If you have ever suffered from a headache or other ailment you've more than likely reached into your medicine cabinet, grabbed a bottle of Tylenol and have taken 2-3 tablets. Consumers self-medicate daily and it has been made easier to do with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as Tylenol, otherwise known as acetaminophen. Tylenol, like other similar pain relievers/fever reducers, can be purchased without a prescription or doctor's appointment and has been labeled a "wonder" drug.Acetaminophen has been packaged and sold as an OTC antipyretic, which acts as a fever reducer, and an analgesic or pain reliever since 1960. It is in over 600 OTC and prescription drugs including cough and cold medications, sleep aids, Vicodin, Percocet and several others. Acetaminophen is a wonderful drug for relieving pain and reducing fever when taken properly, but thousands of consumers have not been properly educated in correct and safe self-medication.The dangers of acetaminophen are becoming more apparent because of our heavily medicated population and the wide variety of ways in which it can be used for treatment. Here are the important "How To's" when taking acetaminophen:
- Take the recommeded dose listed on the medication bottle
- If you consume 3 or more alcohol beverages a day limit your use of acetaminophen if you are taking the drug over several days.
- Be careful when taking with other medications because they may also contain acetaminophen. If unsure consult your healthcare provider.
- Max dosage is 4 grams or 4,000 milligrams a day.
- There are different concentrations for infants, children, and adults
- There are different forms of acetaminophen including pill, suppository, and liquid which all contain different concentration levels.
- Always use the provided tool for measuring.
Hardman , JG (January, 22 2004). safety concerns associated with over-the-counter drug products containing analgesic/antipyretic active ingredients for internal use. food and drug administration science background, 43(9), Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafty/informationbydrugclass/ucm165107.htm
wow scary stuff****
ReplyDeleteI know Lauren! There are so few people aware of the harsh side effects of tylenol poisoning. Please stay tuned as more information will be added on a regular basis. Thanks for checking it out!
ReplyDeleteWOW! I never new that something as simple as tylenol could potentially cause so many concerns. Sounds like I'm not the only one! Thanks for the info... looking forward to some more info.
ReplyDeleteLisa Nashi just read it again and its crazy to think about. i am on pain killers bc of my surgery and my dr was very stern about not taking tylenol with them. i think i gave ava and lio too much tylenol in the beginning. i barely give it to gracie. she has had some the past couple of nights....it just blows your mind though on what it can do.
ReplyDeleteAs an ED/ICU nurse, I have cared for several patients who inadvertantly ingested too much acetaminophen. It's probably more appropriate to talk about "acetaminophen" in your medicine cabinet, because the brand name Tylenol is just one proprietary name. Acetaminophen occurs in a lot of combination drug products for treating various ailments, such as cough/cold medicines, allergy medicines, and sleep medicines. Prescription pain medications often have acetaminophen in combo with an opiate. What the consumer does not often know is that many prescription drugs also contain acetaminophen, and if an over the counter drug with acetaminophen is taken along with these prescription meds, it is fairly easy to ingest too much. It is always best to READ the LABEL on any medications you take, whether they are prescription or OTC. Just because a drug is available without a prescription doesn't mean it can't cause potentially lethal problems.
ReplyDeleteWhat a professional looking site and very informative! I myself take excedrin quite regularly for migraines and never thought twice about take 4-5 pills to get rid of a headache.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting!
ReplyDeleteI think a primary concern that can taken from this article is that most Americans are so used to self-medicating that very rarely does someone actually take the time to educate themselves on the drug. For any other drug most people would consult a doctor or research the drug and its dangers. The next step logically in solving the problem is to educate the public. Even if it is done through something like a PSA so the general public is made aware of these very serious potential dangers.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Lauren said above. It is scary! It's crazy to think about how something people use everyday has the potential to be so harmful. Also, it is very easy to self-medicate and not read the labels carefully.
ReplyDeleteVery god info! All parents especially should read this! Thanks CR
ReplyDeleteI find it very scary, expecting and the OBGYN saying...only take Tylenol...Oh man! Thanks for the information Toni - Belen.
ReplyDeleteDitto what Diane Michal said...In addition, my own experiences as an ER nurse reflect not only the danger of inadvertent use, but also the frequency of using acetaminophen as part of intentional overdose. I have had several patients who OD on whatever is handy, and that often means various products with acetaminophen in the mix. (BTW, this is the first time I've ever blogged! A great site--y'all did a good job.)
ReplyDeleteHey Guys,
ReplyDeleteThis is an effective and helpful blogs.I used Tylenol many times.I get good output. Thanks for giving such information.