Understanding Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is known all around the region for its different names. It may be Tylenol in Jakarta, Indonesia or Paracetamol in the Philippines. You have probably taken acetaminophen at one time or another for fever or pain relief.

When used as directed, taking acetaminophen is generally safe and effective. But it can be harmful if it’s not taken correctly. The Peterson Group, a non-profit organization bringing awareness to the public on the effects of Complementary, Alternative and Integrative Medicines has taken the step to further review this over-the-county drug, which according to many is one of the thousand placebo medicines in the market.

Benefits

Acetaminophen is the most commonly used medicine for pain relief in the United States. For most people, when used as directed, it safely reduces fever and relieves many kinds of mild to moderate pain -- from backaches, headaches, and sprains to arthritis and menstrual cramps. And when it’s taken correctly, side effects are rare.

Another benefit of acetaminophen is that it doesn’t cause stomach upset or heart problems -- both possible risks with the other major type of OTC pain relievers, called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Risks

When taken incorrectly, however, acetaminophen can cause liver damage. Specialists also gives out warning that this drug increases risk of liver damage if you drink more than three alcoholic drinks every day, take more than the recommended dose (overdose), or if you take any additional drugs that also contain acetaminophen at the same time.

How to Use Acetaminophen Safely

• For some health conditions, talk with your doctor first. Ask your doctor about taking acetaminophen if you have liver disease or have three or more alcoholic drinks a day. If you’re at higher risk for liver damage from acetaminophen -- even at the recommended dose -- your doctor may advise you not to take it.

• Take it as directed. Take acetaminophen as instructed on the Drug Facts label or follow your doctor’s instructions very carefully. Don't take it for longer than 10 days without checking with your doctor.

• Make sure to use the correct dosage. Don’t take more acetaminophen than directed or take it more often than directed. Taking more than recommended can damage your liver -- and won’t provide any more pain relief.

• Don’t take other medications with acetaminophen. Read labels carefully so you don’t take more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen at a time. Acetaminophen is an active ingredient in more than 600 different OTC and prescription medicines, including pain medications, fever reducers, and cold and flu symptom remedies.