Download (acetaminophen)?

Helping you stay healthy is our goal!
January 2006
Could you be taking too much Tylenol (acetaminophen)?
The drug acetaminophen, best known under the brand name Tylenol, is one of the most popular pain relievers. However,
did you know that acetaminophen could be poisonous if not taken appropriately?
It’s true. A recent study tracked patients with acute liver failure, and found that in nearly half of the cases studied, the liver
failure was the result of acetaminophen poisoning – of which, 25 percent were accidental. In fact, the study concluded that
cases of acetaminophen poisoning are on the rise; the proportion of acute liver failure due to acetaminophen poisonings
went from 28 percent in 1998 to 51 percent in 2003.
Individuals use acetaminophen as a pain reliever. However, many people do not realize that acetaminophen is also found in
the products they may be taking to treat other symptoms like a cold or the flu. For example, NyQuil, TheraFlu, AlkaSeltzer Plus Cold Medicine, Tylenol Cold and Flu Severe, Excedrin, and Midol (Teen Formula) all contain
acetaminophen. Additionally, acetaminophen can also be found in some prescription drugs; the commonly prescribed
narcotics Vicodin (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) and Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen) are just two examples.
How can you avoid acetaminophen poisoning?
• Know the maximum daily dose: The recommended maximum daily dose of acetaminophen for adults is 4 grams, or
4,000 milligrams.
• Read the label: Make sure you know if the product you’re taking contains acetaminophen and know how much it
contains. When reading the label, look for “APAP,” as it’s the abbreviation for acetaminophen.
• Be aware of the total acetaminophen dose when taking multiple medications: Remember that acetaminophen can
be found in both over-the-counter and prescription medications.
• Be cautious when drinking alcohol: If you consume three or more drinks every day, consult a doctor before taking
acetaminophen. Additionally, those who drink heavily on the weekends should also be cautious.
• Talk with your doctor or pharmacist: If you’re not sure how much acetaminophen to take – ask.
The chart below gives you an idea of how much acetaminophen is in some of the over-the-counter medications currently
available.
Medication
Tylenol Extra Strength
Tylenol Arthritis Strength
Midol (Teen Formula)
NyQuil (Cold and Flu)
Tylenol (Cold and Flu Severe)
Dosage
1 tablet
1 tablet
1 tablet
1 adult dose
1 adult dose
Amount of Acetaminophen
500 milligrams
650 milligrams
500 milligrams
500 milligrams
1,000 milligrams
Maximum Dose for 24
hr. Period
8 tablets
6 tablets
8 tablets
8 doses
4 doses
Most people can safely take the recommended four-gram daily maximum for adults – which is equal to eight tablets of
Tylenol Extra Strength (over a 24-hour period). However, after taking eight grams in one day, individuals whose liver may be
stressed by a virus, medication, alcohol or other factors, could experience complications.
It’s important to remember that when given in precise, appropriate doses, acetaminophen is safer for children and teenagers
than aspirin. Additionally, when it comes to adults, low doses of acetaminophen are less likely than aspirin, ibuprofen or
naproxen to harm the stomach, aggravate bleeding or harm the kidneys.