Acetaminophen Side Effects

Everyone should take the time to learn about and be aware of acetaminophen side effects.  Acetaminophen, also known by the brand name Tylenol, is a pain reliever used for easing muscle pain, lowering fever, and alleviating headache and mild pain.  As with any medication, it has have some side effects, and everyone responds differently to drugs of the same dosage.

If a person takes too many acetaminophen at one time, or takes this pain reliever too often, they may experience side effects.  Side effects are also intensified and can cause severe complications by use in conjunction with alcohol or other substances.

Some Possible Acetaminophen Side Effects

Some people are allergic to acetaminophen and experience non-lethal discomfort upon taking this drug. If you are experiencing any of these acetaminophen side effects while taking acetaminophen or medicine containing it, talk to your doctor about non-acetaminophen alternatives.

Signs of allergic reaction to acetaminophen include:

-Muscle weakness
-Fatigue
-Dry mouth, nose, or throat
-Light-headedness
-Shakiness
-Lower back pain
-Minor bruising

If you are experiencing any of the following side effects after taking acetaminophen, tell your doctor immediately. Write down how much of the drug you have taken, and your current body weight. While these side effects are rare, some people experience:

-Nausea and vomiting
-Excessive sweating
-Painful urination, blood in urine, or dark urine
-Light stools
-Stomach pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, ulcers
-Hallucinations
-High blood pressure, rapid pulse, anxiety
-rash or hives
-Difficulty breathing
-Ringing in the ears
-Excessive bruising or bleeding
-Swelling of mouth, tongue, or lips
-Yellow tinge to the skin or eyes (jaundice)

Follow Dosage Directions to Minimize Acetaminophen Side Effects

An overdose of acetaminophen is sometimes, but rarely, lethal.  Too much of this drug can cause kidney failure, liver failure, or heart attack, and internal bleeding may precede an ulcer.  Combining acetaminophen with other drugs, even drugs as common as caffeine or over-the-counter cough syrup, and especially alcohol, can make symptoms much worse.

Take all medications including acetaminophen according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Consult with a physician if the drug seems ineffective. Do not increase the recommended dosage yourself, and if you notice any of these acetaminophen side effects, contact us to learn how we can help.