Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is a common over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic that can help relieve symptoms associated with a common fever or cold.  This drug is more commonly known by the name Tylenol, as well as many other house or generic brand names.  It is generally used to reduce fever and pain but used in conjunction with other medications and/or ingredients can treat a much more broad variety of conditions.  Acetaminophen is a component of many various OTC analgesic and cold medications and prescription combinations, such as oxycodone-acetaminophen, codeine-acetaminophen, and more.

Many people don’t think twice when taking or administering OTC medications. They figure, if you can purchase it off the shelf, it must be safe. This however, is not true.

Acetaminophen Dosage and Risks

People that ignore acetaminophen dosage instructions put themselves at risk for many different complications, such as kidney and liver failure. Ultimately, taking large doses of acetaminophen, or consistently taking small doses over a long period, can be fatal. Always read the label to find out how much to take. Generally, the recommended doses can be taken every four hours, but no more than five times in a 24-hour period.

Side Effects of Acetaminophen and Its Abuse

It’s rare to experience side effects when taking acetaminophen appropriately, especially during pregnancy or in nursing mothers, acetaminophen appears to be safe. Allergic reactions to this analgesic are also rare. However, if you experience itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing, immediate medical help is required. If you’ve taken an overdose of acetaminophen, or if you’ve been chronically using it, you may experience nausea, tiredness and abdominal pain. Your urine may appear darker than normal and your skin and eyes may appear yellow.  Also, as with almost any substance or medication, mixing acetaminophen and alcohol increases the risk for complications.

Acetaminophen Poisoning and Help

People that take acetaminophen on a daily basis unaware of its toxicity, or take a large doses, may experience acetaminophen poisoning. This occurs when the body is unable to process the large amount of drugs. Liver damage and kidney damage may occur. A doctor can perform tests and take measurements to assess the damage of the effects of acetaminophen.

If an addiction has developed, our inpatient addiction treatment center can offer help. Under supervision of our professional staff, clients can gradually and safely overcome their acetaminophen abuse.