredient section. It may be listed as acetaminophen or as simply APAP. Read the information that comes inside the package as well as outside for both prescription and non-prescription medications. This information will tell you the following:
• How much you should take and for how long
• Whether the medicine is okay for children
• How long you must wait in between doses
• Total number of doses you can safely take per day
• When you should stop taking it and consult your physician
If the dose for your child’s age and weight is not included on the label, it is best to consult your pharmacist or physician. Never try to guess the dosage. Also, be sure to use whatever measuring tool comes inside the package. A spoon will not be the same measurement. If you or your child does not improve, never take additional Tylenol; always contact your doctor for advice.